Years 4 & 6: Discover the QMC Difference

Curiosity – Confidence – Leadership

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

Learning that inspires

Guided by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), our inquiry-based approach encourages students to explore big ideas across subjects.

Transdisciplinary themes like “Who we are” and “Sharing the Planet".
Strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, music, and languages.
Te reo Māori taught at every year level.
French immersion through AIM method, with student-led plays that build confidence and fluency.
Problem-based collaborative learning.
Technology skills.
Global citizenship.

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

Expert IB teachers.
Optimal class sizes.

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 transition programme boosts wellbeing and eases anxiety, laying the foundation for a strong start in Year 7.
Alternate weeks in the Senior School help students build confidence and familiarity with Year 7 routines.
Students stay with their trusted Year 6 teachers while exploring new spaces 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.

Experiences Beyond the Classroom

Trips to Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, Zealandia, City Gallery, and National Library.
Year 4–5: Two-night camp.
Year 6: Four-day outdoor education camp.

Sports and Performing Arts

Over 20 sports offered from Year 1–6 build resilience, confidence and team work skills.
Biannual musical or drama productions nurture confidence, relationship-building and collaborative skills.

Music

Every student learns music and sings in either the Tūī or Cherubim choirs and performs at events including Aroha days and Open Day.
Year 4 students learn the violin or cello (these instruments are supplied by the school), progressing to ensemble playing and band.
In Year 5 students can choose to add another instrument, including flute, trumpet, clarinet, or drums and take part in band.
By Year 6, every student can read music and perform with confidence.

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