Early Childhood

Burgmann Anglican School is committed to providing an educational environment for young children that nurtures and inspires each child. We offer a wholistic approach to education that encompasses the needs and strengths of children intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. As a Christian school, we have a particular commitment to ethical and spiritual development, in the context of a caring, loving environment. Our balanced curriculum emphasises child-centered learning experiences to achieve academic excellence.

The school’s philosophy centres on the belief that children are unique individuals created by God with their own strengths, weaknesses, gifts and needs. We believe that each child has a valuable contribution to make to our community.

The Early Childhood years at Burgmann Anglican School include 3 Year Old Preschool, 4 Year Old Preschool, Kindergarten and Year 1. Within each year level, programs are tailored to the developmental needs of the children and the specific characteristics of the age groups.

 

Preschool

Preschool education is a significant part of children’s overall development, providing opportunities for rich and enjoyable experiences that foster learning. Both the environment and the program are thoughtfully created to provide an inviting, colourful and dynamic place for young children to be. Individual play times and group learning sessions are woven through the day to provide a balance of learning opportunities and styles.

Children’s play is an integral part of their learning. Our program is based upon hands-on, play-based activities so that children are able to express their ideas and interests, whilst making progress with their learning.

The social development of children is important at this age. Friendships are encouraged and children are supported in participating in discussions and sharing times.

Young children are valued as special individuals with great potential for learning and succeeding.

 

Kindergarten

As the first year of full-time schooling, Kindergarten is a milestone for young children. We have developed a highly supportive program that gently introduces children to the expectations and routines of school, whilst maintaining their enthusiasm for learning and their individual approaches to life. We aim to provide a happy and caring environment in which young children can be adventurous and creative in their learning. 

We provide a wholistic and balanced program that focuses on a number of key elements:

  • we try to ensure that children feel happy and secure;
  • we foster the development of positive social skills and friendships;
  • we emphasise sensory motor development so as to enhance the neurological development that is rapid and critical in the early years;
  • we encourage increasing levels of independence and responsibility;
  • we view children as active learners with the ability to integrate many rich experiences into their sense of the world;
  • we provide a stimulating and supportive program to enhance the learning and development of all children;
  • we continue to value play as a medium for learning, whilst also teaching literacy and numeracy skills;
  • we explore a range of topics and issues,  to expand children’s horizons and knowledge.

Year 1

As children continue their educational journey in Year 1, we aim to build upon the rich learning and foundational skills of Preschool and Kindergarten.

Year 1 focuses on:

  • building a high level of skill in reading, writing, spelling, talking and listening;
  • continuing our emphasis on learning through play;
  • giving children opportunities to practise and develop skills, so that their ability to communicate, access information, read for pleasure, comprehend texts and express their ideas are established;
  • building mathematical skills in concrete and meaningful ways;
  • supporting and developing their social interactions and ability to work in team;
  • catering for each individual child through different groupings and learning contexts, so that each child is nurtured, challenged and supported;
  • providing opportunities for expression in art, drama and play.
“There is a strong focus on reading and writing”