Curriculum

We believe that children learn best through play

“Curriculum encompasses all the interactions, experiences, routines and events, planned and unplanned, that occur in an environment designed to foster children’s learning, development and wellbeing.” (EYLFv2, p.7)

The Hills Community Kindergarten has developed a curriculum for children which is based on contemporary theories and practices about how children learn, grow and develop. The curriculum also takes account of the unique factors and context of the diversity of families, cultures and the local community in which our Kindergarten is located.

Wherever young children are, they are learning and growing, their minds are exploring and absorbing what goes on around them and their bodies are interacting with their feelings. It is not possible to separate a young child's thinking, feeling and acting. The curriculum provided here at The Hills Community Kindergarten recognises that the interrelatedness of developmental domains must result in an integrated approach to programming.

Our Kindergarten programme is play-based with educators critically reflecting on children’s current and emerging interests, needs and ideas both intentionally and spontaneously. This involves documenting and reflecting on observations of individual children, work samples, transcripts, photographs and social stories. The educators will use the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) in partnership with families to develop learning programs responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities and recognise that children learn best through their play.

Play is children's work. It is how they learn. Play provides children with the opportunity to experiment and manipulate materials, objects, people and situations. Children need long periods of uninterrupted, freely chosen play with clear boundaries supported by staff who can challenge, facilitate and support developing play.

Routine times are key opportunities for learning; about the concept of time, persisting with tasks until completion, self-help skills and experiencing belonging to a class group.

A guide to the daily routine at our Kindergarten