Year 5 is a pivotal stage for young people, as there is an increased focus on fostering independence, leadership and personal responsibility. At Haileybury Rendall School opportunities are carefully designed so that Year 5s can stay engaged with their learning while building strong foundations for the future.
“Year 5 acts as a bridge to the senior years. Students strengthen their research and inquiry skills, learn to work with different peers and teachers, and take on roles requiring greater responsibility,” explains Lisa Doyle, Head of Junior School.
Learning in Year 5 is designed to meet the needs of every student with the curriculum combining specialist subjects with the consolidation of core literacy and numeracy skills.
Whether through targeted support or challenging extension programs, students are encouraged to grow personally and academically. This commitment to excellence has recently been recognised with Haileybury Rendall School acknowledged as one of Australia’s and the Northern Territory’s best private schools in News Corp’s Top 100 Private School list.
“Personal growth is nurtured through leadership opportunities, collaborative projects, public speaking, and exposure to real-world problem-solving tasks,” says Lisa.
With Year 5 as an entry point year, the Year 5 experience at Haileybury Rendall School is structured to foster connections amongst students while also providing a broad range of opportunities to discover and explore specific interests.
This includes being encouraged to take part in national and international competitions and projects such as the Ethics Olympiad, Australian Maths Competition, Tournament of Minds, Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee, ICAS Assessments and other contests.
“I love Tournament of Minds because I can be creative and solve problems. Last year we went to Sydney for the International finals, and it was fun meeting other students from around the world,” says Dhruva, Year 6.
As Lisa explains, “This exposure helps them to discover their passions, stretch their abilities, and develop confidence in competitive settings.”
A memorable highlight of Year 5 is the two-night outdoor education camp which is designed to help students get to know each other and themselves better as they adventure in the outdoors, set up their camp sites, sleep in tents and cook together on camp stoves.
“Camp is a highlight of the year and a powerful growth experience,” says Lisa.
"Year 5 camp is the best, because we sleep in tents and learn how to cook on the camp stove,” says Audrey, Year 5.
Importantly, Haileybury Rendall School also offers unique leadership opportunities for the Year 5s, helping them to develop their personal skills and to build their confidence.
“As leaders and role models, Year 5 students help support younger students during House activities, sports carnivals and musical performances, and they take great pride in presenting at our regular Assemblies,” says Lisa.
Students can also step in to the Student Leadership Team, giving them a taste of Year 6 leadership and school captaincy roles. They can also participate in the School’s Eco Committee, where their input helps shape real school decisions. The Eco Committee has registered to participate in the Eco Schools Program which challenges the School to achieve important sustainability goals.
For many, Year 5 is also the first opportunity to audition for and participate in the School’s musical productions.
The impact of these leadership opportunities can be hugely empowering. Lisa recalls, “One Year 5 student, initially shy and reluctant to speak in front of others, joined the leadership team and volunteered to present at an Assembly. The confidence gained from this experience not only improved their public speaking skills but also inspired them to nominate for a leadership role in Year 6 — something they once thought impossible.”
Year 5 at Haileybury Rendall School is truly a year of adventure. It is a time when students begin to engage in new opportunities and to see themselves not just as learners, but as leaders.
Applications are now open for two-year scholarships for students entering Year 5 in 2026 at Haileybury Rendall School.
For more information: Year 5 Scholarships - Haileybury Rendall School
