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 creativity, 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
Science of Language and Reading
SOLAR
The Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) is an evidence-based structured literacy program that teaches children how to read. Using phonics, we explicitly teach our students how to hear and read the 44 combinations of sounds in English. Vocabulary is developed through the rich texts that teachers use in the classroom, alongside explicit instructions and readers.
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 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 2024.
Mathematics
Building Strong Numeracy
Mathematics
As well as daily Mathematics lessons, numeracy skills are built across subjects with teachers asking students to apply numerical analysis to diverse tasks including essay structure, visual art, drama and philosophy.
In the upper Primary years, mathematics is structured in streams so students are in a cohort that challenges them appropriately.
Hebrew Studies
A Love for Ivrit
Hebrew
Every student learns Hebrew, moving from Aleph Bet recognition to writing and speaking.
Our Hebrew classes are streamed so that students can be challenged in the way that best suits them.
Research Skills
Research Skills
Research Skills
Students are taught how to use the resources available at the library, how to find reputable information and how to analyse it.
Our Writing Revolution program incorporates our Units of Inquiry, providing students with in-depth content to research and write about.
As they get older, students are taught how to start identifying misinformation.
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 and calm time directly after lunch.
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.
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.
