Preparatory School

Construction of Shore Preparatory School’s new Early Learning Centre and K to 2 was completed in January 2003, and its first students commenced in February 2003. The buildings are located adjacent to the spacious Shore grounds at Northbridge.

To ensure that the best practices and facilities were available for the Preparatory School’s five year educational programme for boys and girls, extensive research was carried out throughout Australia. The outstanding facilities and the comprehensive education programme now available bear testimony to this thorough and thoughtful planning.

The open plan of the Early Learning Centre allows maximum flexibility for individual and group activities, while the K to 2 classrooms have been purpose built, providing excellent withdrawal and practical areas, as well as ample space for group work and access to computers. In addition there are specialist facilities for Library, Music, Visual Art, Information Technology and Dance.

Philosophy & Practice

Shore Preparatory Early Learning Centre and K to 2 aim to develop each child’s natural talents within a Christian, supportive educational environment.

Three to five year olds in the Early Learning Centre will be involved in a stimulating programme structured around developmentally appropriate activities, giving the children a sound basis on which to start their formal education. Activities are designed to complement and extend the child’s learning at home.

Recognising the importance of literacy and numeracy in the development of children, these receive strong emphasis in the K to 2.

Learning Programmes

Early Learning Centre

Our programme is based around the belief that childhood is a unique and valuable stage of life. The Early Learning Centre is committed to the care and overall development of every child.

The educational programme we offer promotes the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child. We focus on teaching each child the necessary educational, social, and self help skills to prepare them to become independent and ready for school, and cope well throughout life. With a focus on developing a love of learning, and a thirst for knowledge our children have a rich, exciting and fun filled day providing many educational opportunities.

The partnership between the home and school is very important throughout a child’s education. However, with three to five year-old children the partnership is critical. Shore views the Early Learning Centre to be an extension of the home. Parents are invited to share in many of our activities with the children, in co-operation with the staff.

The Early Learning Centre opens at 8.00 am and closes at 6.00 pm for 48 weeks of the year. Children arrive and leave within these hours according to individual requirements. The day is organised to provide a balanced structured day with exciting opportunities for choice, individual, small and large group activities.

As part of the Northbridge campus we are also able to share the wonderful facilities and have a close link with the K to 2 section of the Preparatory School. The beautiful grounds, spacious oval, well stocked library, computer room and a variety of extra experiences enrich the time the children have here.

Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2

Our programme for five to eight year-olds has been developed to encourage and stimulate the children in a number of areas of their education. There are two classes in each year level from Kindergarten to Year 2. The classes are supported by specialist staff for Library, Visual Arts, Music, Information Technology and Dance. The teaching team is complemented by a Learning Support teacher. Our programme features literacy development and is supported by resources and a library designed to be appealing to the children.

In addition to withdrawal and practical areas and ample space for group work, each classroom has been provided with computers to support and assist with day to day learning activities.

The important partnership between parents and school in the Early Learning Centre continues in the K to 2. Parents are invited to share in practical support for various aspects of learning within the School.