“Everything we do as teachers must ensure that the child’s inherent desire to learn is kept alive.” – Robert John Meehan
Knowing what to look for in a Kindergarten class can be a challenge for parents. We know not all children learn the same and they need to be given the right tools to grow and find joy in learning. During the Early Primary Years (Kindergarten to Year 2), Northholm Grammar School uses play, inquiry and a hands-on approach to guide our youngest students in their educational journey. From their earliest days on campus, Northholm actions a Personalised Learning philosophy in which every student is known and understood as an individual, to generate a curiosity of and love for learning.
Underpinned by the pillars of literacy, numeracy, wellbeing and co-curricular activities, Northholm aims to not only build the foundations of academics but also to inspire students to find the talents and interests in life that will help them become happy and well-rounded individuals, ensuring the best start to their schooling journey.
We ensure learning for Kindergarten to Year 2 is individualised, purposeful and meaningful. English education consists of daily reading, writing, speaking and listening techniques. Mathematics involves warm-up games to activate earlier learning in engaging and energetic ways, followed by explicit teaching of mathematical concepts that relate to real life contexts.
Active involvement in community events
One of Northholm’s key pillars, Contributing to the Community, promotes in each student a sense of belonging and desire to serve their community. As a result, Early Years students are encouraged to participate in a variety of community events throughout the school year. Highlights include Book Week, Grandparents’ Day, Harmony Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and Sharing our Learning Day.
Digital literacy through Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) has been integrated into classroom teaching through the early years in order to expose students to ways that technology can enhance learning. Teachers work closely with parents to ensure that the transition for formalised learning is seamless and supportive for both student and parent.
House System and Buddy System
Upon commencement at Northholm, every student is placed in one of the four Houses: Archdale, Lincoln, Plüss or Rowland. Within each of the Houses, students are brought together in a range of activities, providing opportunities for students to meet in their House groups. They stay in this House, building a strong community and relationships with other ages, for the duration of their schooling at Northholm.
Students commencing Kindergarten are also assigned a Year 6 buddy, who supports and guides them through activities in the classroom and playground, as well as assisting them in adjusting to the school routine. This buddy system allows Kindergarten students to have someone to talk to if they have any concerns or questions. Most importantly, each buddy assigned to a Kindergarten student is also in the same House as them, providing further opportunity for students to connect, as they will often sit next to each other in Assembly, in addition to working with them throughout the term.
GEMS Theme
“The Primary Years theme for 2024 was ‘Growth through Grit’. This encourages students to grow as individuals and as members of a team by demonstrating determination and perseverance in everything they undertake. Our Grateful, Empathetic, Mindful and Successful (GEMS) theme continues to underpin our daily activities both within and outside of the classroom. This mindset is the key to developing Northholm Grammar’s core school values, as they are fundamental to students’ drive and ambition to succeed.” says Primary Years Wellbeing Coordinator, Mary Falvey.
The Resilience Project
Resilience and wellbeing are key factors to ensure a happy and fulfilling future for our young people. Northholm Grammar is proud to partner with The Resilience Project to assist our Primary Years students in their wellbeing journey. Teachers and students engage in weekly lessons and activities around the key principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM) and Emotional Literacy to build resilience. Discussions, videos and student workbooks help to teach positive mental health strategies. “Through a multifaceted approach towards educating the youngest students at Northholm, we aim to instil a strong foundation to extend and develop students for their future endeavours.” says Erin Werner, Northholm Primary Years Curriculum Coordinator.
Read more about our Early Years here
