Junior School
Prep - Year 5
Welcome to Junior School
At The King David Junior School, we build on early learning foundations to create strong academic and social-emotional growth. Our focus on deep learning, critical thinking, and Jewish identity ensures a well-rounded education for every child.
- Fostering creativity and curiosity in young minds.
- Nurturing academic and emotional growth together.
- Creating joy in Jewish identity
Learning
Curriculum
At The King David School, we provide a rich and engaging curriculum that fosters both academic excellence and a strong Jewish identity. Our programs are designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and, above all, a love for learning.
Literacy -SOLAR
Science of Language and Reading
SOLAR
The Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) is an evidence-based structured literacy framework that teaches children how to read. Using phonics, we teach our students how to hear and read the 44 combinations of sounds in English.
Vocabulary and comprehension is developed through the rich texts that teachers use in the classroom, alongside explicit instructions and readers.
LITERACY - The Writing Revolution
Creating Research and Writing Skills
The Writing Revolution
This program takes a step-by-step approach to teaching students how to build sentences, paragraphs and whole texts. It combines English with Inquiry units so that students have rich discoveries to write about.
The Writing Revolution teaches students how to revise and edit their own work. They are taught how to research, take notes, summarise, and how to create a coherent argument. These are skills students take with them through to VCE.
Our Writing Revolution program was recognised by The Educator who awarded King David a 5-Star Innovative Schools Award in 2024.
NUMERACY
Building Strong Numeracy
Mathematics
Through daily Mathematics lessons we teach foundational numeracy skills to build a strong understanding of number.
Mathematics is differentiated throughout the School so students are appropriately challenged.
Numeracy skills are built across subjects with teachers asking students to apply numerical analysis to diverse tasks.
Hebrew Studies
A Love for Ivrit
Hebrew
Every student learns Hebrew to a high level, moving from Aleph Bet recognition to writing and speaking.
Our classes are interactive, fun and hands on. Students practise using Hebrew while cooking, making art, singing and playing games.
Our Hebrew classes are structured so that students can be challenged in the way that best suits them.
PHILOSOPHY
Research Skills
Philosophy
Students learn Philosophy from Prep to Year 10.
At the Junior School students are taught how to listen, question and argue in a constructive manner. They think critically and solve problems creatively.
They are introduced to the various domains of Philosophy including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, aesthetics and logic.
Students are encouraged to develop their questioning skills, explore thematic concepts, to look for reasons, make assumptions, justify and clarify their opinions and make connections to their world and each other.
The program develops children’s language skills through free flowing speech, use of analogies, reflective re-organising of thoughts and spontaneous creativity. It assists their ability to develop insights into areas that are not ‘typically’ covered at school, but are vital to their learning journey.
Wellbeing
Creating the right enviroment for learning
Wellbeing
We recognise that children learn best when they are calm and happy. Wellbeing is built into our timetable with a daily wellbeing check-in, mindfulness session directly after lunch and weekly lessons that cover a myriad of wellbeing topics.
Our students are taught the importance of kindness and care alongside their academic work. Older students are paired with younger students to act as their 'buddies', helping them to navigate school life. Our Year 5 cohort are our student leaders, shaping our school through their Va'adot (committees), including environmental sustainability, news, tikkun olam (social justice) and tzedakah (charity). We are proud to be a school that emphasizes the education of the whole person.
Junior School Subjects
- Integrated English (inc. Science, Humanities, Geography)
- Mathematics
- Jewish Studies
- Hebrew
- Philosophy
- Wellbeing
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Sport
- Digitech
- Library
beyond the classroom
Enriching Young Minds
At The King David School, we believe in a holistic approach to education that extends beyond traditional learning. Our special programs foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, ensuring that every child discovers their unique talents. From music and arts to outdoor adventures, we provide diverse opportunities that inspire and engage.
"The School's commitment to ensuring students achieve their potential academically is clear - my child has been challenged and nurtured by her teachers to achieve her goals."
Sarah
Parent KDS
Prep and Beyond
From Prep, children settle quickly through warm routines and strong home–school partnerships. We build firm foundations in literacy and numeracy, enrich learning with Hebrew, Jewish Life and specialists, and grow independence, leadership and service.
With a separate entrance, their own Orientation and dedicated toilet facilities, our Prep students are introduced to school with care.
Living Jewish Values Every Day
At The King David Junior School, our daily rhythm is enriched by Jewish festivals and traditions. Through blessings, Hebrew language lessons, and engaging Jewish Studies, we instill a deep appreciation for our heritage.
- Guided by the Jewish calendar and traditions.
- Daily blessings and Hebrew practices enhance our learning.
- Celebrating Shabbat and chagim fosters community spirit.
"King David showed me the importance of giving back to the community. Because of King David, I'm proud to be Jewish. I'm proud of our history but I think about the values of Judaism because they were shown as what we can do in the current day."
Tahlia
Class of 2020
Community
A Connected Community at KDS
We value the active participation of parents in our school community. Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat, engage with the Parents’ Association, and celebrate our vibrant community events.
Discover the Junior School at King David
Join us to explore a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and Jewish identity.
