Junior School
The Junior School is a vibrant and active part of Kambala for girls from Preparation to Year 6. Here the focus shifts to fostering a deeper sense of community and togetherness.
Developing and enhancing learning skills is of prime importance for the academic endeavours of our Junior School girls.
Overview
For girls in Preparation to Year 6, the Junior School provides a vibrant and active environment where coming to school is an adventure. During these important foundational years of schooling, we focus on developing learning skills to enhance personal and academic excellence.
We offer a rich and varied curriculum that makes learning fun and ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate in activities that stimulate and interest them. Our students are encouraged to pursue excellence in all that they do – whether it be through academic, sporting or creative endeavour.
There are two classes at each year level from Preparation to Year 4. In Years 5 and 6 there are three classes in each grade. Classrooms are complemented by shaded outdoor play areas, a sensory garden and outdoor amphitheatre to promote play-based learning experiences.
By the end of a girl’s time in the Junior School phase of her education at Kambala, she will not only have obtained an excellent academic foundation, she will also have been exposed to a variety of social and cultural experiences which serve to develop her independence and confidence.
Learning
The development of literacy and numeracy skills is vitally important for primary-aged children. At Kambala, our students consistently perform well above state and national averages in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).
Students in Preparation to Year 6 study a diverse and comprehensive curriculum that is based on the following key learning areas:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) (includes French language and Religious Education)
- Creative Arts (includes Visual Arts, Music, Drama and Dance)
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
- Languages
These key learning areas are determined by the NSW Board of Studies. Learning is further enriched with specialist teachers delivering lessons in Art, Dance, Drama, French, Learning Support, Library and Information Skills, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education.
Private tuition is also available in Speech and Drama, Instrumental Music and select sports.
Social and emotional learning activities are a key focus for students in Preparation to Year 2, creating a safe and supportive learning environment and promoting a sense of belonging among students.
A Kambala education
LANGUAGE
Music
LEARNING SUPPORT AND EXTENSION
Co-Curricular
MUSIC
Kambala’s Junior Music Department offers many ensembles and performance opportunities, supported by a thriving private tuition program.
The fun and intensive nature of the classroom and instrumental programs have led to a busy Junior Music Ensemble Program. Rehearsing weekly in the excellent facilities of the Music Centre are the:
- Junior Choir
- Junior Chamber Choir
- Tivoli Wind Ensemble
- Kambala Concert Band
- Intermediate Stage Band
- Junior Strings, and
- Dulcie Holland Orchestra.
The Music Department is ably assisted by an energetic Music Support Group, which runs fundraising activities and provides help at major concerts.
SPORT
Junior School students participate in a wide range of sporting activities. All students in Years 3 to 6 take part in the Inter-House Swimming and Athletics carnivals held each year. Many are selected to represent the School at the IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads’ Association) Carnival.
IPSHA also provides competitions in Gymnastics and Cross Country. From these carnivals, Kambala students are regularly selected for CIS (Combined Independent Schools) and State carnivals. Junior School girls in Years 3 to 6 may elect to play Saturday morning Interschool Sport, including:
- Softball
- Hockey
- Minkey Hockey
- Netball, and
- Tennis
Kambala’s Junior School Ski and Equestrian teams are also very competitive.
CAMPS AND EXCURSIONS
Junior School students have many opportunities to explore their immediate environment and beyond from the moment they commence in Prep. From Year 3 onwards, students attend camps in a range of interesting locations:
Year 3 visit Rathane or Telford in the Sutherland National Park. They are away for one night and the highlight is usually the 80m waterslide.
Year 4 visit Milson Island on the Hawkesbury River for two nights and enjoy canoeing along one of Sydney’s most beautiful waterways.
Year 5 spend three nights in the splendid bush setting of Blue Gum Lodge, Springwood, taking part in activities such as abseiling, bicycle riding and archery.
Our Year 6 students enjoy a week of ‘challenge by choice’ activities at Camp Somerset on the Hawkesbury River, near Windsor. Many of them develop a passion for high ropes and flying foxes!
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Events
Special occasions such as Grandparents’ Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are celebrated each year in the Junior School by hosting family events.
An art exhibition is held each year to display a selection of the many amazing artworks created by the students from Preparation to Year 2.
The Annual Inter-house Festival of Music involves students from Years 3 to 6, who sing as a combined choir on the Concert Hall Stage in the first half of this wonderful night of music.
Extra Curricular
ART
Students with a particular interest in art can take after-school art classes. Students explore a range of art forms using different media and are encouraged to take risks to develop their unique artistic style.CHESS
Chess classes are taught by an International Chess Master and Australia’s top female chess player, Mrs Irina Berezina-Feldman. Chess is an excellent way to improve decision-making skills and practice concentration, tactics and strategy. Kambala competes at the Junior Chess League of NSW Schools’ and IPSHA Chess competitions.
DANCE
Preparation to Year 2: After-school ballet and jazz classes are offered. Students are taught from the Royal Academy of Dance Syllabus and can take Ballet examinations.
Years 3 to 6: Modern dance classes are offered, including jazz ballet, funk, modern expressive and contemporary dance.
DEBATING
Year 6 only. Students participate in a number of Debating competitions throughout the year:
- Independent Schools Debating Association
- IPSHA Debating Competition
- House Debating.
GYMNASTICS
Preparation to Year 2: Students can participate in a Recreation Program that incorporates artistic and rhythmic gymnastic skills. Students develop confidence, strength, coordination and flexibility as they progress through a skills development program. A squad program is available to those students who have progressed beyond the developmental stages.
MANDARIN
Preparation to Year 2: Students can learn conversational Mandarin, largely at a beginner level. Small groups are arranged according to ability.
MUSIC
Many Junior School students participate in Kambala’s Private Music Tuition Program. The following instruments are offered:
- Woodwind (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone)
- Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, euphonium)
- Strings (violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar).
SWIMMING
Tivoli Swim School provides Learn to Swim classes and squads for all levels of swimmers from beginner to advanced. Classes are offered year-round and are available for babies, school-aged children and adults.
TENNIS
Students can learn Tennis individually or as part of a small group. Classes are held before and after school.CLICK OR SLIDE
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
OSHClub Kambala runs a Before and After School Care program at the School.
Before School Care: starts from 7.10am
After-school Care: operates until 6.00pm
The program runs during term time only. Attendance is available on a permanent or casual basis.
Vacation Care
Operating hours from 7.00am to 6.00pm