Junior School

Building a strong foundation

At Caulfield Grammar School we believe in developing the whole child – not just their knowledge, but their interests, attitudes and values. Our Junior Schools are located at our Wheelers Hill Campus and Malvern Campus, giving students access to an extensive range of world-class resources and learning environments.

Our Approach to Teaching & Learning

One of the key differentiators of our Junior School is our approach to teaching and learning led by our highly skilled educators. We enable children to be curious, confident and critical thinkers who can forge their own pathway and contribute to life with passion and purpose.

We believe students learn best when they understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’, not just the ‘what’. By focusing on the development of conceptual understandings and transdisciplinary skills, students understand core concepts so they can apply them in other areas. This not only helps in grasping ideas, it also encourages students to extend their thinking as they build on what they have learned.

An example of conceptual understanding in practice would be a student’s ability to transfer their understanding of place in Mathematics (place value of numbers) to the broader concept of place and belonging in other subjects. Through this transdisciplinary approach, students learn how to transfer and apply knowledge to all areas of their lives.

Learning in our Junior School

The inquiry-based International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework guides the delivery of the Australian Curriculum. It is designed for 3–12 year olds and provides a comprehensive research-based curriculum framework of global significance. It is an international, transdisciplinary, concept-driven, inquiry-based programme.

Our inquiry approach to learning is underpinned by students gaining a strong core knowledge of literacy and numeracy. Core learning areas provide broad and balanced pathways that support each child to find and develop their strengths and passions.

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM)

Our STEM program emphasises concept-based, transdisciplinary learning. Specialist teachers guide students from ELC to Year 6 through classroom inquiries and hands-on challenges, fostering skill-building and knowledge application. Students engage in investigations, design tasks and reflection, connecting learning to key inquiry concepts. They also participate in STEM events, competitions and extension programs, enriching their experience and growth.

Music

Classroom Music is taught from Early Learning to Year 6, offering rich musical experiences with singing as a core focus. Students learn string instruments in Year 2 and wind, brass or percussion in Year 5. They can join ensembles, choirs or productions and enjoy private lessons. Students are given the opportunity to perform on campus and in incredible concert venues around Melbourne throughout the year.

Health, Physical Education & Sport

Health and PE classes focus on fostering the mind-body connection and developing traits like courage, humility, collaboration and confidence. Students refine their skills through House events such as Swimming, Athletics and Cross-Country carnivals, as well as APS interschool competitions starting in Year 5 where expert coaches guide students through four terms of sport against other APS schools.

Drama

Integrated Drama sessions complement classroom learning, helping students build confidence, communication and collaboration skills. Performance opportunities include annual productions, with roles available both onstage and backstage. Caulfield Grammar productions are engaging and inclusive, offering students enriching experiences in all aspects of theatrical and musical performance.

Visual Arts

After exploring the basic elements of art in ELC, a specialist art teacher is introduced from Prep onwards. At times, artists-in-residence work with learners to provide unique and diverse perspectives. Learners are encouraged to experiment with art mediums and processes to express their ideas and feelings.

Mandarin Chinese

Learning another language enhances social and cognitive development. From Early Learning to VCE, students study Mandarin with specialist teachers, exploring language and culture through inquiry and collaboration. They compare English and Mandarin to deepen understanding and develop international mindedness, fostering curiosity about Chinese language and culture while building skills for global engagement.

Community Life

Community Life is a curriculum of wide-ranging learning experiences that build community connectedness, develop transferable life skills and provide pastoral support for all students. Dedicated sessions for all members of our School community provide opportunities to participate in Assemblies, Chapel, Special Events, Buddies, House activities, student leadership development and experiences that develop social and emotional learning.

Education Outdoors

Yarra Junction is a place where our Junior School students explore their natural environment and are challenged to consider the effect of their actions and lifestyle upon it. From eye-to-eye encounters with newborn calves to experiencing the Australian bush with Wurundjeri elder Ian Hunter, many fond memories are formed.

Nurturing Wellbeing

Through planned and purposeful experiences in the junior years, your child is equipped with the social and emotional toolkit they need to feel good, function well, relate better with others, and navigate life’s changes and challenges. Learners develop the skills and dispositions to enhance their wellbeing and safety, as well as those around them. They are supported to embrace attitudes and behaviours that are reflective of our School Values.

Connecting with Nature

Learning in nature fosters creativity, curiosity and connection. At Wheelers Hill, Jells Park inspires outdoor exploration and campus design. Malvern students benefit from our resident free-range chickens and local community engagement through walks, sports and picnics.

Friendships for Life

We help children develop the skills they need to make positive friendships. The Junior School years not only lay the foundation for secondary school, they also provide the beginnings of meaningful friendships. This makes the transition to Year 7 an easier one, and often leads to the development of lifelong friends.

A Warm and Inclusive Community

Our School is a place of belonging, supported by the House System, which fosters community and connection. Students build relationships through House events, shared programs and cross-year activities like the Buddies program, Assemblies, Sports Days and Book Week celebrations.

Supporting Emotional Needs

We value strong partnerships with families to support each child’s emotional and academic needs. Students come together for cross-campus events such as camps and APS sports, fostering community and connections.

Global Citizens

We inspire students to consider how they can make a positive impact on the world and value their input in School decisions, such as excursions and the design of play spaces. By taking ownership of their learning through real-life inquiries, students develop a passion for action, culminating in the Year 6 PYP Exhibition.