Junior School
Why consider Junior School with Pulteney
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Pulteney’s Junior School encourages children to take an active role in their learning. We follow the Australian Curriculum across all eight learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Technology, Languages, The Arts, and Health and Physical Education. With small class sizes, our teachers closely monitor each child’s progress, providing tailored support and learning opportunities.
We balance academic rigour with a strong focus on wellbeing and a personalised approach. Our Inclusive Education team offers support as well as enrichment and extension programs to help every child thrive.
The Reggio Emilia approach recognises children as capable and curious learners. By focusing on early literacy and numeracy, our experienced teachers help your child build a strong foundation for future learning. From junior primary, specialist lessons inspire children to explore new passions and prepare them for Middle and Senior School.
In addition to a strong academic program, Pulteney offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities including sports, performing arts, languages, and special interest clubs. These opportunities allow your child to develop new skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.
Our specialist programs, led by experienced teachers, include:
- Science
- Mandarin, with German and Japanese introduced from Year 5
- Music and Performing Arts (including dance)
- Visual Arts
- Health and Physical Education
- Digital Technologies
- Humanities and Social Sciences
From an early age, your child is encouraged to explore their interests, ask questions, and develop a love for learning. Our integrated studies approach helps your child connect ideas across different subjects, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.
Reception at Pulteney – the best start for your child
Starting school is a significant milestone, and at Pulteney, we ensure your child’s first school experience is positive, nurturing, and exciting. Our Reception program provides a play-based, supportive transition into school life, designed to help your child feel secure, confident, and ready to thrive.
With small class sizes, specialist teachers, and a strong focus on wellbeing, we create an environment where your child can build confidence, curiosity, and lasting friendships. Our approach emphasises both academic readiness and social-emotional development, setting a strong foundation for future learning.
For children ready to begin their learning journey mid-year, Pulteney offers a unique six-term Mid-Year Reception program. This extended transition allows your child to ease into school life gradually, building familiarity with routines and confidence before starting full-time Reception.
Key Benefits of Mid-Year Reception:
- A Nurturing Start: More time to settle into school life before formal Reception.
- Confidence & Independence: Encourages early decision-making and resilience.
- Social-Emotional Growth: Supports your child in managing emotions, building friendships, and navigating new experiences.
- Academic Readiness: Early exposure to literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving through engaging, play-based learning.
If you would like to hear more about starting school at Pulteney, please book in for our upcoming Open Morning on Friday 14 March 2025.
Visit the Book a Tour page to register for the Open Morning
Wellbeing, Academic Support and Extension
Wellbeing
Emotional Development with Zones of Regulation & Kimochis
We teach your child to understand and manage their emotions using the Zones of Regulation and Kimochis programs.
These strategies help children:
- Recognise and express their feelings
- Build resilience and independence
- Navigate social interactions with confidence
By integrating emotional learning with academic skills, we ensure your child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Academic support and extension
Our Inclusive Education team offers a range of support and enrichment opportunities tailored to your child’s needs. Working closely with families and teachers, we provide individual or small-group support to help every child reach their full potential.
This collaborative approach ensures that children who need additional support or extension feel confident and valued in their learning journey.
Learning spaces
Reception – Year 2
At Pulteney, we place a strong emphasis on the environment as provocation for deep learning with both the indoor and outdoor environment providing a rich stimulus for creative and critical thinking and personal and social capability .
Our award-winning Nature Play sits at the heart of what is affectionately known as ‘Kurrajong’ for students in Reception to Year 2. This incredible playground is a natural wonderland for children, and offers a range of learning opportunities to engage with the natural environment and to negotiate challenges through play.
The learning design and facilities in the junior primary areas have been developed and designed specifically for children from ELC to Year 2. Here, a range of innovative learning spaces allows teachers to implement indoor and outdoor learning where appropriate, and flexible inquiry areas cater for small and larger group explorations. These facilities include a dedicated purpose-built library, languages room and Technologies room.
Years 3 – 6
Meanwhile, classrooms for students in Years 3 to 6 sit within the North Eastern side of the campus. During these years, students enjoy their own exclusive resource centre, Technologies room, Science lab, languages and music rooms and playground. Students also enjoy access to the Parklands for recess and lunch, as well as access to outdoor education.
Co-curricular opportunities in Junior School
Pulteney offers an outstanding range of co-curricular activities including more than 30 different team and individual sports, performing arts including music and drama, dance, chess, debating, yoga and the arts.
Co-curricular experiences complement academic learning and contribute significantly to students’ personal growth, teaching them how to live and work together. While these activities may not be part of the core curriculum, they play a crucial role in shaping students into well-rounded individuals, offering real-world, impactful experiences.
The benefits of co-curricular activities include:
- Exposure to new interests and activities
- An increased appreciation for varied experiences
- Strengthened self-confidence
- Development of specialised skills
- Fostering a sense of responsibility
- Improved academic performance
- Building stronger peer relationships
Co-curricular offerings:
Sport activities
Performing Arts cocurricular
Special Interest
A safe and secure learning environment, where ideas are valued, empowers students to think for themselves, contribute to discussions, and solve problems. We strive to build strong relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the community.”
Outdoor Education and Camps
Leadership
Class sizes
Out of School Hours Care (OSHC):
Why consider mid-year Reception?
Reception at Pulteney Grammar School
Starting school is a big step, and as a parent, you want to know your child will be happy, confident and ready to thrive.
At Pulteney, we provide The Best Reception—a nurturing, play-based transition into school life that ensures children feel secure, supported and excited to learn.
With small class sizes, specialist teachers, and a strong focus on wellbeing, we create the right conditions for children to develop confidence, curiosity and friendships that set them up for success.
School
Tours.
We encourage you to book a tour of our Junior School, to meet the exceptional educators who will support your child during their junior school years.