Early Learning
The Early Learning Centre (E.L.C.) consists of four class levels:
 |
 |
 |
 |
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) consists of four class levels: All classes have a teacher and a fulltime teaching assistant(s).
Early Learning Centre Philosophy
We believe that children have the right to enjoy their learning and that play is a key component in a child’s development. We value each child as a unique individual and we welcome and celebrate the richness that diverse cultures bring. We support and develop the whole child with purposeful and meaningful inquiry that allows them to make sense of their world. Our safe and secure environment allows children to express themselves confidently and without inhibition. We aim to develop an enthusiasm for education that will be the foundation for continuous learning throughout life.
Facilities
The ELC is situated in its own 2 floor building about 100 metres from the main school. Classrooms are well resourced. All ELC classes have access to a playground equipped with a variety of age appropriate play equipment and toys.
ELC Programme
In ELC we follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), which is an inquiry based approach to learning that aims to develop, "inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” (IBO)
The children are taught using "Units of Inquiry". The units incorporate all curriculum areas and come under the thematic headings of: 'Who we are'; 'Where we are in place and time'; 'How we express ourselves'; 'How the world works'; 'How we organize ourselves'; and 'How we share the planet'.
An important part of the PYP is the Learner Profile. This is a set of attributes that we aim for all students to attain. They are introduced in ELC and further developed in the Elementary part of the school.
ELC Learner Profiles
These phrases are used by all staff in ELC to help the children to become familiar with the profiles:
|
Inquirers – “It’s good to ask questions and want to find out”
|
Communicators – “It’s good to listen and talk”
|
|
Risk takers – “It’s good to try something new”
|
Knowledgeable – “It’s good to learn something new”
|
|
Open minded – “It’s okay to be different”
|
Caring – “Caring is looking after”
|
|
Principled – “Do the right thing”
|
Balanced – “Work, rest, play, exercise and eat healthy food”
|
|
Reflective – “Remember and think”
|
Thinkers – “It’s good to have an idea”
|
For more information on the Learner Profiles and other aspects of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) please see www.ibo.org
ELC is all about developing.
o an enthusiasm for school
o an inquiry based education
o a concept driven curriculum
o social, self-management, communication, thinking and research skills
o knowledge
o confidence, self-esteem and positive attitudes to learning
To enable these things to happen, the ELC provides:
o a safe and secure environment
o consistent expectations, routines and rules
o an environment where exploration, playing, talking, listening and sharing experiences are valued
o an environment which will nurture the growing independence and individuality of each child.
ELC Aims:
o to provide an effective early childhood program, which is developmentally appropriate, child-centered, comprehensive, individualized and inquiry based.
o to facilitate having fun while learning through play with their peers.
o to stimulate the talents, abilities and strengths of all children.
o to respect and support all children in the context of their family, culture, and developmental needs.
o to help children grow in curiosity, creative thinking and decision-making.
The children from Preschool, Kindergarten and Reception classes have Korean, Music, PE, Library and ICT lessons with single subject teachers.
There is an After School Activity programme that is available for the children in Kindergarten and Reception on two afternoons each week. The activities change every half term.
For more information on the Early Learning Centre please see the ELC Information Book