Early Learning Matters Week (17th-21st Oct): SA Early Learning Education Expert on Fostering Future Generations of Engaged Learners
Head of Early Learning Centre and Junior School at Loreto College Marryatville, Marika Snell, shares a timely insight into the importance of play-based learning and enriching learning environments in supporting future generations of engaged learners.
The 5th annual Early Learning Matters Week (17th to 21st October 2022) recognises the importance of high-quality early childhood education in supporting children to be confident and enthusiastic learners. With this year’s commemorations, shadowed by landmark momentum towards major early childhood education reforms in NSW, and nationwide calls for significant changes to facilitate progress toward better outcomes for Australian children.
Head of Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Junior School at leading SA girls’ school, Loreto College Marryatville, Marika Snell believes the key to fostering future generations of engaged learners begins within the early learning setting, with immersive and enriching play-based learning central to shaping competent learners well-prepared for new experiences.
“Play-based learning focuses on the process of discovery and inspires children to be curious and creative. Through open-ended provocations in the safety of the early learning environment, children are encouraged to explore, imagine, innovate, take risks, investigate, problem solve and engage in critical thinking. These are the critical first steps in preparing young learners to thrive on their journey through education,” said Snell.
Such is the importance of tactile and engaging forms of discovery in early learning, play-based education serves as the central theme of this year’s Early Learning Matters Week. At Loreto College, play-based learning allows for ‘intentional teaching moments’ as part of the ELC’s holistic approach to caring for and educating every child.
Snell continues, “at Loreto College, we support our learners to construct new ideas and deepen their understandings of all that is possible through intentional teaching moments that build on rich inquiry investigations and are hands-on. Holistic programming ensures children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development can flourish. It is this focus not only on learning, but also community, that facilitates a sense of connectedness as ensure students are ready to make the important transition between the ELC and Junior School.”
Benefiting from the integrated early learning centre within the College, Snell highlights how this proactively prepares students to navigate the social and emotional challenges posed by the transition between preschool and primary school learning.
“When our preschool children are ready to start school, the Loreto College transition program ensures they feel secure, confident, and ready to move into a more formal school setting. This readiness is underpinned by early education strategies that foster positive dispositions for learning and introduce elements of primary curriculum, such as specialist lessons in Music, PE and Language and activities such as borrowing new books each week from the Junior School Library,” said Snell.
Snell acknowledges this familiarity and sense of community provides support not only to children, but also families during this significant transitional period. Moreover, she shares the importance of students experiencing an enriching learning environment, particularly during the early-learning phase.
“Supportive and enriching learning environments are strengthened by early learning facilities. Our ELC has been purposefully designed to reflect contemporary pedagogical approaches and support engaged learning. Outdoor learning spaces including beautiful gardens and nature play spaces, invite active engagement, collaboration, and the sharing of new questions and thoughts.”
As part of Loreto College’s commitment to educational excellence and professional development, ELC learning is guided not only by The Early Years Learning Framework of Australia and The National Quality Standard but also the Loreto Education Model. The College also partners with the University of South Australia across a range of action research projects to ensure the deliverance of best practice in early years education while also contributing to the broader early year’s profession.
“We are deeply proud of our commitment to continued learning innovation for both students and our teaching staff. With our commitment exemplified by the achievement of an ‘exceeding’ rating in all areas assessed against the National Quality Standards for the Loreto ELC,” said Snell.
Loreto College Marryatville offer Saturday morning tours of the Loreto Early Learning Centre throughout the school term, with bookings for tours outside of this also available through the admissions office.
About Loreto College
Loreto College Marryatville is South Australia’s leading all-girls day and boarding school, catering for students from Early Learning to Year 12.
Established in 1905, a Loreto education is built on a 400-year-old tradition first inspired by the founder of Loreto schools worldwide, Mary Ward, and encapsulates her beliefs in delivering an education which inspires strong, passionate, and confident girls and young women.
In delivering this view, Loreto College Marryatville provides girls with a well-rounded education where students are presented with a broad range of opportunities and given the support and encouragement to become confident and engaged learners with the knowledge and skills to make a difference to their world.
Shannon Muscolino