Learning
At our preschool, we implement the Early Years Learning Frameworkfor Australia. At John Brotchie, our daily curriculum includes both indoor and outdoor play experiences, with many play based learning opportunities, as well as teacher led music and language group times .
Our curriculum is responsive to the needs and interest of our children, it is designed to stimulate and encourage exploration and learning. It is emergent and every changing based on careful assessment of teaching and learning.
At John Brotchie our curriculum decision making is based on an ongoing cycle that draws on our professional knowledge of child development, early childhood pedagogy and our in-depth knowledge of our children. Our educators are intentional in all aspects of the curriculum and act deliberately, thoughtfully and purposefully to support children’s learning through play.
We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective, age appropriate teaching strategies to to introduce and develop confidence in early literacy and numeracy skills for a successful start to kindergarten.
Why choose us for your child’s learning?
Strong foundations
We focus on the skills your child needs to succeed in school and beyond. This helps them feel confident and prepared for the future.
High-quality education
We offer a range of subjects to match what students enjoy and want to learn about. Our skilled teachers support every student to find what they love, do their best and succeed.
Inclusive and personalised learning
Our teachers adjust how they teach to suit your child’s needs, interests and learning pace. We make sure every student feels confident and supported.
Extension opportunities
Some students are ready for more challenges. We offer open-ended tasks, enrichment programs and support. We help all students to reach their full potential.
Curriculum areas
Children have a wide range of curriculum areas both inside and out that they can make choices from and guide their learning. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for a successful start to school. They will have the opportunity to play independently, with a peer or in a small group. They may play with or without an educator, they might led their own learning or they may be invited and supported by one of the educators. They have big blocks of unhurried time both inside and out to access the many and varied opportunities within our curriculum.
Play dough provides a sensory experience that helps to develop fine motor skills, ease tension and improve imagination.
Puzzles develop memory skills, as well as an ability to plan, test ideas and solve problems. While completing a puzzle, children need to remember shapes, colours, positions and strategies to complete them.
The experience of completing a puzzle can also help your child to learn to accept challenges, overcome problems and deal with frustrations.
Children use blocks for constructions, from elaborate towers to intricate cities. This type of play encourages not only creativity but also critical thinking and problem-solving. As preschoolers plan and execute their building projects, they learn to set goals and develop patience and persistence as well as cooperation and social skills. Also, block play can introduce early math concepts such as symmetry, measurement, and counting, which are integral to their academic growth.
Painting allows children to express their feelings and emotions as well as their understanding of the world and creativity. Painting also develops gross and fine motor skills
Drawing and writing helps children express ideas, strengthen motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, explore literacy, practice focus, and build early literacy skills
Playing board games with young children benefits their cognitive, social, and emotional development by improving skills like critical thinking, problem solving, turn taking and managing emotions. Our board games also support early literacy and numeracy skills.
Through role-playing and imaginative scenarios, children develop creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while also building confidence, empathy, and social skills like cooperation and conflict resolution.
We use technology such as iPads and coding equipment. Children learn how to do simple coding using either Bee-bots or Dash. We also use iPads for coding or researching on the internet with the guidance of our educators.
Investigations allows small groups of children and educators to explore a topic of their choice. They can learn information about their chosen topic and follow the questions that interest them.
Literacy and numeracy inspired experiences including loose parts, games and equipment to explore early literacy and numeracy concepts. Books both fiction and non-fiction are included across all the curriculum areas.
Play-based learning and intentionality
Play-based learning with intentionality can expand children’s thinking and enhance their desire to know and to learn, promoting positive dispositions towards learning.
Learning at our school is student-centred, inclusive and practical. We are committed to equity and access. We support all learning styles and needs. Our teachers use proven teaching strategies. They take part in ongoing professional development to stay up to date with best teaching practice.
Our learning approach includes:
- real-world learning: hands-on tasks, group work and exploring new ideas
- technology: to help students learn and build digital skills
- flexible teaching: the right support for each student, with a focus on wellbeing
- community connections: through excursions and local programs.
Helping children progress
We support every child to grow and develop:
- we plan an age appropriate educational program based on the 5 learning outcomes from the EYLF
- we gather information about each child and their progress towards the learning outcomes
- we set learning goals with input from families
- we implement learning activities to support children to work towards their individual goals
- we report on each child’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- we make wellbeing part of everyday learning and interactions
- we work with families to support learning at home and preschool
- helping students through transitions, like starting school.
Student opportunities and activities
Discover clubs, sports and other activities your child can enjoy at school.
Our principal and staff
Get to know our principal and staff, who work together to create a positive school culture.