The program in the Early Years at this school is carefully planned to develop each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical and language skills within each learning area. The continuing program is planned to give your child a rich variety of experiences, which will help form the broad basis on which to build their formal learning and, most importantly, make your child’s early contact with school a happy and satisfying experience.

National Quality Standards

Our school regularly uses the National Quality Standards (NQS) to reflect on our teaching and learning. Your child will learn through carefully planned activities. They will not always bring work home to show, but please be assured that this does not mean they are not learning.

Play is a child’s way of learning. Through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them, while also developing key skills in:

Cognitive

This program concentrates on developing early Maths, English, Music and Science skills. Your child learns about their environment and develops the foundation for later learning. Many opportunities for gaining new knowledge and problem solving are provided.

Language

In the Early Years we develop children’s understanding of print through:

• Reading and writing in front of them
• Making them aware of print around them
• Allowing them to use role-play writing
• Explicit teaching of literacy skills

We also focus on expressive (spoken) and receptive (listening) language. Children are encouraged to talk confidently in a group, speak in full sentences, and develop strong listening skills.

When your child brings home work, please show that you value it — for example, by asking them to explain their work or displaying it in your home.

Physical

• Gross Motor Skills: Developed through large arm movements (painting, playdough, clay, outdoor play such as running, climbing, throwing, catching). These build spatial awareness, self-knowledge and strength for finer skills such as writing.
• Fine Motor Skills: Developed through activities like block play, construction, manipulative equipment, playdough, painting, drawing, gluing, and finger painting. These are essential for writing and hand-eye coordination.

Social/Emotional Skills

It is important to develop a positive self-concept — a feeling of “I can”. Activities are designed to give children success while also providing challenge. Over the year, your child will:

• Build independence
• Take responsibility for their possessions and actions
• Learn to share, co-operate, take turns and use manners
• Build friendships and social skills
• Develop into happy, well-adjusted members of society