As parents, we all strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our children. When it comes to fostering academic growth, personal development, and lifelong friendships, the decision to transition your child to an independent school in Year 4 can be a game-changer. We believe that beginning this transformative journey in Primary School, rather than waiting until their senior years, lays a strong foundation for your child’s confidence in themselves and their abilities as a learner.

Benefits of this pivotal transition in Year 4

  1. Inspiring personal development: Year 4 marks a crucial stage in a child's personal development as it is the time in a child’s life where they begin comparing and contrasting themselves to their peers on a number of levels. These comparisons can underpin a child’s self worth and self-esteem and help inform the child’s opinion of themselves, both positive and negative. Once these self-evaluations have been formulated, they are very difficult to change in later years. It is important that schools have defined conversations about uniqueness and personal strengths with their students, supported by sessions to formulate goals, realistic targets and offer feedback. It is vital that within these sessions students appreciate that learning is not a linear process. At Toorak, we prioritise a well-rounded education for our students that goes beyond academics, emphasising character development and life skills. From leadership programs and co-curricular activities to community service projects, students are encouraged to explore their passions, build resilience, cultivate a growth mindset and view the world beyond their perspective.
  2. Individualised attention for academic growth: In an independent school setting, smaller class sizes allow teachers to provide more individualised attention to each student. With personalised and targeted learning plans, educators can identify and nurture your child's unique strengths and address any challenges they may face. By honing their academic skills early on, your child can build a solid academic base that will serve as a springboard for success into High School. It is in these early years that we want to avoid our children pigeonholing their strengths whilst simultaneously defining that they have deficits in certain curriculum areas. “I’m not good at Maths” is a sentiment that demonstrates that the student’s mindset is fixed and that they have not experienced constant success in targeted programs. The earlier in a child’s learning journey that this mindset is challenged, the more positive a student’s self-talk has the potential to be.
  3. Seamless integration and personalised support: Moving schools can be an intimidating experience for children, however, in Year 4, children are generally more adaptable and open to new experiences. Transitioning to an independent school at this age allows them to integrate seamlessly into the school culture and allows time for the fundamentals of education to be consolidated, if they have not yet developed these at their previous school. Dedicated support systems such as orientation programs and mentorship initiatives, ensure that your child feels comfortable and supported from day one.
  4. Tailored curriculum and enrichment opportunities: At Toorak College our curriculum has been tailored to meet the specific needs of our students. By identifying your child's learning style, strengths, and interests, we can offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities that foster a love for learning. These programs allow your child to understand that there is more to be mastered as well as stretching their thinking and learning potential. Dedicated learning enhancement staff and classroom teachers work closely together to pinpoint your child’s strengths and ascertain their point of need in order to plan the next steps in their progression. Recognising how capable our students are enables us to establish high expectations for their academic growth as well as ensuring that complacency is avoided at a young age. Students set specific and measurable goals, ensuring interest, ownership and responsibility for their learning journey.

As you carefully consider the path to the best education for your child, it is comforting to know that transitioning to an independent school during the Primary School years will provide the best opportunity for your child to strengthen their confidence in themselves and their abilities.

For further information on our Junior School program please visit our website, or email our Enrolments Office at enrolments@toorakc.vic.edu.au to book a School Tour or register for our Try us for a Day program. Final places for 2024 and 2025 entry into our Junior School are now being offered.


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