Balwyn North Primary School is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy: a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.
More details about the International Baccalaureate can be found on their website below.
Developing the whole child is central to the learning program at Balwyn North Primary School. Students investigate the world around them through Units of Inquiry. These units allow students to conduct research and real-life learning tasks, helping them to better understand an array of topics within science, the environment, politics, economics, and more. The development of research, communication, thinking and interpersonal skills are all essential components of the Units of Inquiry, ensuring that our students are developing the broad range of skills they will require for their future.
English and Mathematics teaching is strongly emphasised to provide a foundation for all learning. Daily literacy and numeracy learning blocks are designed around the individual learning needs of each student, giving extension and support where needed.
Balwyn North Primary School has a strong commitment to meeting the needs of 21st-century learners, with high levels of learning technologies throughout the school. ICT is used to support innovative teaching and learning practices. Resources include class sets of iPads (Years F-3), school-owned netbooks, and an optional 1:1 device program in Years 4-6.
The classroom learning program is supported by a complete specialist program, consisting of:
Several optional programs are also offered to students to develop their interests and talents.
At Balwyn North Primary School, we are particularly proud of our thriving chess community, with the Chess Club beginning in 1997 with a small group of enthusiastic and talented players. Eight students participated in tournaments run by Chess Victoria. Over the past 25 years, the Club has continued to expand and grow. Players of all abilities are welcomed and now almost a third of our students participate in the Thursday lunchtime classes. Professional coaches from Chess Ideas provide stimulating lessons and supervise match play each week. As students improve their skills, there are opportunities to participate in inter-school tournaments. Our school has almost always qualified for the State Finals, and, in 2019, our players were the Kids Unlimited Primary National champions. In 2020, tournaments went online, so that students could continue to enjoy the game. Our team was the only primary school in the history of the event to win the Middle Years (Years 5–9) National Final. Playing chess has been proven to have many cognitive and social benefits, but at Balwyn North Primary, we just know that Chess is fun!
Students are also provided with the option of participating in private tuition in the following programs: