At ELTHAM College, we believe in providing authentic learning experiences that will encourage your child to reach their full potential as a compassionate and intelligent contributor to the world.
Our Junior School program establishes an environment where the natural creativity and curiosity and resilience of young people is encouraged and developed. ELTHAM offers opportunities for children to confidently and respectfully voice their ideas and opinions.
Prep
Our Prep neighbourhood focuses on providing a nurturing and balanced learning environment. We recognise the importance of building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy through the core curriculum, while being equally committed to inspiring our young people to learn through creativity, imagination and experience. Blended with our nature-based education program, Bush Discovery, we encourage natural curiosity and continue to promote a love of learning.
Year 1–2
The Year 1–2 neighbourhood at ELTHAM College fosters a student-centred and differentiated approach to learning in all aspects of the curriculum. Our targeted core curriculum areas, such as English and Mathematics, are explicitly taught and then integrated through our wider learning experiences.
We build a sense of belonging and connections to ELTHAM College and the wider community. We strive to develop wonder and curiosity in all students through their engagement in an inquiry-based program. This program utilises our very own nature reserve and allow students the opportunity to investigate big ideas in a hands-on and authentic way.
We value transitions to new areas of the school and maintain a strong tie with the Prep community through regular interactions across the year levels.
Year 3–4
Our Year 3 and 4 students take part in our unique History Centre. Each week, students and staff spend time ‘in role’ in a story that frames their learning. They negotiate their way through contemporary and historical events that may include confronting the problems experienced in Australian pioneer life or exploring ancient Egyptian times.
Students create spectacular environments in which their story takes place, and experience a true learning adventure. Through the story the students learn about values and beliefs of others – loyalty, trust, negotiation, conflict management, group decision making, tolerance, problem-solving and more. The History Centre gives practical and creative meaning to the enabling skills of literacy and numeracy.
The arts curriculum continues to develop drama, art and music skills. The instrumental program builds on the early years’ experience and introduces percussion, clarinet and flute to the musical repertoire.
Year 5–6
Students in Year 5 and 6 embark on a journey of self-discovery. All students are given the opportunity for authentic decision-making as well as guided student choice.
As role models to the younger students, they explore the challenges of leadership, developing the skills and strategies to work both independently and as a member of a team. At the same time, they prepare for the adventures ahead in Senior School, enjoying a variety of transition experiences across the two years, including weekly Home Economics and Science lessons in the Senior School taught by Senior Staff, and library lessons in the Senior Library.
Strong foundations in classroom curriculum are enhanced by an exciting Specialist program in Art, Drama, Music, Chinese, PE, Outdoor Education and Sport as well as co-curricular opportunities at lunchtimes and out of school hours.
A wholistic approach puts student wellbeing, critical thinking and resilience at the forefront of every aspect of the 5/6 experience and these essential life skills are taught proactively, are recognised, reflected upon and celebrated.
Our experience shows us that empowered learners are engaged learners – ready to move beyond their comfort zones, try new things and persist in times of challenge – preparing them for the learning journey ahead.
Our education programs are considered and have been developed to integrate the essential skills of literacy and numeracy into a wide range of experiences, ensuring that learning is inspired, meaningful and constructive.
Visit elthamcollege.vic.edu.au and discover how ELTHAM College is ‘growing hearts and minds’.
