Primary – Years 5 & 6
Years 5 and 6 lay the foundations for high school, and through our rich co-curricular and challenging upper-primary curriculum, increased opportunities lead to the development of confident learners.
Our primary students enjoy a dedicated playground, and each primary class benefits from its own classroom teacher, giving your son a strong foundation in their upper primary year. Our purposeful small class sizes in Year 5 provide more individualised attention from teachers, allowing for tailored instruction and support for each student. This environment fosters more substantial relationships, encourages active participation, and promotes a more personalised learning experience.
Our primary students participate in whole-school events, including assemblies, sports carnivals, and masses, helping them become familiar with the broader school campus, expectations, and senior teachers. This well-rounded experience reduces some of the anxiety related to the transition to high school and helps to ensure a seamless transition into Year 7 and beyond.
The Primary curriculum challenges and inspires critical thinking while nurturing each student’s talents and abilities. Throughout the year, boys have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs that extend beyond the core curriculum. These include the University of New South Wales competitions, Science Enrichment, Waterford Words, The Portrait Prize, the Media Project, and Debating.
Academically, Year 5 and Year 6 lay the foundations for high school. Alongside Religious Education, students study the NESA-mandated subjects which include English, Maths, Science and Technology, Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Creative and Performing Arts and Robotics. In addition to enrichment classes, they also have the opportunity to be involved in various educational programs that extend the curriculum.
Music and Performance
The co-curricular Primary Music Program allows students to partake in music-making outside of classroom music lessons. Participation is voluntary (with the exception of the Primary Mass Choir) and comprises various activities where students have the opportunity to develop their musical skills.
Currently, the options for students to be involved are:
- Beginner Instrumental Groups and Training Band,
- Junior Band,
- Kilkenny Choir,
- Junior Percussion Ensemble.
An extensive Instrument Tuition Program is also available for students interested in learning an instrument for the very first time.
Co-curricular and Sport
Sport plays a vital role in shaping the young men at our school, fostering teamwork, resilience and encouraging each student to strive for their personal best. Our Primary boys enjoy physical education lessons on Thursday mornings at Marrickville Park. In addition, a variety of sporting activities and gala days are offered internally and against other schools throughout the year.
Students also have the opportunity to represent the school in other co-curricular areas such as chess, public speaking, and debating. All students are encouraged to participate, share their talents and discover new interests.
Social Justice and Action
Many aspects contribute to strengthening the pastoral dimension and spiritual areas of the Primary school, encouraging boys to live out the challenge of the Gospels to serve those less fortunate.
Our Primary Justice and Peace Program focuses on Right Relationships and Service to Others. Primary social justice initiatives include making sandwiches for the homeless; delivering Christmas gifts to local nursing homes; St Vincent de Paul winter appeal and food drives, and the support of Indigenous Literacy through our Book Swap.
