Junior School

In Grades 4 through 6, we place a strong emphasis on foundational skill-building in literacy and numeracy, as well as developing future-ready competencies like teamwork, problem-solving and innovative thinking.

Our Junior academic program extends beyond the Ontario curriculum and fosters creativity, critical thinking and a passion for knowledge. Caring homeroom teachers, social emotional learning spaces, exceptional teachers trained to deliver research-based literacy and mathematics and explicit teaching of the ethical use of AI round out our programming for accelerated learning growth.

COLLABORATIVE CLASSROOMS

Evidence shows that inquiry-based, collaborative approaches coupled with foundational and intentional skill-building in literacy and mathematics are integral to Junior School programs.

At Trafalgar, our students in Grades 4 through 6 engage in our Collaborative Classroom model, where teachers partner to deliver a rigorous, high quality and meaningful curriculum that challenges every student to achieve their full potential.

Teachers work as a team to provide the type of expert feedback and individual instruction necessary for each girl to achieve her personal best and ignite her love of learning. Students collaborate in a variety of ways including as a whole class, in small groups, across grades and across subjects.

Mathematics:

Our mathematics program is informed by research and pulls from influential leaders in the mathematics space like Jo Boaler, Marian Small and Singapore Math to thoroughly ground our students in the fundamentals of mathematics and better prepare them for higher learning.

Science & Social Science:

With frameworks of inquiry, design thinking, exploration, design and projectbased learning, our Science and Social Sciences program builds each student’s personal understanding of topics through relevant, real-world learning and helps her apply her knowledge to new situations and challenges.

Computer Coding & Robotics:

Learning to code and robotics are important future-ready skills. Our Junior School students learn how simple computers work through hands-on and engaging instruction. Through the language of coding, students are challenged to deepen their computational thinking, creative problem-solving, and fluid reasoning through fun activities, involving Spero Bolt robots and more.

English Language Arts:

Our English Language Arts program is informed by the Science of Reading, a vast interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. We integrate this research into our program and focus on explicit instruction around morphology and vocabulary.

French:

French studies involve the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM) approach to allow students to rapidly achieve levels of oral and written proficiency rarely seen with conventional methods. Authentic learning is achieved through the use of vocabulary introduced with story-telling, gestures, drama, songs, dance, collaboration and repetition.

Integrated Arts:

We believe in the transformative power of the Arts. Our program provides students with opportunities to develop their confidence, reflect on their evolving identities, and embrace the power of creation through instrumental and vocal music, drama and visual arts. We believe that the Arts are fundamental to each student’s emotional, social and academic well-being as they deepen relationships and build connections across the classroom, the school and the community. Our Integrated Arts program is also one part of Trafalgar Castle School’s strong STEAM program.

Health & Physical Education:

For Junior School students, we introduce a robust physical and health literacy program that includes a low ropes program on our outdoor low ropes course.