Learning

Early Childhood

St Joseph’s has a strong focus on play-based learning in our early childhood classrooms.

At St Joseph’s School, we offer high-quality early childhood education for children from the age of three years onwards. Our early childhood programs allow children to develop at their own rate, following their own interests with a strong play-based foundation.

Each child is a precious and sacred gift who possesses their own unique talents and abilities. Our program enables our children to experience the joy and wonder of the world in a safe, secure, happy and stimulating environment. Our program takes into account each child’s aptitude to learn through a variety of learning experiences, including a balance of teacher-initiated or directed activities and exploratory and investigative play. Children are directly involved and active in their learning; discussing what they know, what they would like to know and what they have learnt.

We believe that all children are strong, competent and unique. We aim to develop a positive attitude to learning and a thirst for knowledge while providing a happy, stimulating and supportive environment where children feel welcome, secure and valued.

At St Joseph’s, early years education is based on:

Our Catholic faith being central to all that we do.
The education of our students is grounded in Gospel values.
The voice of the child is paramount.
Embracing a sense of community.
Working in partnership with parents.
Play-based and inquiry-based learning approaches that encourage children to engage and challenge their learning in a range of environments and contexts.
The understanding that learning is intentional and should be centred around children’s interests and wondering about the world.
The process of learning is more important than the product.
Educators modelling questioning and the inquiry process across all aspects of learning.
Listening to encourage children to test theories, justify reasoning, assist in developing plans, etc.
The Early Years Learning Framework, the Western Australia Curriculum, the Kindergarten Guidelines and the National Quality Standards are used as a basis for planning within a Catholic context.