Early childhood education at Somerly Primary School encompasses children from Kindergarten to Year 2. Experiences during these years play a crucial role in the development of an individual’s brain. At Somerly Primary School, we understand that children’s learning is a dynamic, complex, and holistic process. It encompasses cognitive, linguistic, physical, social, emotional, personal, spiritual, and creative aspects, all intricately linked and interdependent. We harness the power of play to fuel children’s innate curiosity and drive for discovery. Through play, children construct knowledge, weaving together their emotions, thoughts, and motivations. Play empowers them with the autonomy to steer their learning journey and hone their reasoning abilities. We see play as the fundamental occupation of children. Our educators at Somerly view each child as an active participant and a capable decision-maker, recognising the distinct qualities and potential each one possesses. Our goal is to cultivate a learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and acknowledged as learners.
Somerly children engage in three tiers of play:
- Child-initiated play, chosen freely by the child, with minimal adult intervention, fostering spontaneity.
- Guided play, where adults may participate to deepen learning through inquiry and demonstration.
- Adult-led play, structured and steered by adults yet retaining an open-ended nature, with clear objectives that encourage advanced cognitive skills.
From Kindergarten to Year 2, we provide evidence-based, explicit instruction in literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning. This ensures that children grasp the essential skills needed to become literate, numerate, and socially responsible individuals. We offer ample opportunities to apply and reinforce these foundational skills through play-based activities, thoughtfully integrated into our daily schedule. We acknowledge that the classroom extends beyond its four walls. Our learning environments, both indoors and outdoors, are designed to be safe, inviting, and conducive to child-led exploration, fostering strong, positive relationships with peers and educators that support the child’s sense of belonging. Somerly educators establish trusting respectful relationships with the children and support the children in their development of friendships and behavioural regulation.
The educators at Somerly Primary School recognise that children require agency, the opportunity to make choices and decisions to influence and impact on their learning opportunities, classroom and world. Child agency is integrated across the learning environment where children make choices directing their learning, how they learn and how they demonstrate their learning.
At Somerly Primary School, we recognise that a child’s first and most influential learning space is the home. We strive to create a seamless, culturally responsive educational experience that bridges school and home learning, nurturing well-rounded, confident learners ready to embrace the world.
