Learning in Focus

Schools and preschools differ greatly in their approaches to teaching and learning. How schools design learning programs for children is shaped powerfully by beliefs about how children learn and in what contexts learning is likely to flourish.

At Highfields, we have strong views about the sort of learning culture and programs that are best suited to children in preschool and the early years of school. Our experience, backed by research, has shown us the importance of designing programs and learning environments that:

  • Match children’s innate curiosities and desire to influence the world – learning through inquiry
  • Build from children’s desire to make connections and build understanding in the context of safe, authentic and enjoyable relationships – learning with others – and,
  • Acknowledge children’s love of the natural world – learning in the outdoors.

Our learning programs also recognise that children come to Highfields from a wide range of backgrounds, shaped by a range of different experiences. Each child in our school is celebrated for who they are and encouraged to develop in the context of a diverse and distinct community of learners. In this way, our diversity is our strength. Our small size means that we can journey closely with your child, from preschool to Year 2, with teachers sharing their wisdom and insights across the team and across the years. In this way our program is one of learning enrichment, as every child is challenged right where they are in their learning journey.

Our educators work passionately to design fresh learning programs each year, developing projects and experiences that specifically suit the interests, strengths and needs of the current group of students in each class. Our learning enrichment educators and specialist teachers in music, sport, library and ICT work seamlessly with our class teachers to ensure the learning programs at Highfields are engaging, challenging and fun. This is all facilitated within our purposefully designed learning spaces.

If we teach today as we taught yesterday we rob our children of tomorrow.

John Dewey