The Catalyst Program

Catalyst, our Junior School Enrichment, Extension and Challenge Program, is designed to spark curiosity, inspire challenge, and empower each girl to become a confident, independent thinker. Through inquiry-based learning, deep conceptual understanding, and authentic, real-world connections, Catalyst nurtures a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom. 

Grounded in the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Catalyst supports enrichment and extension through inquiry, creativity, and student agency. We celebrate each student’s unique talents and foster a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged and excellence is inspired. 

What does enrichment and extension look like in the Walford Junior School?

In the classroom

• In-class differentiation – Teachers tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs, providing challenge and support that promote higher-order thinking. 

• Inquiry through the PYP – Students explore real-world questions and develop agency, curiosity, and critical thinking.
• Mathematics acceleration – Small-group enrichment sessions extend mathematical understanding and nurture a love of challenge. Additional dedicated sessions run by Junior and Senior Mathematics Specialists.

Academic challenges and competitions

• da Vinci Decathlon – Academic team challenge competition across ten disciplines.
• APSMO Olympiads & Maths Explorer – Programs designed to enhance mathematical reasoning.
• Australian Mathematics Trust Competitions – Includes AMC, CAT, and AIO challenges.
• ICAS Competitions – Writing, English, Science, Spelling, Mathematics, and Digital Technologies.
• National Writing Competitions – SAETA and Whitlam Institute “What Matters?”
• Oliphant Science Awards – A statewide competition encouraging creativity and innovation in science.
• Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee – culminating in the national finals.
• IPSHA Poetry Recital – Expression and performance.
• IPSHA Junior Orator – Builds confidence and persuasive communication.
• Robocup – A competition designed to challenge girls design, coding and STEM skills.
• SADA Debating Competition – Engaging debates for Years 5 and 6.
• Playberry Laser Literacy Program – Multisensory language study.
• Tournament of Minds (TOM) – Collaborative problem-solving in STEM, Language & Literature, and The Arts.
• Chess competitions – Open to Years 3 to 6, with opportunities for younger girls by invitation.

Service, leadership, clubs and committees

• Young Engineers LEGO® Robotics Club – Hands-on exploration of engineering and coding.
• Students In Action (SIA) Club – Leadership and collaboration platform, open to all to bring ideas along to a weekly forum with the Head of the Junior School.
• RAP Committee – Contributing to Walford’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Year 5 Service and Leadership Program – Builds understanding of leadership qualities.
• Year 6 Compass Award – A nationally recognised program promoting initiative and community service
• Thinkers Club – A precursor to TOM, providing group challenges, problem solving, critical thinking and higher order thinking skills.

The arts and athletics

• Junior School Musical/Junior School Showcase – Biennial productions on alternate years, fostering creativity and teamwork.
• Music Ensembles – Band, orchestra, and strings opportunities for all, with advanced pathways.
• Sapsasa representative sports – District, state and national-level opportunities.

• High Performance Athlete Academy (HPAA) – For students demonstrating exceptional sporting potential.