Junior School
Pulteney’s Junior School (Reception to Year 6) is led by Ms Denise O’Loughlin, one of South Australia’s most respected educators, and is supported by Deputy Head of Junior School, Nathan Dodd. Leadership and teaching style is guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach. The Australian Curriculum is fully implemented across all eight learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities (History, Geography, Economics and Business and Citizenship), Technology, Languages, The Arts (Music, Drama, Visual Art, Design, Dance) and Health and Physical Education. The curriculum is complemented by the National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions. Whereby a students’ progression is monitored closely to ensure they receive support and tailored learning opportunities.
Furthermore, specialist programs are steered by teachers who hold a wealth of knowledge in their field, including Physical Education, Health, Performing Arts, Music, Visual and Media arts, Chinese and Technology.
At an early age, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning pathway. The Junior School is designed to allow children to feel safe and in control of their environment so that they are confident to ask questions, challenge themselves and become passionate, creative thinkers.
Our learning environment facilitates the development of the Critical, Creative and Ethical intelligences:
Critical Intelligence involves the skills of language, mathematical and verbal reasoning, logic, memory and processing of information. These abilities are developed through a structured and focused academic curriculum, which supports and challenges all students.
Creative Intelligence involves the ability to think and act with fluency, innovation, flexibility and originality. These qualities are developed through a total curriculum that recognises each student’s special strengths and abilities.
Ethical Intelligence involves the ability to think and act with moral insight. These qualities are developed through a total curriculum, which values a spiritual perspective on life within an Anglican context.
The early years at Pulteney are building blocks for success
There is a range of research to support how a quality early education can prepare children for lifelong success. After a full career as a teacher and leader, Denise O’Loughlin knows this to be true.
“The importance of high-quality early childhood education and care cannot be underestimated. It gives children the best start in life. It helps them develop the basic cognitive and socio-emotional skills that are fundamental for their future achievements in school and later as an adult”.
Head of Junior School, Denise has been an integral contributor to the school’s positive learning environments since 2005.
Her knowledge, warmth and engagement with all early learners has made a great impact on the children and their families as they commence their schooling journey.
Denise understands the importance of a welcoming and safe environment to create happy, confident learners.
“The foundation for student learning and continuous development depends on a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment provided by family, school, and the wider community.
Children who feel welcome, connected, safe and happy in their school environment, as they do at Pulteney, will learn”.
Significantly, social interactions and developing a strong sense of belonging helps motivate children to ask questions and understand the world around them.
“Early childhood education and care helps children make friends, develop independence, learn new routines, and support their transition to school. It helps them form positive relationships with others, both children and educators, and develop a sense of belonging within the school,” said Denise.
Pulteney does this well due to its close community and dedicated staff.
“It is Pulteney’s strong sense of community and an environment that promotes close relationships with students, staff, parents, and the wider community.
Staff are actively encouraged to know the students in their care, and to know them well. This is vital in an educational setting,” she said.
