EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
The Early Learning Centre is situated alongside the Prep School (Years 1 - 2) at King’s School. It is here that the foundation for all future learning, self confidence and independence is developing. Boys can start with us from the age of 4 years old.
In the King's School environment the Early Learning Centre boys are offered many 'outside of the classroom' opportunities including music, swimming, games, Chapel and visiting local amenities such as the Remuera library. Boys also use the extensive grounds at King's School for exploration and discovery - allowing boys to be boys!
Our aim is for the boys in the Early Learning Centre to develop confidence to effectively communicate their needs; to have strategies to seek help; to be able to manage their own lunch box and belongings; and to have an understanding of keeping themselves safe.
The King's School Early Learning Centre provides an environment where children:
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Feel safe and secure
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Have positive experiences to develop a healthy self-esteem
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Have connecting links with family and the wider world
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Are affirmed as individuals
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Know the limits and boundaries of acceptable behaviour
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Have play that is valued as meaningful learning and learn the importance of spontaneous play
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Develop non-verbal and verbal communication skills for a range of purposes
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Learn strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning
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Develop different ways to be creative and expressive
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Have consistent, but flexible routines
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Have programmes that are exciting and promote optimal learning
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Are in an environment where literacy and numeracy are important
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our vision is to develop the individual talents of each boy for life
King’s School Early Learning Centre’s programme is underpinned by the Early Childhood Education Curriculum Te Whāriki, and the understanding that children best learn through play. Learning and development are fostered through the recognition of children’s strengths and interests, and by supporting and scaffolding children’s experiences so that optimal learning can take place.
Our practices recognise that all children are capable and competent communicators who require space and a range of opportunities to explore, experiment, and to take risks. At King’s School Early Learning Centre this is evident in the ways that teachers follow the boy’s interests, empower them in their self care, and create inspiring learning spaces. We encourage the boys to utilise their senses, to express themselves, to collaborate, and to make discoveries. We challenge their thinking through careful listening and questioning, using humour and by wondering alongside them.
We strive to ensure that our boys and their families feel a strong sense of belonging not only to the centre, but also to the greater school environment. This empowers the boys to feel confident in their community, in the knowledge they can achieve in an emotionally and physically safe environment. We instil the values of integrity, compassion and justice here.
We appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of Aotearoa|New Zealand. We are committed to, and value Te Tiriti o Waitangi and acknowledge the land, language and people of this place. We are committed to nurturing a connection to nature in recognition of our tamariki as kaitiaki (guardians) of Aotearoa|New Zealand. In alignment with Te Ao Maori, we recognise the holistic needs of our akonga and believe both children and teachers are lifelong learners.
We know our boys well and understand they learn through respectful and reciprocal relationships. We hold authentic conversations and genuinely listen to their perspectives. We provide a language rich setting, promoting clear self expression and confidence. Our boys are curious, empathetic, creative, innovative and enterprising thinkers. These are the tools they will need for tomorrow’s world.
“Values such as kindness, humour, generosity, courtesy, humility, honesty, integrity and perseverance are encouraged at King’s – not only amongst the boys, but among all who work in this great place”
Tony Sissons (Headmaster)
ERO (EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE) REPORT, 2014
The King's School Early Learning Centre was reviewed in 2014 at the conclusion of its second year of operation. The report was extremely complimentary on the school's focus on respect and values and the highly-experienced staff's cohesive approach to teaching and learning:
"Boys enjoy their learning. They are articulate communicators, independent and self-managing. They know how to interact appropriately with others, show care and concern, and play safely and inclusively. They have rich opportunities to learn new skills, knowledge, and ways of working and thinking. Older boys lead and support others with confidence.
The boys have a strong sense of belonging in the centre. Teachers are caring and supportive. They are highly focussed on encouraging the boys to make positive choices and to take pride in their learning. Teachers listen attentively to the boys' ideas and extend their thinking through purposeful conversations and open-ended questions. King's values of kindness, humour, generosity, courtesy and perseverance are evident in centre practices."
A full copy of the ERO Report may be downloaded here
