Curriculum 

At Balcombe Pre-School, we plan a diverse range of activities and experiences to support each child’s participation in our program. We have areas designed for: co-operative or solitary play, quiet or noisy play, imaginative play, opportunities for creativity, construction activities, problem solving experiences, outdoor equipment and spaces for physical play, opportunities for appreciation of nature and exploration - just to name a few! We also ensure that our program reflects the current interests, abilities and needs of the children we are teaching (working in consultation with the children and their families). 

Outdoor

Balcombe Preschool is renowned for its amazing playground.  As well as providing a huge space to run, the bushy environment provides the opportunity for children to observe and explore nature.  Children can also learn about sustainability and caring for animals with our worm farm and vegetable patch.

Kerri's dog Lenny joins our 4 year old groups each session to help the children learn how to be safe around dogs as well as teaching responsibility, compassion, love and respect for other living things. Dogs in the classroom can also calm fears, relieve anxiety and teach skills. 

Past families have worked on playground projects including a “Dinosaur play space”, a “Mud Kitchen”, an “Indigenous inspired garden” and fire pit as well as a "Relaxation station" for quiet and restful time!

Our fabulous playground caters for all types of play. We are also fortunate to be located adjacent to the Hopetoun Creek reserve which we utilise for our Bush Kinder program for the 4 year olds during Terms 2 and 3.

Indoor

Literacy and numeracy are integral parts of our weekly indoor curriculum. Our permanent numeracy table provides children with the opportunities for enquiry into concepts such as: shape recognition, understanding numbers, measurement, pattern and time.

At our literacy table, children explore prewriting concepts such as: playing with letters and words, scribbling and drawing, making up stories and fine motor development. The learning which takes place at these tables remains constant – just the content changes. 

All children love to pretend and role play. Our imaginative table and dramatic play areas stimulate this type of play and regularly change according to the children's interests.

The extension of an undercover area off our main building has increased the space for children's activities, including, sensory play and painting.