Kindergarten at NBCS
Loving Learning is an adventure that begins in Kindergarten
We believe that school at NBCS is the beginning of a wonderful, lifelong adventure into loving learning.
From the very first week, Kindergarten students are engaged in learning activities that help instil our NBCS core values of gratitude, courage, compassion and respect.
Our approach to Kindergarten
A lot of our learning occurs in small groups. Students rotate around activity stations, which include explicit teaching of new concepts with the teacher and consolidation of these ideas at various independent or small group stations.
The strength of this model is that students are able to be grouped according to need and the teacher can tailor their instruction to suit each group as it rotates through.
The small ratio of students to teacher in this model allows each child to be known and the nature of the group consolidation activities fosters relationship and collaboration from a very early stage.
Our Learning framework across K-12 is research based and combines a blend of explicit instruction, guided inquiry, discovery and curiosity. We want the start of a student’s learning journey to be filled with fun and excitement as they learn how to be at school and how to learn with others. We give students the opportunity to make connections, think together and question their world, as they develop skills across the curriculum.
At NBCS we use an explicit phonics program called ‘Get Reading Right’ to teach the fundamentals of reading, spelling and writing to students in Kindergarten. Each day, students receive thirty minutes of direct instruction to help build a solid foundation of letter/sound knowledge.
What Kindy readiness looks like
It is important to determine when your child may be ready to start school and if ready, how best to prepare them for this exciting milestone. At NBCS, the whole child’s development (physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional areas), is considered when deciding if a child is ‘ready for school’.
Emotional readiness
Social Readiness
Language
Cognitive Readiness
Physical Readiness
Preparing for your child’s first day
We travel alongside families as they make these important decisions and we are on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Our process begins with an informal interview in May/June of the year before your child starts school. Parents and children will be invited to meet with an NBCS staff member so we can get to know your family and to give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about NBCS and starting school. There is also a Kindy readiness assessment during the interview.
Children who are offered a Kindergarten place are invited to return to NBCS in November for two Orientation mornings where the Kindergarten teacher begins building a relationship with them and facilitates friendships amongst the students. Year 6 buddies play a special role on these days and help the new Kindergarten students to sing, create and play.
Parents are invited to hear more about the Kindergarten program during this time, with a specific focus on what to expect in the early weeks. Once again, there is the opportunity for questions to be fielded by NBCS staff so that by the time the school year begins the following February, new families are feeling confident and connected to the NBCS community.
Love Learning at Northern Beaches Christian School
The future is bright
