IN THE CLASSROOM

From 8.15am, the first arrivals at City campus make their way from the King Street or Basement entrance to their homerooms on Level 3. They unpack their school bags while catching up with friends.

Big city learning

“The shared space outside the Junior School classrooms is an ideal place for Year 2s to socialise with their peers. Together with the Prep to Year 4 students they might build with blocks, read a book or comic, construct something with Lego or just sit and enjoy each other’s company,” says City Year 2 Teacher Karen Joustra.

At 8.30 am, the roll is marked and the school day officially begins. From now, students will study English, Mathematics and Inquiry. They also enjoy Specialist classes including Art, Communications and Digital Technology, Chinese, Choir, Drama, Library, Physical Education, Science and Strings.

“Strings is unique to Year 2 at all campuses and is an important part of our Music Program at Haileybury,” says Karen.

From a playground overlooking the Melbourne CBD, to bright and colourful classrooms and the chance to explore the museums and historic landmarks on their doorstep, life at Haileybury’s City campus changes every day. Here’s a glimpse into what a school day might look like for our active and inquisitive Year 2 students… “Year 2 students can learn cello, violin or viola and they take part in small group lessons and ensemble rehearsals each week. Many students also enrol in private music lessons at school.”

At 10.25 am, it’s time for recess and students also enjoy lunch from 12.25 pm. City students have a raft of places where they can play and explore during their free time, supervised by their classroom teacher.

“On a fine day, Year 2 may visit the playground at Flagstaff Gardens. This playground is shared with the public and we are proud of how our Year 2 students play and interact respectfully with others,” says Tim Naughton, City Head of Junior School.

“Level 1 at City is a dedicated athletic space where the students can run, play Down Ball, walk on stilts, skip, play ball games and chase each other in a fun game of Tiggy. The wide seating area with different platforms makes a great stage for impromptu drama performances and dance routines.”

Level 3 of the City building is an indoor and outdoor space where Year 2s can build with construction materials, draw, read and play indoor games. An adjoining terrace features raised garden beds and Level 4 overlooks Flagstaff Gardens and is referred to by Haileybury as ‘our playground in the sky’. The space has climbing frames, open spaces and interesting corners and ornaments for Year 2s to explore. On certain days of the week, Year 2s make their way to Inside Out—a purpose-built basketball court a short walk away from City campus.

“It provides Year 2 with a securely enclosed space that is perfect for PE classes,” says Karen.

“Here they practise and develop skills while learning the importance of sportsmanship, safety and fair play.”

And what do Year 2s say are their favourite games to play at Inside Out? Top favourites are: Everyone is It, Tag, and Fruit Salad.

Science is part of the curriculum with a working lab on Level 6 where students conduct experiments and record their findings. The Art Room on Level 2 overlooks busy King Street and provides a great cityscape for budding artists to sketch. Level 2 is all about the Arts with Dance and Drama studios and a Choir room equipped with percussion instruments and other musical equipment to inspire future virtuosos. Bookworms in Year 2 might choose to spend some of their time in the Junior School Library that is home to more than 1,000 books.

“City campus is special because our vertical building and location is unique,” says Tim.

“We’re opposite the beautiful Flagstaff Gardens that provide a peaceful backdrop for learning and teaching. We’re also close to many popular attractions that provide opportunities for students to visit and move about their local community. Each day at City campus is full of excitement and new discoveries.”