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Learning

Early Learning Centre

Home Learning Early Learning Centre

Alphington Grammar School’s ELC is a nurturing and supportive environment where three to five year olds can grow, develop their love of learning, and foster their natural curiosity.

Our Early Learning Centre program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, which is based on the idea that a child who is happy will learn best. Building strong foundations for individual learning maintains our focus on belonging, well-being, expression, and engagement of the whole child. 

As children approach school age, we focus on extending their abilities, challenging their thinking and developing their confidence to make their transition to the main School something which children can approach with confidence. Our core values of Being, Belonging, and Becoming ensure that we promote the development of positive qualities for well-rounded children.
 
Our ELC welcomes the enrolment of children aged 3 and 4. Children applying for ELC 3 must turn 3 years old prior to the beginning of the School year, and children applying for ELC 4 must turn 4 by the end of April in their ELC 4 year. Children must be toilet trained prior to the commencement of ELC.
 
The ELC 3 and 4 program runs 5 days a week, from Monday to Friday. ELC 3 children must attend a minimum of 2 days per week; ELC 4 children must attend a minimum of 3 days per week.
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School Tours

 

Bush Adventure Program

We offer the Bush Adventure Program to provide a space for children to develop a strong connection with nature. Current research is overwhelmingly in favour of nature play for children due to its many benefits. Explorations in nature can result in improved problem-solving skills, independence, resilience, and leadership, while allowing children to pursue imagination and creativity. 

Our Bush Adventure Program takes place on designated bush adventure days, on Alphington’s beautiful grounds and surrounding grasslands. After meeting at our Welcome Tree and saying our acknowledgements to country, we begin our explorations of the habitats that surround us and the creatures that make them their home.

Greek Immersion Program

Our ELC offers a unique Greek language immersion program which links with the focus on multiculturalism in the main School. The program sees students undertake their daily activities whilst being encouraged to communicate in a language other than English. We believe that naturalistic language acquisition in the Early Years is the most effective type of language learning, and it is also an essential component of the transition into our language programs in the Primary School.

Additional Opportunities

ELC children are also provided other specialist opportunities while under our care. Alphington offers Physical Education sessions in our School gymnasium, taught by a trained PE teacher. The program aims to develop gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Music is interwoven throughout our daily activities in the ELC, as well as being taught in scheduled lessons which introduce children to a range of instruments, genres, and musical skills. Children also develop an appreciation for reading through designated library and storytelling sessions.

In 2022, Alphington Grammar School ELC was awarded the overall rating of Exceeding National Quality Standards after a rigorous assessment and rating process as part of the National Quality Framework, in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Law.