Primary School
Partnering with you to create a warm, nurturing learning environment where your child is inspired to try new things.
Your child is known and supported academically, socially and 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.
Primary 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 Primary 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 Primary students involved in our school gardens, competitive sport activities and collaborative STEAM challenges. Our focus is to help students become independent learners so they can take the next steps in their education.
Parent Partnership
Working together in partnership
We have regular, open communication with Primary School parents so we can work together effectively to help you raise your child. 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 Primary School teaching programs. We devote time in class to focus on God’s purpose in creation and how your child can respond in their everyday lives and communities. Children 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 Primary 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 regular assemblies to encourage a growth mindset in every area of life.
Year 6 students experience servant leadership first-hand through our Kinder Buddy program. Primary School students are involved in numerous community service projects like Clean Up Australia, Cancer Council, Red Shield Appeal, 40 Hour Famine and Operation Christmas Child.
Co-Curricular Opportunities
Beyond the classroom
Primary 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.
STAR (Students Taking an Active Role) homework centre provides a safe, structured environment where students in Years 5-12 can complete homework and get the support they need from qualified staff, freeing them up for other activities once they get home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What sports can my child be involved in in Primary School?
Primary School has training programs and competitive teams in a variety of sports throughout the year. Students also participate in our annual swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals, and can progress to Zone, State and National events, in addition to a number of representative sporting opportunities through CSSA (Christian Schools Sports Association).
Is After School Care available in Primary 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 Primary School?
Our class teachers and support staff, along with our School Chaplain, provide pastoral care to all of our Primary 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 Primary 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, Stage 2 and Stage 3 students will have homework that involves reading, spelling and maths. The purpose is for consolidation, practice and revision.
Is learning support or extension work available if my child requires it?
The Academic Growth Centre (AGC) team includes a Learning Support Teacher, an Enrichment teacher and a team of teacher aides who support students across the school who need support or extension.
The AGC team supports students throughout the school, checking in throughout the week, depending on each child’s needs. Students may require adjustments made in the classroom (support or extension).
Ready to join us at Orange Christian School?
Step 1
Discover if OCS is the right fit for your family
Why OCS?
Step 2
Take a tour of OCS with our Registrar
Book a tour
Step 3
Submit an enrolment application online
Enrol online