Pre-Primary: instilling a lifelong love of learning

With the opening of a second Pre-Primary class in 2025, Head of Junior School, Maria Hodges, explains what sets the Scotch Pre-Primary experience ahead of others.

To truly appreciate the unique offerings of Scotch College Pre-Primary, I invite you to arrange a tour and witness first- hand the dynamic environment that awaits every young learner.

Scotch College Pre-Primary stands as a beacon of excellence in early childhood education, particularly for young boys on the cusp of their educational journey. At the heart of its ethos is the ignition of a lifelong passion for learning.

Scotch College Pre-Primary offers an unparalleled early learning experience that is tailored to the specific needs of boys. Its integration of the IB framework within a nurturing, inquiry-based environment ensures that students are not only prepared for the academic challenges ahead but are also equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of the real world.

The School's focus on igniting a passion for learning, fostering wonder, and providing a meaningful curriculum that connects with the real world makes it an ideal choice for parents seeking a holistic and enriching education for their sons.

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Our approach

The school's innovative approach is designed to spark curiosity and a sense of wonder in students, setting them on a path of discovery and enthusiasm for knowledge that extends well beyond their primary years.

Utilising the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, Scotch College Pre-Primary integrates global perspectives with real-world contexts, offering a curriculum that is both meaningful and expansive.

This approach not only broadens the horizons of young minds but also instils a robust foundation for intellectual and emotional growth.

The school's commitment to catering specifically to the developmental needs of boys is evident in its tailored programmes that recognise the unique ways in which boys learn and grow.

With a focus on hands-on, engaging learning experiences, students are encouraged to explore, investigate, and play, fostering independent thought and a proactive attitude towards learning.

The nature-based learning experiences, such as Bush School at our on-campus specifically designed bush school, further enhance this by providing an environment that nurtures a child's innate sense of wonder, exploration and encourages a responsible attitude towards the world they inhabit.

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Catering to boys

Scotch College Pre-Primary's dedication to early learning extends to its support network, which ensures that each child's individual needs and learning styles are met with innovative teaching methods.

This attentive approach is crucial in enabling students to thrive not just in the junior years but as they progress through their educational journey.

The school's developmental philosophy acknowledges that boys mature at different rates, providing a broad-based curriculum that nurtures them through this critical stage with numerous intellectual, physical, and creative opportunities.

This is the time most crucial to ensure each student has the foundations in place on which they can build – getting it right here is vital and cannot be underestimated.

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Our curriculum

The integration of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) within the Australian Curriculum at Scotch College, is a testament to the school's forward-thinking approach.

The PYP framework fosters curiosity about the world and encourages students to pursue areas of interest in their learning, which aligns perfectly with the school's objective to provide a stimulating and appropriate school curriculum.

This curriculum is designed to benefit young learners at a time when their brains are optimally programmed to absorb new experiences, acknowledging that young learners are intelligent, resourceful, and creative individuals who develop and learn at different rates.

Moreover, the school's substantial Academic Support team plays a pivotal role in eliminating learning gaps and providing challenges and enrichment opportunities, ensuring that every student can reach their full potential.

This comprehensive support system is a cornerstone of the school's philosophy, reflecting its commitment to nurturing each child to become their best self.

Mrs Maria Hodges
Head of Junior School

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