2 Years 4 & 6: Discover the QMC Difference

Empowered to explore. Inspired to Lead.

At Queen Margaret College, learning in Years 4 and 6 is about more than academics – it’s a journey of discovery, personal growth and wellbeing. service and leadership. These are the years where girls begin to shape their future and the future of those around them.

Year 4 marks a new chapter where girls take bold steps into independence, leadership and deeper learning. It's a time when they begin to apply their learning in real-world contexts, strengthen friendships, and discover their unique voice.

Year 6 prepares girls to take on the challenge of Year 7 and beyond – academically, emotionally and socially – with confidence and readiness. Year 6 is also a launchpad year for global citizenship and leadership, laying the path for what we hope will become a lifelong journey.

"At our school, girls don't just learn. They lead, inquire, and grow into confident changemakers. Through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, we empower young learners to take ownership of their learning, explore the world with curiosity, and develop the skills to make a meaningful impact."

- Jan Treeby, Principal, Junior School

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Learning that matters: International Baccalaureate (IB)

Guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), our transdisciplinary approach ensures learning is always in context.

Girls explore big ideas across subjects, connecting classroom knowledge to the world around them.
Through concept-based inquiry, students ask meaningful questions, investigate deeply, and develop a rich understanding of complex issues.
Girls find their voice and use it with confidence.
We develop strong foundations in literacy and mathematics.

Languages

At QMC, acquiring a new language is about cultural connection, confidence and communication.

From Year 2, students learn French through the AIM (Accelerative Integrated Method) immersion approach, using gestures, storytelling and drama to build fluency in a fun, engaging way.
Annually, students in Years 2-6 perform a play entirely in French, helping them develop pronunciation, confidence, comprehension and expressive language skills.
We foster a love for languages and global cultures, laying the foundation for multilingual, internationally-minded learners.

Music

At QMC, music is a language through which girls connect, create and perform.

Every student learns music and sings and performs in a choir at events throughout the year.
Building on the instrumental music programme introduced in Year 3, Year 4 students learn the violin or cello (supplied by the school) and are guided by expert tutors. They progress to ensemble playing band.
In Years 5 and 6, students can choose to add another instrument, including flute, trumpet, clarinet, or drums and take part in a band.
By Year 6, every student can read music and perform with confidence.

Sports and performing arts

We offer a well-rounded education that includes:

20 sports on offer from Year 1-6, building resilience, confidence and team works skills.
Biannual musical or drama productions that nurture creativity, self-confidence and relationship-building and collaborative skills

Education outside the classroom

We offer experiences outside the classroom that foster friendship, build resilience, and allow students to put learning into real-world contexts.

Year 4 marks the start of Outdoor Education Programme, where girls experience their first two-night school camp.
Year 6 expands this experience with a four-day outdoor education camp.
Trips to important national and local icons like Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, Zealandia, City Gallery and National Library introduce students to new ways to see and experience the world.

Expert teachers, optimal class sizes

Students develop independence, resilience and confidence within a supportive and nurturing environment.

Our IB-trained teachers are passionate about nurturing each girl's potential and fostering a strong sense of learner agency.
With optimal class sizes, every student is known, supported, and challenged.

A global perspective

Students develop international-mindedness, learning to see the world through diverse lenses and understanding their place in it. Our students become:

Thoughtful, open-minded and caring global citizens
Ready to make a difference in their communities, and beyond.

Year 4 Learning Highlights

Robotics and coding spark creativity.
Academic, sporting, and cultural exploration builds independence.
Introduction to the violin or cello (supplied by the school) followed by ensemble playing and band nurture a love of music, support lifelong learning and teach creative collaboration.

Year 6 Learning Highlights

PYP Exhibition:

This student-led inquiry is a major milestone in students' learning, global citizenship and leadership.
Grounded in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, students work in teams to investigate global issues, such as climate change, social justice and poverty.
Students conduct research, and take meaningful actions, such as beach clean-ups, fundraising and sustainability initiatives.
Students communicate their research and findings in a public exhibition that includes creative digital and physical interactions.

Set Up For Success Programme:

This tailored programme in term 4 of Year 6 lays the foundation for a strong start in Year 7.
Students transition into a high school model, learning to change classes on the bell and navigate new routines – all with the support of their trusted Year 6 teacher.
The programme boosts wellbeing and eases anxiety, builds confidence and readiness for Year 7, and helps students practise exploring new spaces, routines and expectations.
Find out more about the Year 6 Set Up For Success programme

Leadership and Community

Leadership at QMC starts early – with real responsibility and meaningful impact. Building sound leadership skills and a responsiveness to the community and environment creates resilience and compassion for others from an early age.

Leadership roles include Class Leaders (Years 3–6), House Leaders (Year 6) and Kura Council Representatives (Year 6).
Student-led assemblies build confidence and communication skills.
QMC Digital Safety Leadership programme fosters thoughtful conversations about responsibility and what leadership in this area means, both online and in our community.
Service clubs and community partnerships, such as Wellington Free Ambulance and Kura Kai, offer opportunities for students to serve and lead.
Students take action in response to learning – raising awareness, funds, and hope.

Personal Growth and Wellbeing

Our QMC Hauora model fosters emotional and social intelligence through age-appropriate programmes.

The Zones of Regulation framework across the Junior School helps students identify and understand their emotions and equips them with strategies to regulate and respond with mindfulness and empathy.
Daily gratitude circles and mindful breathing – hāki roto, hāki waho - inhale, exhale – help students become calm and ready to learn.
Growth mindset and resilience is embedded in every programme.
Students have access to rich co-curricular opportunities in performing arts, sport, camps, and cultural experiences to foster social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.

Programmes outside of school hours

We provide engaging, enriching and entertaining courses, clubs and care for students outside of regular school hours.

Cross-Curricular Programme

Students explore passions, build skills and grow beyond the classroom.

A wide range of clubs and courses are offered each term.
Designed to strengthen IB Learner Profile attributes and Approaches to Learning, including strengthening social and communication skills and self-management skills.
After-school sessions run 3.30pm–4.30pm.
Optional After-School Care available before (from 3pm) and after (until 5:30pm)

Find out more about the Cross-Curricular Programme

After-school Care

Supervised care is provided from 3pm to 5.30pm on weekdays.
Afternoon tea is supplied.
Students take part in activities and are encouraged to complete any homework.

Find out more about After-school Care

Holiday Programme

QMC provides a programme with fun activities and outings for every school holiday.
Siblings of QMC students registered on the holiday programme are welcome to join them.

Find out more about the Holiday Programme