Junior School (K-4)
In Junior School, we partner with you to establish a warm, nurturing environment where your child is inspired to learn and try new things.
Where children are known and supported academically, socially & spiritually
At OCS, you can be confident that the values you teach at home are encouraged and reinforced at school. Your child’s early years at school ought to be in a safe, well-equipped environment where they’re encouraged to develop social skills, grow academically and increase their understanding of faith. Children are receptive to learning and ideally placed to get the most out of their education when they are known and valued as part of a warm, connected school community.
Junior School is a place of fresh opportunities and new understanding, where every child is encouraged to have a go. Our professional, experienced staff are dedicated to supporting families to raise kids who will influence the world for good.
Since 1981, we’ve provided a well-rounded Christian education to hundreds of children and families in Orange.
Academic Growth
Building foundational skills for learning
In Junior School, we focus on Literacy and Numeracy as the initial building blocks of all learning. Alongside PDHPE, Science & Technology, History, Geography and Visual Arts, we offer additional musical opportunities in our strings, choir and band programs. Digital literacy is established with simple coding and progresses into programming and game creation. Learning also happens outside the classroom with Junior students involved in our school gardens, competitive sport activities and collaborative STEAM challenges.
Parent Partnership
Working together in partnership
We have regular, open communication with Junior School parents so we can work together effectively to help you raise your child. Clear communication between home and school enables us to care for your child in the best possible way.
Parent involvement in children’s learning increases a child’s sense of belonging, and improves learning outcomes. At OCS we have many opportunities for parents to be involved.
Christian Discipleship
Seeing the world through God’s eyes
The timeless truths of the Bible are embedded into all our Junior School teaching programs. We devote time in class daily to focus on God’s purpose in creation and how students can respond in their everyday lives and communities. Students are encouraged and supported by our Christian teachers and support staff, and Biblical threads run through our weekly assembly program with songs, talks, memory verses and prayers.
Student Wellbeing
Fostering connections among students
Our overarching philosophy in Junior School is to encourage kids to try new things, and to praise their efforts and demonstration of Christian character. HOPE Challenge is a K-4 peer support program designed to help kids develop resilience and optimism, learn how to be a good friend and respect others. We recognise individual students’ efforts in our weekly assemblies to encourage a growth mindset in every area of life.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Beyond the classroom
Junior School students have a variety of co-curricular activities to broaden their educational experience beyond the classroom walls. These include opportunities in music, drama, sport and community service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What sports can my child be involved in?
Junior School has training programs and competitive teams in a variety of sports throughout the year including soccer, netball, touch football and cricket. Students also participate in our annual swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals, and can progress to Zone, State and National events, in addition to CSSA Sports including gymnastics and triathlon.
Is After School Care available in Junior School?
Our After School Care program provides continued quality care on-site for your child until pick-up time. After School Care is available to all OCS students from Prep to Year 6, Monday to Friday during Term times.
What is the school’s transition program for Kindergarten?
Orientation starts in Term 4 when children spend two mornings in the Kindergarten classes getting to know the Kinder teachers.
Each new Kinder student is paired with a Year 6 buddy to support them on their first day of school, to ease the changeover into the ‘big’ school environment. Kinder children and their buddies have lunch together and do activities that promote a sense of belonging like reading, board games and sports. Kinder students also have a staggered start in the new school year to help them adjust to their new routine.
What pastoral care support is available in Junior School?
Our class teachers and support staff, along with our School Chaplain, provide pastoral care to all of our Junior students on a daily basis. Our Chaplain is available on an as needed basis for specific pastoral care needs where they can have a chat, feed the fish together or sit outside in the sensory garden. The Chaplain provides a calming and encouraging influence for our students, someone who listens well but also gives wise advice and helpful strategies for them to try.
Will my child have homework to do in Junior School?
In Term 1, Kindergarten children will be sent home with sounds and words they have been learning in the classroom to practice for homework. From Term 2, decodable readers are also sent home. Stage 1 and Stage 2 students will have homework that involves reading, spelling and maths. The purpose is for consolidation, practice and revision.
Ready to join us at Orange Christian School?
Step 1
Discover if OCS is the right fit for your family
Step 2
Take a tour of OCS with our Registrar
