THE KING DAVID SCHOOL

With an emphasis on academic and personal excellence, creativity and individual self-expression, The King David School provides outstanding education from 15 month pre-school through to VCE. The school promotes social justice, cultural and religious diversity and global citizenship. Conveniently located in the heart of Armadale, The King David School’s values of Modern Thinking Judaism inform every aspect of school life.

Facilities: The King David School’s pre-schools combine high quality education and care with the convenience of flexible hours and access to government benefits. The philosophy of The King David School Pre-School is to promote each child’s intellectual, physical, social, emotional and language development in an environment that is safe, nurturing and challenging whilst being sensitive to the needs and preferences of families.

Curriculum: In the Junior School (Prep to Year 4) learning is reflective, positive, linked with self-esteem, modelled, immersed in context and has real-life purpose. Students are encouraged to learn to work independently as well as co-operatively and lessons are structured so that students experience challenge and success. For example, the model Kibbutz program not only educates students in agriculture, sustainability and conservation, it encourages co-operative group learning and social skills. Rich learning experiences in literacy, numeracy, science and Jewish Studies are also generated by this exciting hands-on program. The school’s Philosophy for Children program encourages children to think deeply about issues and transfer this skill to all areas of learning. The Middle School (Years 5 to 8) focuses on the transition between Primary and Secondary teaching models. In Years 5 and 6 there is greater emphasis on independent learning skills and the focus on study skills in Years 7 and 8 assists students to become more organised and self-reliant. Student leadership is fostered through representation on the Student Representative Council and through the House system. The breadth of subject offerings in the Senior School (Years 9 to 12) has been developed to enable students to explore and extend their talents. The King David School’s innovative science programs have gained a reputation as being cutting edge. The school is the only school in Australia to have participated in an international Science competition, CanSat, as well as be mentors to other schools in robotics competitions. The Year 9 Expanding Horizons program was developed to encourage active and responsible citizenship, provide students with an exciting and engaging curriculum, develop life skills and encourage students to work outside of their comfort zones. The program includes a rural community project, community service, school community project and a city project. Enterprise Experience and careers counselling begin in Years 9 and 10 to familiarise students with the range of tertiary courses available and the varied careers that can be accessed through a multiplicity
of pathways.

Academic performance: The King David School consistently achieves excellent student outcomes in VCE. Graduates gain entry to a wide range of tertiary options from the most prestigious and established to the most innovative and leading edge courses. Students at the school are validated in a wide range of ways that encourage them to consider these options. Academic, music/performing arts and sport scholarships are available.

Student welfare programs: Student wellbeing encompasses psychological services, special education, enrichment education and careers counselling. The school has three educational psychologists and several special education and enrichment teachers as well as a careers counsellor. They all contribute to an atmosphere where students feel they can resolve problems, learn life skills and achieve academically. The school has embraced the RULER approach, based on the concept of Emotional Intelligence. Senior staff attended a training course at Yale University. The framework encompasses a wide range of areas that teach students, their parents and the teachers a set of skills that will assist
them in managing the various difficulties that happen in life, develop their relationships and improve academic performance. Wellbeing classes are implemented across the school, incorporating the teachings of the RULER approach. The school also offers special programs for the development of friendship skills as well as an extensive parent education program. The school has pro-active programs to deal with social issues, bullying and a wide range of
other issues.