At Alphington Grammar School in Melbourne, we believe that the early years are critical for creating solid foundations, building essential skills such as literacy and numeracy, but it’s equally important we foster a sense of wonder about learning that can help our students develop as lifelong learners.
Our Early Learning centre is a nurturing and supportive environment where three, four and five year olds can grow and develop their love of learning and foster their natural curiosity. Our team of passionate educators believe the most powerful way that children learn is through play, delivered by high quality programs and aesthetically inviting play spaces. We value and place great importance on collaborative group work and the sharing of thoughts and ideas to help guide the direction of our learning. Learning projects are creative, inviting and challenging, allowing the children to build on existing knowledge and make new discoveries.
Our immersive Greek language program delivers authentic language learning through child initiated interests, play and engaging activities. Our children participate in specialist programs of physical education, music and library. Our bush adventure program values the benefits of nature play for children in our school grounds and surrounds.
Our Bush Adventure Program
“Children involved in unstructured play in nature are calmer and will engage in richer imaginative play, increased physical activity, and more focused play and with positive social interactions.” (Nedovic et al, 2013).
Current research is overwhelming in the benefits of nature play for children. Nature play is not simply taking children outside to play. Rather the program is underpinned by theories and pedagogy that is integral to the effectiveness of the program. Furthermore, our principles are underpinned by the Victorian National Curriculum Frameworks for the Early Years Education: ‘children must be allowed time to explore and experience the natural environment’.
Nature is a perfectly balanced play space for children, abundant in loose parts, where children gain a sense of purpose as they problem-solve, become independent and acquire leadership skills whilst having uninterrupted periods of time to pursue games of imagination and creativity. Children have real life opportunities to make dynamic risk assessment that develops grit and resilience along with determination and courage.