Year 1
St John's Grammar
Year 1 overview
Students at St John’s Grammar Junior School learn to soar throughout their years at our School through a supportive and academically rigorous program, where they connect, create and challenge.
In Year 1, our single level classes promote independence, resilience and perseverance as our students continue their school journey. Smaller class sizes provide individual attention and support from Student Support Officers (SSO) ensure each child is working at their full potential as we follow our Reception to Year 2 focus of ‘connect’. Year 1 students buddy with Year 5s to connect and build relationships, while ensuring a safe and dynamic learning environment for all students.
The highly qualified and experienced staff use explicit teaching techniques of literacy and numeracy concepts and offer differentiated programs to give students the best opportunities to achieve. The Year 1s are presented with unique and interesting learning opportunities that are complemented by a program of excursions to Belair National Park, Adelaide Zoo, Old Tailem Town, as well as the Light and Sound incursion.
Throughout the year, we enjoy highlights such as the Junior Primary Fun Days at the end of Terms 1 and 3, Book Week, Grandparents Day, as well as co-curricular programs that help our families to connect with our wider community, such as netball, Auskick, dance, cricket, aerobics and gymnastics.
In Year 1, the School focuses on thinking skills and inquiry based learning, natural inquiry, and learning through Science and Technology with a practical approach. We share student work and achievement through online technology platforms such as Seesaw. Our Year 1s at St John’s Grammar School have opportunities to connect, create and be challenged, giving them the ability to become compassionate, resilient students who are learning to soar.
Structured, natural inquiry with Belair National Park
As the campus is adjacent to Belair National Park, a natural inquiry program sees our Year 1s explore and develop an appreciation for the natural environment of Belair National Park. Taking part annually in the Aussie Bird Count sees the Year 1s help observe and track birds in the local area to contribute to conservation efforts at Belair National Park.
This opportunity to learn in the Park adds a richness to our learning by providing unparalleled opportunities for children to learn; not only from an Environmental Science perspective through observing seasons, lifecycles, landscapes and habitats but also opportunities for calculated risk taking and resilience as they play amongst the natural environment.
Exploring how things work around us
Exploring our environment, the nature of changing materials and how elements work around us is a focus in Year 1.
A light and sound incursion is a highlight of Year 1 as students delve into the scientific workings of how we experience light and sound and how it impacts everything around us. Complemented by a focus on changing materials, living things and the weather, Year 1s gain a new appreciation for how the world works.
Year 1s take part in the Junior Primary Fun Day which sees students converge on Belair National Park for a day of exploration, play and fun at the end of Terms 1 and 3. A week of swimming at the end of the year is also another opportunity for the Year 1s to be active while learning important water safety skills.
A unique history project that takes students out of the classroom
An excursion to Old Tailem Town to learn about history and linking history learning to Grandparent’s Day provides unique and interesting real-world connections between the past and the present for the Year 1s.
Delving into a historic wonderland, the Old Tailem Town excursion sees students explore a replica pioneer village to understand the challenges and victories of the goldrush era and its place in our history. Dressing in their best pioneer outfits, students value this immersive experience as they live and experience history.
The connection to history is deepened through Grandparent’s Day, with students inviting their grandparents or a significant older mentor to experience a day at school. A rich experience for all involved, students are excited to share their learning and are regaled with stories of what school was like during their grandparents era.
