Primary School
They Aren't Too Young
Pal Primary was established with a learning environment that challenges traditional notions of primary education. At the core of a Pal Primary student lies a commitment to excellence, both academically and morally. We also draw moral teachings from the Buddha's discourse on lovingkindness, compassion, selfless joy, and equanimity, which serve as the foundation for positive learning experiences. Our dedicated teachers prioritise mindful inquiry, fostering awareness of our actions on ourselves, others, and the environment throughout the day. We nurture awareness and responsibility to serve the world.
We take pride in our unique approach to education - our students have achieved remarkable academic feats for a relatively young school, consistently performing exceptionally in NAPLAN tests. We attribute our success to several key factors that set our school apart.
Tailored Learning Environment
Our Primary Learning Environment offers personalised attention, with each grade having a dedicated classroom and teacher who addresses academic, social, and emotional needs. Our curriculum breaks down the boundaries between subjects, promoting critical thinking and ethical awareness. We believe in fostering creative thinking through our Knowledge Rich Curriculum. This approach allows students to explore meaningful connections between various subjects and skills, providing a deeper understanding of real-world issues. To support our knowledge-rich curriculum, our teachers follow a high school approach, with specialist teachers assigned to each subject. This allows for the depth and breadth of a subject to be explored, with our teachers having a rich understanding of the subject content and knowledge of the learning continuum for their subject. The teachers work closely in collaboration to ensure that each term has a primary focus area, with other subjects connecting and supporting the learning process. Students learn English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and other subjects, but based on key inquiry themes rather than arbitrary units, as one often finds in most schools.
Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the curriculum, we offer a rich array of co-curricular programs, including service learning, public speaking competitions, and cross-age mentorship. Our House System, based on the Four Sublime Virtues, encourages students to act with kindness, generosity, and excellence.
Excursions and incursions are incorporated throughout the terms to engage and entice the students to take their learning beyond the classroom. They bring new and hands-on experiences to their general classroom studies.
The Biannual Stage 3 Civics and Citizenship camp is held in the Australian capital of Canberra. Canberra was chosen as the location because most of Australia's government entities are located in its capital city. It is believed that as an Australian or international student studying in Australia, it is crucial to have a better understanding of the government system and its history. The highlight of the trip itself will be the Parliament House, where the most important events of the Australian Government take place. In addition, students will also be taken to memorials and science galleries, which are promised to be informative and fun for all participants.
Science of the Mind
In Dhamma Classes, students explore the Buddha's teachings on wisdom, morality, and diligence, with a focus on personal excellence and mindfulness. Mindfulness training is integrated into our daily routines, cultivating focus, self-awareness, and informed decision-making. Each week, students are guided through the Buddha's teachings on Wisdom, Morality, and Discipline in ways suitable for children. These sessions explore meditation, the Noble Eightfold Path, and how these principles apply to students' lives today. Our commitment to Dhamma principles extends beyond the classroom through weekly service assignments, providing practical opportunities for students to understand and practice these values.
Assessments and Homework
Pal Primary students undertake yearly exams, fostering a culture of academic excellence and preparing them for the transition to secondary school. We also value homework as a means to deepen understanding and offer various support programs. Pal Primary students are encouraged to set and achieve personal goals in yearly examinations. School reports, accompanied by student portfolios, provide insights into learning, facilitating productive parent-teacher discussions. We believe that education is a partnership between the school, students, and parents. Homework at Pal Primary is designed to supplement and extend classroom learning. We encourage parents to actively engage with their child's homework by signing off on completed tasks. Our homework help sessions before school and reading time during the week ensure that students receive the necessary support to excel academically. This collaborative approach to learning empowers students to reach their full potential.