Learning in the Junior School

This globally recognised curriculum empowers your daughters to become curious, knowledgeable and compassionate learners who inquire into real-world issues and take meaningful action.

Through six transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry each year, students investigate significant concepts that connect learning across subject areas. They ask questions, research, collaborate, think critically and creatively, and develop the confidence to apply their learning in authentic ways. 

Across the Junior School, inquiry extends beyond the classroom, challenging students to apply their learning to authentic, real-world contexts. In Year 2, students explored How the World Works by investigating the challenges astronauts face in space. After researching life aboard the International Space Station, they designed and created prototypes to solve genuine problems, including ways to secure food, grow plants and sleep safely while in orbit. 

In Year 5, students put their learning into action through a Market Day as they inquired into How we organise ourselves, by developing business ideas, managing budgets, marketing products and reflecting on how entrepreneurship can make a positive contribution to the community. 

The Year 6 PYP Exhibition is the culmination of the Primary Years Programme. Students undertake an in-depth inquiry into a global issue of personal significance, working collaboratively to research, analyse multiple perspectives, consult with experts and take meaningful action before sharing their learning with the wider community. 

Through the IB PYP, girls develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to think critically, solve problems creatively and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Personalised learning

At Walford, every girl is known as an individual. Whether she joins us in ELC, Reception or later in her Junior School journey, we take the time to understand where she is in her learning. Through careful observation, teacher expertise and a comprehensive, data-informed ongoing and lineal approach, we identify each student's strengths, areas for growth, and the support, challenge or extension that will help her flourish. 

Our teachers work collaboratively with families, specialist teachers and our Inclusive Education Coordinator to ensure every girl receives the personalised support she needs. By monitoring progress through continuous assessment and regular feedback, no child is overlooked, and every student is empowered to celebrate her achievements, set meaningful goals and confidently take the next steps in her learning. 

At Walford, the foundational Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) in literacy and numeracy, complements the inquiry-based learning of the IB PYP. This balanced approach provides girls with strong foundations while encouraging them to question, investigate, create and solve authentic real-world problems. 

Learning is further enriched through close collaboration between classroom and specialist teachers in Music, French, Mandarin Chinese, Design Thinking, Digital Technologies, Physical Education and Visual Arts. Together, they plan transdisciplinary learning experiences that connect concepts across subject areas, making learning more meaningful, engaging and relevant. 

Evidence-informed literacy and numeracy programs are differentiated to meet each student's needs. 

Through our personalised approach, every girl is known, every girl is challenged, and every girl is supported to achieve her best, her way.