The CUrriculum
The staff recognises the importance of play in the early childhood curriculum in all early childhood learning, so a multitude of opportunities are offered for children to experiment, discover and learn through their play. Since 2011, we have implemented the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline.
The Guideline is based on the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF) and embraces the inclusive vision that “all children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life”.
The EYLF describes a vision of children’s learning, characterised by:
Belonging
Recognising that knowing where and with whom you belong is integral to human existence, providing a basis for children’s interdependence and relationships with others
Being
Recognising and valuing the “here and now” in children’s lives, and viewing childhood as more than simply preparation for adulthood or for the future
Becoming
Recognising the rapid and significant learning and development that occurs in the early years, and the capability and potential of all children.
Belonging
Being
Becoming
While the EYLF focuses on children from birth to five years, the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline aims to specifically enrich children’s learning in the Kindergarten Year. In Queensland, the Kindergarten Year is the year before the Preparatory Year of schooling. Throughout the Kindergarten year, children’s right to experience the joy of childhood is fundamental and learning is promoted through play, and emergent and planned learning experiences and interactions.
Information about the children’s learning is shared with families daily, weekly and through individual portfolios created throughout the year.
The Guideline describes a set of five learning and development areas that relate to the five broad learning outcomes identified in the EYLF:
+ Children have a strong sense of identity
+ Children are connected with and contribute to their world
+ Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
+ Children are confident and involved learners
+ Children are effective communicators