Head of Campus Profile |
David Opat
Head of Campus
Southwick Campus
(Junior School) |
| Bachelor of Arts 1987 |
| Bachelor of Business (Marketing) 1987 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Adolescent and Child Psychology 1991 |
| Master of Psychology (Child and Education) 1993 |
| Graduate Diploma in Family Therapy 1997 |
| Graduate Diploma in Education 2003 |
| Master of Educational Management 2008 |
| |
David has worked at The King David School since 1998. He has held various positions in the school including; Co-ordinator of Student Wellbeing, Assistant Head of Campus and Acting Head of Campus. He has also been a teacher of Jewish Studies.
He has previously worked at other Jewish schools and the Department of Education. He has been a fellow of the University of Melbourne and a supervisor for Monash University. He is a lifelong member of the Progressive community with close ties to Temple Beth Israel and a range of other Jewish community organisations.
David brings to the school a great understanding of child development, creativity and a passion for learning. He has particular interests in Student Welfare, Differentiated Learning and Integrated Curriculum. |
|
|
|
 Junior School
Set on scenic grounds overlooked by the iconic ‘doll-house’ mansion, the Southwick Campus offers a warm, welcoming environment for younger students. Catering to children from Kindergarten to Year 2, Southwick’s facilities include soccer and basketball courts, play-equipment areas suitable for each age-group, an extensive library, gymnasium, art studio, kibbutz complete with hot houses, while there are computers in every classroom. |
| |
 |
|
Curriculum
During the early school years, it’s more important than ever to encourage children’s natural curiosity in the world about them. In recognition of this, Southwick’s syllabus offers regular excursions and incursions, allowing students to actively investigate their subjects.
As the core curriculum, students take classes in Physical Education, Library, Art, Numeracy, Literacy, Humanities, Hebrew, Jewish Studies, Music, Jewish Music, Science and Technology. King David also offers Enrichment classes for gifted students and Special Education programs for students who require extra academic support. The Campus also offers a Chess Club, the opportunity for individual music lessons, a choir and percussion musical group. |
| |
 |
|
Special programs
The Southwick Campus runs a range of programs and activities designed to instil a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge from an early age. Initiatives such as the Campus Kibbutz and the Philosophy for Children Program have been introduced to enhance and promote learning.
Junior students love working in the Kibbutz – a unique King David initiative that teaches students both the practical processes of growing plants and an appreciation of the environment and nature. Wearing their special work-shirts, students learn responsibility, team-work skills, agriculture, Israeli history and geography. It is commonplace to see children grab their parents by the hand at the end of the day saying, “Come and see what I planted today!”
You can expect a lot academically from a school where the junior students are taught philosophy! King David’s unique Philosophy for Children Program teaches students vital thinking techniques that enable them to question in a valid, constructive way and express their opinions clearly to others. They become independent thinkers rather than followers. As one of the first Schools to introduce this subject, King David helped lead the way to a new model of educational thought.
As they grow, children gain valuable social skills and learn the importance of respecting and caring for each other. This positive attitude is fostered through the Southwick Buddy Program, which encourages older students to act as role-models, mentors and friends to younger ones. Students of all ages also come together in assemblies, drama performances, musical soirees and in their wonderful end-of-year musical.
The Southwick Campus strives to make learning memorable for each student. |
| |
 |
|
Kindergarten
The King David School Kindergartens encourage children to acquire knowledge about the world in which they live through playful interactions with objects and people
Early Childhood Educators are more like guides or facilitators. They prepare the environment so that it provides stimulating challenging materials and activities for the children.
The teachers closely observe to see what children understand and pose additional challenges accordingly.
We believe children learn best when they are in a safe, caring and challenging learning environment.
At The King David School Kindergartens we foster a love of learning, tolerance and respect for others and acceptance of individual talents and differences.
The Kindergartens value all aspects of Progressive Judaism and Australian identity. This is achieved by integrating the celebration of festivals and Shabbat and acknowledging Australian history and culture – all presented in a developmentally appropriate program including opportunities for dramatic play, creative activities, discussions and songs.
For full details on the Kindergarten programs, follow the link below to the Kindergarten Information Handbook.
Download the Kindergarten Information Handbook 2009 |
|
|
