Years 1 - 6

We believe learning is about the growth of the whole child. We recognise that each of our girls learn in a different way, so we cater to individual styles, passions and strengths. From Years 1-6, your daughter will experience a rich ‘inquiry’ model designed to engage her in learning and inspire her to take risks, explore new concepts and deepen her understanding across all areas of the curriculum.

Head of Junior School

Suzanne Brewin is the Head of the Junior School at Diocesan School for Girls. She sees her role as ensuring all girls view themselves as successful learners, from the time they begin their education in the Foundation Centre until they graduate to the Junior High School and beyond.

"We encourage all students to lead balanced lives and to find the joy in all that they do both inside and outside the classroom."

An International Baccalaureate School

We are an International Baccalaureate School and teach the New Zealand curriculum through an inquiry-based model. Our School is accredited to teach the Primary Years Programme (PYP) of the International Baccalaureate which links to the New Zealand Curriculum and is part of Diocesan’s school-wide approach to unified learning.

Digital Learning

Digital learning in the Junior School is an exciting journey. More than 200 mobile devices are used daily as learning tools, giving students key digital skills and helping them to explore the online world in a safe environment. Our classrooms are fitted with pods of iPads and from Year 3, girls have individual iPads. While engaging with digital technology is important, we are careful to maintain a balance between digital and non-digital learning.

PYP emphasises cognitive, social and personal development and teaches high level thinking skills that enable students to learn to critically analyse information. The programme is designed to foster the development of the whole child, encompassing her social, physical, emotional and cultural needs as well as her academic development.

PYP prepares students for Dio’s dual educational pathway where they can choose to study for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma offered in our Senior School.

We have a strong focus on literacy and numeracy and offer specialist teaching in performing arts, visual art, science, technology, health and physical education and French, Mandarin and Spanish. We recognise that families are an important part of our School community so we regularly invite parents in to visit, encouraging involvement in their daughter’s learning and sharing their knowledge, experience and expertise with the girls.