Motivating students to think for themselves and make a difference in the world
In the Primary years, our students learn how to become critical thinkers through an inquiry-led curriculum of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme – renowned as the world’s best practice in Primary education.
As an IB World School, our students explore their interests and talents through a range of Specialist programs including Japanese, Music, Art, Digital Technology and Physical Education. Our students attend weekly Chapel services and help others in the world, through our Service Learning and Encounter Program. Here they learn the importance of kindness and compassion while developing confidence in their abilities.
Our teaching philosophy for our three to seven-year-olds (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 1) encourages exploration and discovery through play-based learning. Play enables our students to develop understanding through interaction with others, explore and use their senses, create meaning in their world, consolidate key concepts, practise social skills, solve problems, gain confidence and develop positive attitudes toward school. Literacy and numeracy are key elements of the inquiry-based programme, which reflects the interests of young children and celebrates their natural wonder and curiosity. Our Early Learning Centre aims to build strong foundations for a life-long love of learning.
The Centre has been purpose-built to provide a safe and secure environment for children to begin their schooling at John Wollaston. The classrooms for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Year 1 have been designed and set up to stimulate, engage and challenge the curious minds of our youngest students, allowing them to develop at their own pace and to their full potential.
Outside, the attractive, spacious grounds include native bush gardens, fruit and vegetable patches and a worm farm to teach children about sustainability. The Early Learning Centre houses inner courtyards, meeting places and separate playgrounds for specific year groups (Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary to Year 1) to promote imagination, inquiry, social interaction and the development of motor skills.
Primary students in Years 2 to 6 have the opportunity to participate in cocurricular clubs after school, with a choice of activities, such as; guitar and vocal ensembles, fitness, craft, drama, debating and speech writing.
