Our purpose built Junior School, which opened in 1997, provides modern learning spaces for Kindergarten to Year Four students. In 2012, the classrooms were transformed to create large, semi-open learning environments we now call flexible learning environments. Additionally, in 2018, a beautiful new building was opened for Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two which adjoins our Narnia Christian Preschool and Early Learning Centre.
Our K-2 learning environments are young child friendly and welcoming with appealing colours and furnishings that attract young children. These spaces are designed to blend the environments of preschool, home and school as part of our transition plan to ease children into the world of formal schooling in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. All K-2 learning spaces feature theatre-quality acoustic curtains which open and close to create spaces for quiet thought, small and large group spaces.
Our Year 3 learning environment is partly housed in an 1860 cottage, which was originally owned by Mr Atkinson Alfred Patrick Tighe, a prominent Novocastrian and member of State Parliament. Many of the local streets are named after AAP Tighe and his family. This space was renovated after the 1989 earthquake and still has some of the original features such the triple-gabled frontage, the original windows, a feature wall of Waratah Sandstone which was quarried at nearby Braye Park and the remnants of the old fireplace. The AAP Tighe Cottage creates a wonderful environment for our students in the middle years of Primary schooling.
Upstairs in the Junior School facilities built in 1997, our Year 4 classes are also housed in a flexible, semi-open space which includes large open meeting areas and break out spaces for small group work. Furniture with a variety of configurations and decor in striking colours add to the appeal of this learning environment. Downstairs, our new K-6 STEM centre takes pride of place. Whether it be coding Lego robots, printing CAD designed products on our 3D printers or racing scaled student-built racing cars down our timed race track, a world of amazing learning opportunities awaits. STEM specifically targets hands-on practical learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Adjoining this space is our K-6 Library which features the traditional elements of libraries such a rich literature for borrowing, and also additional learning spaces for weekly Library lessons with our teacher librarians.
The Junior School Learning Environments are supported by a state of the art Theatre which also opened in 2012 and is used for many activities including Chapel, Assembly, Dance and Drama and a learning ‘Enrichment’ Centre for students needing additional support.
The Outdoor Environment has a spacious amphitheatre and a constructed synthetic play area and protective shelter. Playground equipment is also a feature of the Junior School. The Kinder Retreat area is a play space for Kindergarten students only. This area caters for students who prefer not to be in the larger playground. This area has a sand pit, toys and art activities provided to assist children in the transition from the pre-school to school.
