In the Nursery Year at Little Koala, there is emphasis on building upon the interests of students in ways that help them learn more about the world. Children begin developing a love of learning and learning how to learn. Much of the learning is informal with play and interaction with others being most important.

Our nursery curriculum outcomes are designed to encourage children to

• Develop a strong sense of identity
• Become connected with and contribute to their world
• Develop a strong sense of wellbeing 
• Become confident and involved learners 
• Progress toward being effective communicators
  

Key Focus

It’s integral for children to feel comfortable and secure when first stepping foot into a school. Providing a welcoming, child-centered environment allows Little Koala to focus on developing trusting relationships with children as they make the big transition from home to a structured learning environment. These teacher-child relationships are the foundations for children’s feelings of security, allowing children to explore, meet challenges, persevere and learn.

In Kindergarten 1 at Little Koala, children continue to build a strong sense of their own identity and the world that surrounds them. There is more emphasis on children to develop skills in a number of areas including; academic, social, personal and physical. There is a focus on wellbeing, linked with resilience, providing children with opportunities to manage change and to respond to challenges in a positive, supportive environment, building their confidence and optimism.

Academic Focus

The development of language, literacy and numeracy is essential. Children will begin to explore and engage with literacy through reading, viewing, listening, writing, speaking and creating in personally meaningful ways supports kindergarten children to become effective communicators. In addition, they begin to develop skills and understanding of numeracy.

Personal and Social Development

The transition from home to school is an important yet challenging time for children. At Little Koala, we focus in building trust with our community of families by working together to get children use to the daily routine of school and the responsibilities they have by being in school. The emphasis of learning through play gives children the opportunity to develop key social and communication skills through a variety of child-led and teacher-led play at Little Koala.

In Foundation class at Little Koala, children will now reach the foundation year as they begin their new chapter into primary education. There will be importance placed on academics as children continue to develop their understanding of literacy and numeracy as well as explore new learning areas including Humanities and Social Sciences. Assessments through the year will take place to monitor the academic development of children and balanced with the encouragement of critical thinking through teacher-child led discussions.

Partnerships- Growing Together

Referring to the Australian curriculum, we recognize that partnerships start first and foremost with family. It’s essential that schools provide a welcoming environment where children and families are encouraged to work actively with educators to create a meaningful educational experience. We use our reach to collaborate with families to organize special events and activities that link into the learning themes taken on by children. Careful observations by our team of qualified teachers are used to personalize pedagogical approaches to suit each child’s needs.

Specialist Zone

In addition to the normal homeroom teaching program, specialist classes provide further opportunities to develop the extensiveness and depth of the students’ skills and understandings in Foundation class. Children continue to engage in Library, Music, Swimming and the Perceptual Motor Program. Thai Language and Culture is taught by our experienced team of Thai Teachers.

In Year 1 at Little Koala, children will now begin their primary level of education. There will be key focus on academics as children further develop their understanding of literacy, numeracy and the sciences. Children are encouraged to express themselves through our diverse program of visual, creative and performing arts. Reading skills are carefully developed and monitored through our PM Reading Level Benchmarks. Oral and Written Assessments take place throughout the year to keep track of children’s development before they make the step up to Year 2.

Partnerships - Growing Together

Referring to the Australian Early Years Learning Framework, we recognize that partnerships start first and foremost with family. It’s essential that schools provide a welcoming environment where children and families are encouraged to work actively with educators to create a meaningful educational experience. We use our reach to collaborate with families to organize special events and activities that link into the learning themes taken on by children. Careful observations by our team of qualified teachers are used to personalize pedagogical approaches to suit each child’s needs.