Junior School
Teaching Programs
Class Structure
There are twelve classes in the Junior School. We aim to keep the maximum number of boys in each class at thirty. In each year level, the classes are 'parallel', i.e. each class reflects the broad range of abilities within our school.
Curriculum
The Junior School aims to give the students a broad, systematic education in the following key learning areas:
- Religious Education
- English
- Mathematics
- Studies of Society and its Environment
- Science and Technology
- The Arts
- Health and Physical Education
- Languages other than English - Japanese
The Junior School has a school-based curriculum within system frameworks which makes use of a range of curriculum documents, texts and support materials. Information regarding curriculum can be obtained from the Curriculum Coordinator.
Remedial Programs and Special Education
The Junior School has the services of a Resource teacher whose role is to identify and work with those boys whose needs require a specific program which will assist their progress in a mainstream class. The Resource Teacher also coordinates parent-supported remedial literacy programs for those students who experience difficulty with reading.
Library
A well-resourced and readily available Library and Resource Centre operates every day of the school term and is at the centre of learning and classroom planning in the Junior School. The boys have access to the Library for some time before and after school and it is also open during the second half of lunch each day.
Borrowing and research lessons are conducted for classes in the Library each week and boys are strongly encouraged to make maximum use of this excellent facility.
Japanese
Japanese is the language taught in all years in the Junior School and provides a solid foundation for continuing study. Lessons generally consist of oral work, activity and cultural appreciation.
Music Tuition and Junior School Band
Each student in the Junior School has the opportunity to join the Marist College Junior band and/or have private or group lessons on a chosen instrument in the Senior School Performing Arts Centre. The College has private teachers for pipe organ, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, tenor horn, tuba, saxophone, percussion, drums, guitar, violin, viola, double bass and bass guitar, piano and keyboard. This involves an extra tuition fee. Piano and keyboard are also taught in the Junior School. Information about tuition and the band is sent home at the beginning of the year.
Information Communications Technology
A well-equipped computer room is located in the Junior School building. Information Technology lessons and lessons which integrate various curriculum areas with ICT, are held here.
Internet access is available for curriculum-related information gathering. At all times such access is directed and supervised.
Academic Competitions
Each year the Junior School participates in a number of academic competitions including those in English, Mathematics, Computers and Science conducted by the University of New South Wales. Other such competitions are the Australian Mathematics competition and the Singapore Mathematics Olympiad.
Participation in the UNSW English and Mathematics competitions, while optional, is strongly encouraged and most boys undertake these. Selection determines participation in other academic competitions.
