Learning in the Junior School is broad, deep and powerful.
A rich and vibrant learning program, grounded in the 21st century learning attributes, is complemented by a healthy balance of co-curricular opportunities to spark your child’s innermost aspirations.
Starting Kindergarten?
For many families, Kindergarten is the first tiny step in a big learning journey. We know that Kindies are special and they need an environment that nurtures their curious minds and adventurous hearts every day. You’ll find that with us.
Read more about Kindy
- Kindy Discovery Day is a great way to get to know more about the Kindergarten experience at HVGS. Meet the teachers and take a tour. Book your place here
- Being part of a high-performing P – 12 school has big benefits! Kindies have the same access to outstanding facilities, specialist teachers, student mentors and a broad cocurricular program.
- Starting in the early years at HVGS sets your child up for sustained success at school – well beyond the Kindy years. If they have older brothers or sisters, the whole family benefits from being part of the same school too!
- 70 students start Kindergarten each year. Many transition across from our Early Learning Centre, so it’s best to join our waitlist as early as possible (even from birth!)
- Although they are only five, our future-focused curriculum readies Kindergarten students for a global future. Read more about how we develop their world view.
- We have you covered in the afternoons. After School Care is available onsite each weekday. For the school holidays, TeamKids runs a vacation care program for HVGS families at the school. Read more
- Our comprehensive Kindergarten Orientation Program settles the nerves and prepares children (and families!) for a seamless transition to big school. Students enrolled in our Early Learning Centre also participate in a structured transition program. Read more about that on our ELC page.
- To find out more about enrolling in Kindergarten, visit our Enrolment FAQs page. Kindy places are sought after, so we suggest you get in contact early.
“This year in Kindergarten I learnt how to count to 100, to show gratitude and tell better jokes to my friends!”
Thinking of changing schools?
No problem! We welcome new enrolments all year round, provided there’s a vacancy.
We know that the decision to change schools can come with lots of mixed emotions. We’re keen to make your child’s transition as smooth as possible and put your mind at rest.
While you’re thinking about us, you’re welcome to visit as often as you like and if you would like to chat with key staff, we can arrange that too. There’s strong demand for places in our Junior School so we recommend you contact our Director of Enrolments as early as possible.
Outside of School Hours Care
Wellbeing
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), research into social-emotional learning, our School Values and Positive Education ensures junior students flourish at school and beyond the gates.
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Global Worldview
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme at HVGS uses school-wide pedagogy to develop better students' skills to navigate global citizenship; promoting perspectives of the planet's shared humanity and guardianship.
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Specialist Teachers
Junior School specialist teachers ignite the curriculum and bring their passion, experiences and proficiency to music, French, sport, visual arts and library lessons. Specialist teachers work with students from Kindergarten - Year 6.
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Outside of School Hours Care
Parents can rest assured that children are safe before school, after school and in the holidays in our onsite Outside of School Hours Care Service. Students often describe their day as 'fun", "interesting" and "tiring".
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Support for Learning
Our Academic Services team is made up of specialised teachers, psychologists and educational assistants who offer in-class, small group, individual support and specialist programs to provide for students’ broad set of diverse needs.
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Junior Snapshot
Junior School students thrive beyond the classroom in a co-curricular program that engages the heart, mind, body and spirit.
Performing Arts
For those with a penchant for performance, choirs, music ensembles and our after-school drama club are a popular choice. Private music tuition is available onsite and annual performance opportunities in drama and music showcases students’ growth.
More about performing arts
Sport
Students receive expert training from external and internal specialist coaches. From basketball to taekwondo and yoga, there’s lots of choice and something to suit all levels of fitness and interest.
More about sport
Debating & Public Speaking
Students in Years 5 and 6 can join our debating teams and argue their point in regional competitions and local round-robin events.
In 2018 our junior debating squad was named state champions in the Heads of Independent Schools (HICES) Debating Competition. In 2020, Flynn (Year 5) from our Ted-ED Club was featured in TED-Ed’s annual Students Speak Compilation.
Public speaking opportunities are available for all students K – 6.
More about debating
STEAM & Robotics
Focusing on computational thinking and robotic technology, junior students are completing a series of dynamic coding and robotic challenges.
Our STEAM Club encompasses aspects of science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics and robotics.
More about STEAM
