Shore Preparatory School Early Learning Centre offers a two year learning programme for boys and girls aged three to five years. The Centre is situated at the picturesque Northbridge campus, nestled behind Shore’s spacious playing fields. It is adjacent to the Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 facility.
The Early Learning Centre, together with the Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 campus, was completed in 2003, offering a beautiful learning environment for girls and boys. This purpose-built campus was designed to complement the delightful open spaces and tree-lined playing areas of the School’s Northbridge site. The open plan of the Early Learning Centre also allows maximum flexibility for individual and group learning experiences.
Children are enrolled from three years of age in one of three programmes. The 2 day programme (Thursday & Friday), the 3 day programme (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) or the 5 day programme (Monday to Friday).
Exploring, Discovering, Learning
The Early Learning Centre has an emergent curriculum which is informed by the children’s abilities and interests and based on the Early Years Learning Framework. Through play based experiences, children have the opportunity to develop as individuals and learn about the world in which they live. The Centre aims to develop in each child a positive disposition towards leaning, sparking curiosity and thinking within a Christian, supportive and educational environment. Educators at the Centre are committed to the care and overall development of every child.
The Centre’s educational programme promotes children’s sense of wellbeing and identity, their role as active participants within society and as confident and curious learners. We focus on encouraging each child to develop the necessary educational, social and self-help skills to prepare them to become independent and lifelong learners, with a focus on developing a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge.
The partnership between home and school is very important throughout a child’s education. However, with three to five year old children the partnership is critical. We value relationships with families and believe in the importance of working collaboratively to promote a strong sense of community within the Early Learning Centre.
As part of the Northbridge campus, the children have the opportunity to share the wonderful facilities and have a close relationship with Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2. ELC girls and boys participate in a weekly Chapel service, Library visits and also have the option to explore a variety of music experiences in a weekly music program. A strong emphasis is placed on transitioning the children to the more formal school environment in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2.
Children in their final year of the ELC have the opportunity to begin learning a musical instrument privately. The instruments offered at this stage are Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano. Lessons occur during the school day and are usually 15 minutes long. The charge for these lessons in 2024 is $28 per quarter hour lesson. There is usually one lesson per week during the school terms.