Junior School

CURRICULUM  / JUNIOR

Prep to Year 6

Building on the Early Stages

At Maranatha Christian School, our aim is for children to acquire essential knowledge and skills for learning, while also becoming active and caring participants in the Christian community and contemporary society.

Our Junior School program is delivered by Christian teachers who focus on nurturing individual excellence and effectively teach an extensive curriculum in a stimulating environment. 

Biblical Perspective

Biblical perspective means to understand Teaching and Learning in light of the biblical story. Part of establishing God’s truth is to understand where a topic fits into the biblical story and where this story speaks into the topic area. Our teaching teams are intentional and explicit about including biblical perspective into planning and delivery of lessons, whilst allowing students to reflect personally and respond in their own way.

Passionate About Student Wellbeing and Growth

Teachers provide students with a safe and supportive classroom environment that facilitates active participation and engagement of all students. Teachers encourage students to embrace their individual strengths and foster collaboration and community to ensure that all students work together, motivate each other, and build integrative thinking skills. 

Our state-of-the-art facilities allow for explicit instruction to effectively be taught in classrooms with adaptable breakout spaces for collaborative learning and smooth transitions. 

Effective communication between parents and teachers is indispensable for student success. Junior School staff value partnership with parents, because partnership creates support and accountability for students. 

Giving My Utmost for His Glory

The school Motto is “My Utmost For His Glory” which means that every child is challenged and encouraged to do their best, in all things at all times, reaching their full potential and discovering their God given gifts in a safe and secure learning environment.  

The Explicit Teaching and Learning Model

Explicit Teaching Model forms a key part of our teaching and learning approach. It is applied through the Junior School, providing the best possible start for students. Instruction that is explicit involves explaining in detail and effectively demonstrating what students need to learn. Research tells us that learning happens most efficiently when teaching is clear, systematic and does not leave students to construct or discover information without any guidance. Skills are taught in depth with the emphasis on application through problem solving and higher order thinking.

We are fortunate to have a dedicated and highly experienced teaching team who support students to achieve the best possible outcomes.  

Curriculum

At Maranatha, our goal is for students to become curious, independent, and motivated learners by providing an engaging curriculum that encourages them to be critical thinkers and offers opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. 

Literacy skills are developed through the writing, and reading programs taught, growing solid foundations and allowing students to learn and develop their capabilities as they progress through the Junior School curriculum.

During the early years, students use concrete materials to support Numeracy learning, moving progressively to more abstract skills and concepts. In addition, several programs allow differentiation so students can reach their full potential.

Inquiry incorporates Science, History and Geography, allowing students to explore the world God has created through a biblical lens, developing and refining critical thinking skills.

The Biblical Studies curriculum seeks to broaden each student’s education by helping them develop their understanding and knowledge of biblical principles and forming a sense of faith, values and character.

Maranatha’s Co-Curricular program is part of the classroom program and caters for every student. It offers a vast range of sports, arts, music, drama and dance whilst keeping in balance the academic focus. The program provides students with opportunity to develop their interest and build on their confidence and skills.

We further enhance our academic and Co-Curricular program with Extra-Curricular opportunities. Students engage in Clubs each term, providing a lot of enjoyment while learning valuable skills.

curriculum

  • English
  • Bible Studies
  • Geography
  • History
  • Science
  • Technologies
  • Biblical Living
  • LOTE – Mandarin
  • Music/ Dance/ Drama
  • Physical Education
  • Visual Arts
  • Assemblies and Services
  • Camps
  • Clubs (delivered fortnightly as well as at lunch times)
  • Cultural Days
  • Excursions
  • Interschool Sport
  • Productions/ Musicals
  • Sport Carnivals
  • Year 4 Ukulele
  • Year 5 Drumming Line
  • Year 6 Brass/ Woodwind Band
  • Before School Running Club
  • Gifted, Talented and Passionate Program
  • Intensive Swimming
  • Junior Choir
  • Lunchtime Clubs
  • Private Instrumental Lessons

 

 

The Gifted, Talented and Passionate Program extends learning beyond the classroom in Years 2-6. Students who need further academic extension are invited to join the program.

  • Gifted: has a natural ability and set of skills in understanding the subject area.
  • Talented: receives a high level of achievement in the subject area.
  • Passionate: lives, eats, sleeps and breathes the subject area.

At Maranatha, we further enhance our academic and co-curricular program with Extra-Curricular opportunities. Students engage in Clubs each term, providing a lot of enjoyment while learning valuable skills.

Lunchtime clubs can have benefits for students and the whole school community. Clubs help build student engagement, build social and emotional skills and inclusion for all students. Each year, Maranatha offers a variety of Clubs with rotational participation which may include:

  • Band Club
  • Chess Club
  • Cooking Club
  • Robotics Club
  • Coding Club
  • STEAM Club
  • Loving LEGO Club
  • Artists Club
  • Running Club
  • Soccer Club

Student outcomes and progress is measured and reported on throughout the year using the School Management Program SEQTA Engage. This platform allows parents and students to receive real-time feedback to help guide and improve their learning throughout each school term. 

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