The College aims to maintain high educational, moral and social standards and to have every students attain his/her full potential.  Kindergarten children are encouraged to develop a love of learning with bilingual listening, speaking, reading, writing and numeracy.

Traditional areas of learning, i.e. “the basic skills,” are emphasized and students are assessed regularly on their progress. Teachers provide extension and remedial work where appropriate. Gifted and/or talented students are given tasks to extend them, such as debating, drama, extra research and class presentations. Students are encouraged to participate in competitions and student publications.

The study of English extends across the entire curriculum and is ongoing throughout all the grades. Literature serves as the base to allow literature appreciation to develop naturally. Journal writing and a daily “Sustained Silent Reading” period support independent writing and reading. Ongoing attention is paid to skill development in vocabulary, spelling, grammar, punctuation and handwriting.

Individual differences are addressed through an E.S.L. (“English as a Second Language”) Enrichment Program that provides both in-class team teaching and pull-out personalized drill.

To enhance critical thinking and vocabulary development, there is a strong emphasis on problem-solving throughout the three strands – SPACE, MEASUREMENT and NUMBER – as well as on integrating mathematics with other Key Learning Areas of the curriculum. Self-confidence and a love of learning are fostered in Maths activities, while the spirit and content of the syllabus are implemented.

Using both natural and built environments, students learn actively, develop their curiosity, organize their enquiry procedures and design their own investigations. Formal science laboratory work begins in Year 6 with an increasing emphasis on the mastery of essential knowledge and understandings.

Hands-on experience in the computer laboratory commences in Infants. Students become increasingly confident, creative and efficient in using computer technology while also expanding their affective awareness of the impact such technologies have on our society.

Learning in this area involves the enquiry about people in order to develop understandings of:

People themselves (PERSONAL)
Their relationships with others (SOCIAL)
Their relationships with their surroundings (ENVIRONMENTAL)

Students gain both immediate and long-term value from experiences which stimulate their development of concepts, processes, feelings, values and action patterns which underlie effective citizenship in a pluralistic society.

Throughout the Primary years, emphasis is placed on Australia, its neighbours and mapping skills. Bilingual and interdisciplinary student projects are encouraged as is the active use of library resources.

In the infants’ classes, PD and Health issues are incorporated in the Armenian instruction to be in tune with student family life and customs. Upper Primary instruction is bi-lingual. Such topics include spirituality, sexuality, interpersonal conflict resolution, safety and hygiene. PE comprises movement/dance, gymnastics, aquatics, athletics, game skills, cooperation and sportsmanship.

Students are taught that music is a language. As such, they learn to listen with a discriminating ear, to recognize, read, record and create music in written form, to produce music (including Armenian) vocally and instrumentally, and to appreciate it as a member of the greater family of the Arts.

Visual arts and craft are a regular and popular component of the Primary curriculum. Often, the skills and projects in this area are made use of in an interdisciplinary manner and in workshop format with composite class groupings.

As the language of their forefathers and the language spoken in most homes, Armenian study is an integral part of the College’s program and so is mandatory for students. Both oral and written aspects of the language are practiced and developed from Kindergarten through Year 6 in two separate dialects, Eastern and Western, to meet the needs of families migrated from Iran and Armenia (Eastern) and from the Middle East (Western). An A.S.L. (“Armenian as a Second Language”) program supports those students who enter school with a limited knowledge of Armenian.

Armenian history, geography & current affairs are studied with the  aim of preserving and transmitting the basic Christian and secular values of Armenian culture. The issue of dual identity in a bi-cultural context becomes an open enquiry for the student as s/he progresses through school.

This is a very popular and worthwhile way of encouraging Primary students’ leisure reading. Twice each term Ashton Scholastic publishers issue book order lists from which, without obligation, children may order books at below retail price and help the College receive free classroom/library resources.

Excursions are arranged for each class from time to time throughout the year and, as an extension of classroom learning, are of significant educational value. Excursions are predominantly based on curriculum work from HSIE and Science & Technology – e.g. Golden Ridge Farm, Powerhouse Museum, Canberra.

Parents are informed of details in writing, in advance of the excursion. Their written consent allows a student to attend. Normally, spending money is not required. A nutritious lunch should be supplied. School uniforms are worn on all excursions unless otherwise stated.

Visiting speakers and artists associated with all curriculum areas are invited to the College to address or perform for students – e.g. the mobile Life Education Centre van brings heightened health and drug awareness to K-6

Student assemblies are held each Monday morning and Friday afternoon. These assemblies are an occasion for collective prayer, patriotic respect, student acknowledgement and relevant announcements.

Additionally, merit Assemblies for Infants (Kindergarten – Year 2) and Primary classes (Years 3-6) are held at regular intervals during each term for the purpose of commending individual student behaviour, initiative and achievement.

Special assemblies are held in commemoration of Armenian religious and cultural occasions – such as Vartanantz, Holy Week and Easter, April 24, Independence / Republic Days, Tarkmanchats (Holy Translators) and when visiting speakers and guests from abroad are invited to share their area of expertise with our students.