Co-education in the Junior School (Years 1-6)

Co-education across the Junior School will begin in 2021. Enrolments will be managed carefully to move the Junior School to become fully co-educational in Years 1 to 6.

Curriculum

The IB Primary Years Programme aims to develop learners that demonstrate increased ownership of their learning. A co-educational environment enhances the learning experience for all students with greater diversity in the classroom whilst breaking down gender based subject stereotypes allowing all students to develop their love of learning and realise their individual passions.

With growing numbers in the Junior School we will be able to develop the specialist teaching programme, with the potential to include more STEM subjects.

Learning support programmes will develop with the intention to establish a learning support teacher exclusively for the Junior School with the guidance and support of the College wide learning support team.

Class Sizes

To ensure personalised learning there are a maximum number of spaces available at each Year Level. Enrolments in the Junior School are carefully managed to meet these set class sizes. Spaces available for girls are initially smaller to see individual learning is maintained while logistics required for a growing roll are developed.

• Years 1 & 2 = 15 spaces each
• Year 3 = 20 spaces
• Years 4 – 6 = 22 spaces each

Although we will use our best endeavours, as we transition to this, we may not be able to precisely meet these limits in 2021 but are confident this will not have a material impact. There is no reduction in the number of spaces available to boys and students currently attending the College are guaranteed a place in the following year.

Once we reach the class size limit a waitlist will be developed and at some Year Levels if numbers allow we will consider opening an additional class.

Pastoral Care

Classroom teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of our Junior students. Small class sizes allow teachers to have an in-depth knowledge of their students. Alongside the classroom teacher the Junior and Senior Syndicate Deans, Assistant Principal, College Counsellor, Nurse and Chaplain work together to care for Junior School students.

A mentoring and peer support programme exclusively for the girls has been established across the three schools providing a support network for all girls.

Houses

The Houses are mixed in replication of the classroom. A growth in numbers of the roll allows for an increase in the current inter-house competition.

Cultural Programmes

The cultural opportunities are growing in depth and breadth with the addition of girls

Sports

Girls are included in the current sporting programme and as numbers of girls continue to grow the programme can develop to provide additional codes and teams. The Year 5 and 6 Thursday sporting programme continue to provide a variety of codes for all students including football, hockey, tennis, rugby, softball, netball and cricket.

The change to co-education allows us to expand the current fixture calendar. Many of the current schools we meet for fixtures are co-ed themselves and we can also begin to include girls’ schools.

Leadership

There are a variety of leadership positions available in the Junior School. While it is unlikely girls will be able to hold formal leadership positions in the first year there are a number of opportunities for boys and girls to develop their leadership skills through student led committees such as the environmental group and within their Houses.

EOTC

All students take part in the same EOTC (Education outside the classroom) Programme, in a co-educational environment. Provisions are made at each Year Level to see all students are cared for during their EOTC experience.

Enrolments

Junior School enrolments are currently open and offers of place may be made after a tour and interview with your child.
As places are limited we encourage families to begin the enrolment process as early as possible for the best chance of securing a place for your child.

We invite any families interested in visiting the Junior School to get in touch to arrange a visit.

Queries

If you have any questions relating to co-education in the Junior School please do get in touch with Junior School PA Olive Mulcahy at mulcahyo@scotscollege.school.nz