Skip to Main Content

In the Junior School, learning is broad, deep and powerful, and students are encouraged to be curious, take risks and make connections through questioning and discovery. 


In our Junior School, we ignite the spark of creativity with a vibrant curriculum that fuels the imagination of curious minds.

Our students are inquisitive learners and revel in joyful learning. They ask big questions, seek discovery, and are empathetic, thoughtful, and courageous.

Here, students love learning and are empowered by our community to pursue intellectual growth.

 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) nurtures globally-minded learners by fostering curiosity and compassion, empowering students to make a positive impact on the world.

The PYP seamlessly blends the NSW curriculum with six transdisciplinary themes. These themes connect learning across subjects in meaningful ways. Whether students are exploring environmental stewardship or reflecting on identity, students experience a rich, holistic education.

Our focus is on developing confident, independent thinkers while nurturing students' social, emotional, and intercultural growth. We like to think that we're preparing students not just for the classroom, but for life.

Junior School Enrolment Process

Enrolling in the Junior School

We’re so pleased that you are considering Hunter Valley Grammar School for your family. We operate waitlists at most year levels, so it is never too early to make an enquiry. The sooner you join our Waitlist, the higher up the list your child will be and the more settled you will feel.

View the Enrolment Process

Enrolment into the Junior School

Starting Kindy at HVGS
Enrolling into Years 1 - 4
Enrolling in Years 5 - 6

Starting Kindy at HVGS

For many families, Kindergarten is the first tiny step in a big learning journey. We know that Kindergarteners need an environment that nurtures their curious minds and adventurous hearts every day. You’ll find that with us. 

More about Kindy

  • Being part of a high-performing P – 12 school has big benefits! At HVGS Kindy kids have the same access to outstanding facilities, specialist teachers, student mentors and a broad co-curricular program. 
  • Starting in the early years at HVGS sets your child up for sustained success at school – well beyond the Kindy years.  If they have older brothers or sisters, the whole family benefits from being part of the same school, too!
  • Although they are only five, our future-focused curriculum readies Kindergarten students for a global future. Read more about how we develop their worldview.
  • Our comprehensive Kindergarten Orientation and Transition Program settles the nerves and prepares children (and families!) for a seamless transition to big school. Students enrolled in our Early Learning Centre also participate in a structured transition program. Read more about that on our ELC page.

When to enrol?

  • We enrol students into Kindergarten approximately 18 months out from their commencement date, so it's best if you join the Waitlist as soon as possible.

Join the Waitlist

words

Book a tour

Visit us

Enrolling into Years 1 - 4

Thinking of changing schools? No problem! We welcome new enrolments all year round, provided there’s a vacancy.

We know that the decision to change schools can bring mixed emotions. We’re keen to make your child’s transition as smooth as possible and put your mind at rest.

While you’re thinking about us, you’re welcome to visit, and if you would like to chat with key staff, we can arrange that, too.  There’s strong demand for places in our Junior School so we recommend you contact our Registrar as early as possible.

Enrolling in Years 5 - 6

Many families interested in starting in the Senior School at HVGS, are making the decision to start their HVGS learning journey earlier in Year 5.

Changing schools in Year 5 can happen for a variety of reasons. Often, a change in family circumstances prompts the change, or dissatisfaction with the current school, or for parents choosing independent schooling in a K – 12 environment, strong enrolment demand for Year 7 warrants much earlier consideration to guarantee a high school place. This certainly is the case at Hunter Valley Grammar School. 

Read our eBook

Why join in Year 5

Starting in Year 5 at Hunter Valley Grammar School signals a very exciting time in your child’s schooling. There’s a ‘catchphrase’ we use to describe the typical HVGS student – Happy, Bold and Bright, and this certainly true for a Year 5 HVGS student.

Data suggests that Year 5 enrolment has grown by almost 14%, and the trend shows that these figures are increasing. Read our digital paper about this growing trend.

 

Our teachers

Expert Educators and Specialist Teachers

High-quality teaching is the single most important factor influencing your child’s achievement and engagement at school. Our classroom teachers have a special reputation for excellence and are beloved by their students. Students also enjoy lessons from five Specialist Teachers who bring their experiences and proficiency to music, French, sport, visual arts and library lessons.

Enrichment

Gifted and Talented

High-potential and gifted students from K-6 benefit from enrichment and extension opportunities. Our Gifted and Talented team works with teachers to create challenging and engaging experiences both in the classroom and through after-school programs and activities like the Da Vinci Decathlon. The curriculum is regularly adjusted to ensure teaching and learning is appropriate to students' cognitive readiness and holistic development.

Wellbeing

Supporting Learners

Our Student Services team is made up of specialised teachers, psychologists and educational assistants who offer in-class, small group, individual support and specialist programs to provide for students’ broad set of diverse needs.

Thriving

Academic Achievement

Students at HVGS achieve outstanding results well above average in national tests and in a wide variety of local and national competitions. NAPLAN is just one measure of success and HVGS uses a variety of tools and assessments to measure student achivement.

Junior School Leadership

Meet our Junior School Team

Our experienced Junior School Leadership Team ensures that students benefit from high expectations and innovative, differentiated learning approaches. Within their respective roles, they champion a pastoral approach that supports stability and consistency for every child.

Beyond the classroom

Co-curricular

Our students thrive beyond the classroom in diverse opportunities in: sports, academics, performing arts, and special interest clubs, catering to a broad range of interests and passions. There is something for absolutely everyone here.

Beyond the classroom

Experiential Learning

Our students thrive beyond the classroom in diverse opportunities that cut across a broad range of interests and passions. There is something for absolutely everyone here.

Onsite OOSH

Out of School Hours Care

Peace of mind is knowing that your children are safe and having fun in our onsite Out of School Hours Care Service while you get on with your working day. TeamKids run our Before and After School Care and Vacation Care programs right here onsite.

Visit Teamkids