the junior primary (R - 2) curriculum

Junior Primary education is a specialised field.  It is a time when children leave the security of the family environment and formally enter the institution of schooling.  In order for that transition to be successful, a safe, caring and stimulating set of educational experiences needs to be provided that will allow young people to feel the warmth of community and the enjoyment of learning.

A broad-based program of experiential learning, discovery, play and social skill building exists in the Junior Primary school.  Specific emphases on literacy, reading recovery and numeracy are delivered through the teaching and learning methodologies of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, which promotes inquiry and is particularly suited to boys' learning styles.  Blackfriars has been registered as a 'candidate school' by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and is working towards full authorisation in 2006. For more information about the PYP program, click on the PYP link at left.

As highlighted in the Faith & Values section of this website, Blackfriars is a catholic school in the Dominican tradition and holds a special mandate to deliver a Religious Education program that is built upon the teachings of the Gospels.

In the Junior Primary years, specialist teachers assist in the delivery of Japanese, Music, and Physical Education in order to present a balanced and well rounded education in the early years.