And What Makes The King’s School Tudor House Pre Kindergarten Program So Unique

Join Head of School Mr Adam Larby at their upcoming Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Information Session on Tuesday 7 May at 9.00am. This information session is an opportunity to learn more about the extraordinary early education experience that Tudor House has to offer. You can register here.

The early learning sector in the Southern Highlands is thriving with so many options available to parents.

And with the NSW Government’s recent announcement to make full-time preschool free for every four or five year old in the state by 2030, that all-important play based learning experience for children about to start kindergarten is more accessible than ever.

So, we wanted to find out a bit more about the benefits of a specific Pre-Kindergarten Program.

What does it provide? How does it help your child transition to primary school? What should we, as parents, know about what a best practice Pre-Kindergarten Program looks like?

We spoke to Adam Larby,  Head of School at The King’s School, Tudor House about their Pre-Kindergarten Program and absolutely loved how exploring 169 acres of land and climbing trees sit side by side with routine and structure.

BENEFIT #1 :: Smoother transition into kindergarten

Heading into kindergarten is a big moment for a five year old [+ their parents and carers!], so anything that makes that transition easier is definitely a winner.

“Our Pre-Kindergarten Class is aligned with the routines of the rest of Tudor House,” says Adam.

“From 0830am – 300pm, they take part in the pillars of school life like assemblies, morning gatherings, recess in the playground, school community events, eating in the dining hall – it not only gives the children a sense of routine but also a sense of belonging.”

“Their play time is the same as the K-2 students, so they not only get to observe and model the behaviour of the older students, they also get to interact with them as well.”

“We also have lots of families here, so it’s nice for the youngest sibling to be able to go to the same school as their older brothers and sisters, rather than be separated from them.”

And that’s handy for parent and carer logistics too!

BENEFIT #2 :: Socialisiation

“A Pre-Kindergarten Program with lots of group experience and play based learning helps with socialisation skills and builds self-confidence.” Says Adam.

“Socialisation plays a really important role in childhood development. Through playing and interacting socially, children are able to develop their own sense of self as well as teach them interacting and communicating skills they will need as they get older and spend more time with their peers.”  

BENEFIT #3 :: Play based learning extends to the great outdoors

While introducing literacy and numeracy skills with a play based learning model is fantastic for building little ones’ knowledge, abilities and skills, heading outside to learn and build on those literacy and numeracy skills is super engaging for pre-kinders!

“The children in our Pre-Kindergarten Class take part in our school-wide outdoor education program,” says Adam. 

“That includes time in the wilderness area, climbing trees, getting muddy and dirty – they’ve spent a lot of time in gumboots this year!”

“They also take part in the Paddock To Plate Program where they’re learning about growing veggies, where their food comes from, counting how many eggs the chickens have laid that day, understanding that food comes from the ground and not a shelf at the supermarket. The teaching program builds literacy and numeracy practices into those outdoor experiences.”

“A play based learning model is the best way for children to learn and we’re lucky we can do so much of it outdoors and provide a large range of unique experiences for the kids,” Adam says.

BENEFIT #4 :: Finding out what they love and discovering hidden talents

“Research shows play-based learning is ideal for helping children discover their own interests, talents, abilities, and also importantly, their limitations,” explains Adam. 

“Students in the Pre-Kindergarten Class are exposed to all sorts of specialist lessons such as music, art, library, PE, woodwork and more. Not only do they get to experience a range of disciplines, they also get used to adjusting to the dynamic of having a different teacher or being in a different classroom or learning space.”

“This sets them up really well for transitioning into kindergarten too. They’re familiar with moving around and interacting with different teachers,” Adam says.

BENEFIT #5 :: More than education

“The quality of education at The King’s School, Tudor House extends beyond the classroom and exam results,” says Adam. 

“Yes, we want our kids to be good learners but also good people. The way you interact with other people, the level of respect you have for those around you, the strong relationships you have – THAT actually determines the level of your success.”

“Tudor House has eight school values we all live and breathe – compassion, humility, respect, honesty, integrity, responsibility, excellence, gratitude – these are all introduced to the Pre-Kindergarten Class as the standard of conduct we expect at the school.”

“These are values that will hold them in good stead right through life, not just during their time at school.”

BENEFIT #6 :: Challenge and adventure

The energy of a preschooler can be next level, especially if they’re a bit bored, under stimulated or have spent a lot of time indoors in recent years. A Pre-Kindergarten program that offers challenges, new experiences and a sense of adventure is great for directing their energy to growth opportunities and fun! 

“We have what we call a healthy risk appetite at Tudor House,” Adam explains. 

“We recognise there’s a cost to having our kids too sanitised or not exposed to trying new things like climbing trees, jumping on a mountain bike, riding billy-carts, playing with sticks or jumping in puddles. They absolutely benefit from these types of experiences.”

“Many parents at the school grew up in the 80’s or 90’s where that’s what you did. You got home from school, jumped on your bike, found your friends and played outside until it was dark or you got hungry. That way of life doesn’t exist as much anymore, and we’re finding many of the parents here want their kids to experience that level of free range adventure which they can, even in the Pre-Kindergarten Class.”

“Kids can be kids every day of their lives at Tudor House.”

We do love the concept of kids exploring and getting mucky!

Now, we’re very lucky to have The King’s School, Tudor House in the Highlands. On over 169 acres of land and with a holistic approach to growth, development and knowledge, it really can provide a unique education experience for local kids.

If you’re interested in finding out more about The King’s School, Tudor House Pre-Kindergarten Program, Information Sessions are run throughout the year where you have an opportunity to tour the school, chat with the teachers and experience the vast space and unique offering yourself. To find out more head here or call on 4868 0000.

***

This blog features friends and advertisers of The Fold Southern Highlands and is fully endorsed by The Fold Southern Highlands. We strongly believe in the businesses and all the information we share with you on The Fold and we’re excited to share the amazing stories and adventures of our local businesses. We want to say a BIG thank you to you for supporting our sponsors who help make The Fold possible.