At Ravenswood, our focus on the individual ensures that every student is educated to her full potential at every stage of her learning journey.
Ravenswood Prep offers our youngest RAVO girls an enriching and nurturing transition to school by providing a unique early learning offering, with a curriculum that combines the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and Ravenswood’s award-winning Positive Education approach.
Junior School, from Kindergarten to Year 6, also uses the inquiry-based approach to learning of the IB PYP Learning Framework, and closely integrates Positive Education principles, practices and activities.
With a focus on the total growth of the developing child, the curriculum at Ravenswood touches hearts as well as minds. Research shows that wellbeing and academic excellence go hand in hand. As such, our curriculum encompasses a holistic approach to a positive and fulfilling life.
Lifelong learners who thrive at school and beyond
Our goal is to support students to become independent, resilient learners who are capable of solving problems effectively and resolving conflict. Our focus is on developing strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while nurturing the physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth of each individual student.
The Junior School IB PYP develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. Through its inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework, the IB PYP challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.
Each classroom is a dynamic learning environment
Students can actively inquire, continually build on their understanding of the world and take responsibility for their learning.
Students work collaboratively with teachers and peers to plan, present and assess their own learning. Teachers facilitate this by posing relevant, significant, challenging and engaging questions that involve learning across different curriculum areas.
Students use critical and creative thinking to develop knowledge, understanding and skills. This form of inquiry learning lends itself to hands-on tasks and promotes active involvement in the learning experience.
Mandatory outcomes set by the NSW Education Standards Authority are taught explicitly and weaved into the framework of the IB PYP where possible. This includes the implementation of Positive Education and wellbeing initiatives.
Learning Areas
The Junior School curriculum integrates the six Key Learning Areas (KLA):
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology
- Human Society and its Environment
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
- Creative and Performing Arts.
The Junior School Academic Model involves the core subjects of Literacy (English), Numeracy (Mathematics), Science and Technology, and History and Geography.
These are differentiated and integrated to cater for the needs of each student by modifying the pace, level and content of teaching, learning and assessment activities.
Specialist facilities and staff
Capitalising on Ravenswood’s world-class facilities, specialist teachers provide expertise in:
- Music
- Visual Arts
- Physical Education
- Science and STEM
- Languages (French and Latin)
- Religious Education
- Dance
- English as an Additional Language or Dialect.
Diversity, differentiation and enrichment
With this supportive and inspirational environment, girls can develop a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
Junior School students enjoy a lively curriculum that embraces diversity and focuses on the key foundation skills of numeracy, literacy, personal spirit and citizenship.
Junior School classes are of mixed ability and formed to ensure each student always has peers of like ability and interests to enable her to collaborate effectively and purposefully.
Small classes enable teachers to assess individual differences in abilities and learning styles and develop a clear understanding of each girl’s strengths. The number of classes increases as the Year Groups progress.
The Learning Enrichment Department assists class teachers to ensure that each student is developing a deep understanding of the learning content and processes.
Related Pages
Positive Education
The innovative Junior School IGNITE (Inspiring Girls and Nurturing Individuals Through Empowerment) Positive Education and wellbeing program equips our youngest learners with a toolkit of Positive Education and wellbeing strategies. These evidence-based strategies support students to thrive academically and personally.
The program introduces Professor Martin Seligman’s PERMA(H) framework and Professor Lea Waters’ SEARCH framework in weekly 50-minute Positive Education classes and 30-minute mindfulness or gratitude sessions that enrich students’ wellbeing literacy. Positive Education language permeates all subjects and playground interactions, promoting wellbeing across the Ravenswood community.