Early Years

Promoting wonder, curiosity, discovery and joy, the Early Years learning environments are specifically designed to cater for the development of our youngest students. Welcoming and stimulating classrooms support the learning of children from 3 to 7 years of age, from Early Learning through to Prep and Year 1. Guided by the College’s Vision for Learning and influenced by the principles of The Reggio Emilia Research Project, the learning environments are safe and caring, providing programs that motivate and challenge.

Children, teachers and parents enjoy a collaborative, child-centred approach to learning, which fosters positive relationships and the development of community. Through play and inquiry, discussion and investigation, children develop their thinking, communication and inter-personal skills. Natural curiosities and abilities are nurtured as children construct and communicate new interpretations and theories about their world.

Children’s learning and achievements are documented and made visible through the sharing of work in the classroom, quality displays of work, newsletters and digital presentations. Self-esteem, pride in achievement, a sense of being valued and belonging are fostered and are complemented by the buddy class program. The challenge of investigation and the excitement of discovery, stimulates thinking and propels the learning journey of each individual.

The enormous importance of the Early Years in relation to future learning is recognized and developmentally appropriate programs are carefully planned and implemented. The social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cognitive development of each child is monitored and nurtured. Skills and competencies are consolidated and refined and, as maturity and independence grow, developmentally appropriate literacy and numeracy understandings and capabilities are nurtured.

Library visits, perceptual motor programs, music, arts, sport and e-Learning experiences gradually become part of the week throughout these years and complement and support classroom learning.

There can surely be nothing more exciting or joyous than a vibrant Early Years learning environment, where our children establish a firm foundation of understandings and take giant steps in the creation of their futures.