Primary School
Primary School at Great Southern Grammar
Welcome to Primary School (Year Three to Six) at Great Southern Grammar.
Our teaching and learning Philosophy is founded on a deep respect for the unique potential of every child to make a meaningful impact on the world. This belief is reflected in our academic, pastoral and cocurricular programs, all of which are designed to support students in setting and achieving academic and social-emotional goals.
Primary School Virtual Tour
Years Three to Six
When your child is in Years Three to Six at GSG, we will work with you to encourage your child to explore their interests and learning style. The specific things that spark your child's interest light up their curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, helping them become more independent learners.
Academic Excellence
In Primary School, we emphasise the development of core academic skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity and a love for learning, with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and critical thinking. Through a careful blend of explicit instruction using high-impact teaching practices and authentic inquiry learning, students engage in hands-on activities, experiments and inquiry projects that bring learning to life. Our students’ learning is carefully monitored by a team of educators who work together to support, extend and consolidate their learning based on regular data analysis. Our comprehensive structured literacy programme ensures that every child develops strong reading and writing skills, setting them up for future success.
Enriching Activities
Beyond the classroom, our Primary School students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities that promote creativity, physical fitness and social skills. Visual Arts allow children to express their creativity, whilst music and movement classes help them develop rhythm and coordination. Physical Education classes and sports activities keep students active and teach them the importance of teamwork and collaboration. After-school Horizons and cocurricular programmes such as coding, dancing and arts and crafts, provide additional opportunities for exploration and fun. Surrounded by 144 acres of bushland, open spaces and the shoreline of Miaritch/Oyster Harbour, our campus lends itself to enriching, authentic learning experiences utilising the natural environment and well-equipped learning facilities. A comprehensive Year Three to Six camps and Service Learning programme has been carefully constructed to enhance outcomes and provide authentic learning opportunities for our students alongside additional trips and tours for sporting and academic activities.
Social and Emotional Development
Great Southern Grammar prioritises pastoral care and social-emotional learning. Our programmes are designed to help children build confidence, develop empathy and learn important social skills. Character education lessons teach students about values such as empathy, responsibility and kindness, whilst whole school programmes aim to embed our school values of respect, integrity, courage and compassion. Peer interaction and team-building activities foster a sense of community and belonging, while positive behaviour support ensures a safe and nurturing environment for all.
Parent Involvement
We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for a child’s success. We encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education through regular communication, volunteer opportunities and participation in school events. Parents can volunteer in the classroom, attend parent-teacher conferences and join in on family fun nights. School community events, such as picnics and cultural celebrations, provide additional opportunities for families to connect and engage with the school community. We value transparent communication about children’s progress, ensuring families feel informed.
The Year Six Experience
Year Six represents a significant milestone for young people and their families as it marks the final year of their Primary School experience and a transition period towards Secondary School. Our Year Six programme is specifically designed to enhance the experience for our students. Our capstone experience is a personal development programme we call ‘The Anchor’, incorporating character, leadership, service and an exhibition of learning.
‘The Anchor’ is a year-long programme designed to allow students to explore their own character and develop leadership and service skills. It is the capstone to our Years Three to Six service-learning programme and the final Primary School rite of passage. Our students leave GSG’s Primary School more than ready to continue their life and educational journey, transitioning seamlessly into our Secondary School.
Meet Leah Field - Head of Primary / Teacher
Leah was featured in our Behind the Blackboard series, where we shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals who make up the GSG team.
Discover more inspiring stories in our Staff Spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a day look like in Primary School?
Our day begins with supervised care from 8.10am with classroom doors opening at 8.30am.
- 8.55am Lessons start
- 10.55am Recess
- 11.15am-1.15pm Lessons
- 1.15pm Lunch
- 1.50-3.10pm Lessons
- 3.10pm End of the day
How do you communicate with and include families in learning?
GSG prides itself on the open and timely communication between families and the school. Classroom diaries provide a valuable bridge between home and school, allowing teachers to outline homework or upcoming events and for families to communicate day-to-day arrangements.
We also utilise SEQTA, our secure online platform, to keep families informed about their child's academic progress, as well as share photos and videos that capture the rich learning journey of each child. MyGSG is the school’s online space for the day-to-day running of the school. We encourage you to download the school’s app alongside SEQTA Engage, and Flexi-Schools (lunch ordering).
What is the enrolment process at Great Southern Grammar?
At GSG, we value every child’s unique journey, which is why we approach each enrolment with care and individual attention. Our friendly enrolments team will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring it is smooth and supportive.
We generally begin with a tour of the school and once we have received your application or expression of interest, your family will be warmly invited to meet the Head of Primary School, providing a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know both you and your child.
Our enrolments officer will guide you through each step of the process. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus and partnering with you as you begin this special chapter in your child’s learning journey.
What makes Great Southern Grammar the right choice for our family?
At GSG we are deeply committed to creating a place where children feel safe, valued and inspired. Our strength lies in the genuine care we show every child and family, the open and respectful communication we foster and the sense of community and belonging we build together.
We believe strong relationships are at the heart of a great education. Our passionate teachers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and they are lifelong learners themselves, always growing, reflecting and refining their practice to give each child the best start. At GSG, we invest in people, connections and the joy of learning.
How does Primary School work in a Pre-Kindergarten to Year Twelve Campus?
One of the most wonderful aspects of Great Southern Grammar is that we are a Pre-Kindergarten to Year Twelve school, creating numerous rich opportunities for our youngest learners all the way to our oldest learners to come together and share within the school's rich resources.
🌟 Concerts and performances, where younger and older students come together to share their talents and celebrate achievements
🌟 House days, building team spirit and cross-age friendships through fun, inclusive activities
🌟 Service learning projects, where students of all ages work side-by-side to contribute to the wider community
🌟 Mentoring and buddy programmes, with older students guiding, supporting and inspiring our youngest learners
🌟 Shared school events, such as assemblies, Book Week parades and special celebrations that unite the whole school
These experiences help create a strong sense of belonging and connection across all year levels at GSG.
What cocurricular offerings does GSG have?
GSG has a rich and diverse cocurricular offerings, which you are welcome to become involved in as little or as many as your family wishes. These are largely run by our teaching staff who enjoy the opportunity to share their passions and pursuits with the students. Options include but are not limited to;
🌟Horizons (after-school clubs programme)
🌟Griffins Sports teams
🌟Trips and tours for sporting and academic opportunities
🌟Comprehensive music programme including before, after and in-school opportunities
🌟Service Learning opportunities
What camps will my child attend?
Our camp's programme is included in our fees structure and begins in Year Three and gradually increases in time and distance from home. Camps are important rites of passage as well as an excellent opportunity to learn outside of the school environment. Our camps are based on social-emotional and curriculum learning opportunities suitable for each year level.
🌟Year 3 – One-night sleepover at school and a day excursion to climb Castle Rock
🌟Year 4 – Two-night camp at Camp Quaranup
🌟Year 5 – Three-night stay in Perth
🌟Year 6 – Four-night stay on Rottnest Island
Trips and tours, non-inclusive of school fees, happen annually and biannually for academic and sporting opportunities for selected students.
Great Southern Grammar acknowledges that the land upon which we learn, play and grow is Menang land, whose traditional custodians are the Noongar people. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that their sovereignty was never ceded.