We take a holistic approach to learning during these foundational years, when literacy and numeracy plays a critical role in the entire curriculum. Imagination and creative expression are encouraged, and God is a natural part of day-to-day learning and life.
The junior Primary (Prep, Years 1 and 2) program is a welcoming, dynamic environment where learning is fun, challenging and engaging. This setting fosters a sense of belonging and love for learning that is critical in the early years of Primary. Each child is nurtured and encouraged to learn and grow academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
In the senior Primary (Years 3-6) program, students participate in engaging lessons and activities to maintain learning momentum. With the greater independence of age, they interact more profoundly with new knowledge, develop and deepen their understanding of complex concepts, test their ideas and extend their thinking skills.
Leadership opportunities are a highlight in the last year of Primary school with Year 6 students able to nominate for participation in a wide range of roles aimed at supporting staff and fellow students.
Supported learning
In the classroom, our teachers encourage children to extend themselves and expand their potential across a broad range of areas. Select activities such as the annual speech competition motivate and assist in the development of learning confidence. For students assessed with disabilities, differences, or other special learning needs, the Enhanced Learning Department collaborates with teachers and parents to develop a plan that will make learning more accessible.
Technology
All Primary classrooms are equipped with age-appropriate technology to enhance the delivery of the curriculum and meet the needs of a broad range of learning styles. In Years 1 and 2, students begin on a path towards digital enquiry and problem solving, working and connecting with each other and the world as part of 21st century learning. In Years 3 to 6, enquiry and problem solving prepares students for the one-to-one laptop program that is part of learning and teaching in Secondary. Developing new and exciting ways of enhancing student learning is an important component of a teacher’s professional learning.
Wellbeing programs
The wellbeing of individual students in Primary school is monitored by a Pastoral care team that includes class teachers, school chaplains and learning support staff. In Primary school, students are taught school values that clearly establish our positive Christian culture. The BAC Way and a restorative approach to discipline focuses on building, maintaining and restoring relationships.
Once a child is in Year 6, they begin their transition to Secondary under the watchful eyes of the Year 6 and Year 7 teachers. A safe conduit to the Year 7 learning environment is achieved via guest visits across the bridge that spans the two campuses, specialist lessons and the gradual acclimatisation to new routines.
Curriculum
Junior Primary teaches in line with the Australian Curriculum for Years 1 and 2. These are the years of developing vital infrastructure for future learning, where foundational knowledge is put into place and skills are practiced.
During these foundational years, the emphasis on literacy and numeracy acquisition spans every learning area. Subjects may include:
- Religious Studies (Encounter Bible Program)
- English
- Mathematics
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Science Technologies (Design and Technologies, Digital Technologies)
- The Arts (Visual Art, Music, Drama)
- Language (Chinese Mandarin)
- Health and Physical Education
BAC Distinctives
The College encourages students to be involved in a wide range of activities designed for the development of the whole person.
Spiritual enhancement
- Weekly chapel programs
- Week of Worship
Personal improvement and social inclusion
- Children's Day (Year 1)
- BAC Values program
- Class social activities
- BAC Speech Competition
- Academic competitions (internationally recognised)
- Musical productions (alternate years for Primary and Secondary)
- District sport and training (Years 4 to 6)
- Primary and Secondary Ensembles (award winning)
- Choir (Years 2 to 6)
- Private music Tuition (Strings, Piano)
- Speech and Drama Extension Program
- Private music lessons
