Curriculum at Southern Cross Early Childhood School
The Preschool to Year Two programs provided by the ACT Education Directorate at our School include play-based learning experiences; explicit teaching of literacy and numeracy skills; and specialist teaching across all curriculum areas.
All educators within the school undertake training to ensure that internationally recognised best practice is reflected in the programs developed for and with children.
Preschool
All education and care programs for children birth to five years across Australia are developed from the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This includes the infants, toddlers, junior preschool and integrated preschool groups (provided by Anglicare) and Preschool (provided by the Education Directorate).
The Early Years Learning Framework sets out five outcomes for curriculum developed for children in their Preschool year:
- Children have a strong sense of identity;
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world;
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing;
- Children are confident and involved learners; and
- Children are effective communicators.
The Early Years Learning Framework acknowledges the value of learning through play for young children. The document prioritises literacy, numeracy and places importance of intellectual, physical, language, social and emotional development.
You can get more information about curriculum in the Preschool year from your child's educator, the Parent section of our Library or at the Education Directorate.
Kindergarten to Year Two
All schools in Canberra (government, non-government and independent) develop their teaching and learning programs from the Australian Curriculum. This includes our School. ACT Government early childhood schools and primary schools implement English, History, Science and Mathematics elements of the Australian Curriculum. Other areas of learning are planned for using the ACT's Every Chance to Learn Curriculum Framework. Each school and teacher then has the responsibility to organise the curriculum into a meaningful scope and sequence of learning for children.
At Southern Cross the Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two teachers regularly collaborate to ensure consistency and best practice for your child's learning across all areas of the curriculum.
You can get more information about curriculum in the Kindergarten to Year Two from your child's educator, the Family section of our Library or at Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority website.