Junior Years

Launceston Grammar’s Junior Campus from Prep to Grade 6 is committed to the development of a healthy mind, body and spirit. The broad curriculum offers a variety of programmes in English and Mathematics, along with many opportunities in the areas of Sport, Languages, Information Technology, and Visual and Performing Arts.

Launceston Grammar’s personalised teaching approach enables us to cater for students across the academic spectrum. Our teachers provide a stimulating programme that enables students to achieve their goals and make a smooth transition to the Senior Campus.

The curriculum includes Literacy, Numeracy, Studies of Society and the Environment, Science, Music, Visual Arts, Religious and values Education, Physical Education and Sport, Health and Wellbeing and Mental Health. Children learn Indonesian from Early Years to Grade 6. The Inter-School Sport program is introduced in Grades 5 and 6, and in Grade 4 across a select number of sports. The School has a well-structured Outdoor Education Programme that begins at Grade 3.

The Outdoor Education Programme at the Junior School commences in Grade 3. Outdoor Education experiences planned regularly each year include:

• Grade 3 - 2-day camp usually to Hagley Farm
• Grade 4 - 3-day camp at Camp Clayton
• Grade 5 - 3-day orientation camp towards the end of the year
• Grade 6 - 5-day Canberra trip may also be scheduled for Grade 6 in Term 3

ICT - Information and Communication Technology

Computers play a central part in education at the Junior Campus. There are computers in every classroom, in the Library and in the Technology Learning Centre where students go on a regular basis as a class to complete aspects of class projects with their classroom teacher. ICT is an essential part of the curriculum.

Our Learning Enrichment Area has a teacher and is supplemented by teacher aides for specific students. Students are given extra support following screening procedures and teacher recommendations. If there is evidence of difficulties, the class teacher, the learning needs teacher and parents will meet to discuss the support required. This support will take place either in the classroom setting or in small groups in order to meet the needs of individual differences and learning styles.  Our Gifted Education Co-ordinator assists in the identification of programmes for children who display exceptional talent and/or potential.

The library caters for the needs of all staff and students at the Junior Campus from Early Learning to Grade 6. Students are encouraged to change library books at these times as well as during designated book changing periods during the day.  There is a broad range of reference materials and parenting resources available which may be used in the library at any time. 

The library has a computerised catalogue to which the students have access in the library and in their classrooms. Internet access is also available in the library.

All classes have at least one library lesson with the teacher-librarian each week and other sessions for research may be booked as the need arises. Students may also use the library for research in small individual groups.

All students from Pre-kinder to Grade 6 participate in class music lessons. The programme aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced music education. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the private Instrumental Tuition Programme. Most orchestral instruments are offered, as well as piano, guitar and voice. Lessons are weekly and are timetabled in consultation with class teachers.

Instrument hire is available for most instruments. While instrumental hire is available on a long term basis, students who wish to continue to study music are encouraged to purchase their own instruments. Piano students require a piano or full size keyboard at home to practice on.

All students in Grades 5 and 6 participate in a class band or orchestra programme. Students receive group tuition and are able to hire instruments to practice. All students sing as part of their music education. In Early Learning - Grade 2, students sing as a normal part of their development as well as combining as a choir for special events. All students in Grades 3-6 sing in choirs. There is also an auditioned choir known as The Vocal Ensemble open to students in Grades 5 and 6.

The Vocal Ensemble, Orchestra, Concert Band and String Orchestra are all extra co-curricular ensembles where students can extend themselves in their music making. These ensembles produce a high standard of music and perform throughout the year.

Students in Prep - 2 present a play as part of the music programme. The Grade 6 production is a highlight of the year and is a memorable occasion for all Grade 6 students.

A specialist Art Teacher is on staff for all students in Grades 1 - 6. Students receive an hour session of specialist Art per week.

The programme is divided into two major components. In the first component students plan for and make art works in the areas of drawing, painting, printing, computer generated works, textiles, ceramics and constructional activities.

The second component centres on observing and discussing their own and others’ art works. Throughout the programme there is a constant focus on art and artists in the community. The visual arts programme gives opportunities to broaden student art skills, visual awareness and self-concept. During the year opportunities are provided for the school community to view displays of students’ art work in a variety of school settings.

Inter-School Sport Competition matches for students in Grades 5 and 6 are played on a Friday afternoon in Terms 1 and 2. Basketball for boys and girls is played on Fridays after school at the YMCA. After School Training and team practice is held mainly after school on a Wednesday and Thursday afternoons between 3:30pm and 4:30pm.

The School also participates in the Northern Independent Junior School Sports Association Carnivals:

• Term 1 Swimming
• Term 2 Cross Country
• Term 3 Athletics