Kindergarten
As Kindergarten students commence their first year of formal schooling at The Hills Grammar School, they begin a new stage in their educational journey. This thirteen year journey begins with the transition from the ECEC or home to the Junior School. This is an exciting time for students as they experience the many learning opportunities offered at The Hills Grammar School.
The Hills Grammar School aims to provide a broad education of the highest possible standard in order to develop each student's academic, cultural, social and physical potential.
Learning for children in Kindergarten revolves around family, school and themselves. Students will meet new friends and classmates. They will learn the conventions of school and to follow simple instructions whilst learning to adhere to rules. They will understand and experience their place in 'their' world. They will mix, talk, explore, recognise, identify, play, listen, manipulate and respond. They will acquire knowledge through the many directed teaching and hands-on experiences available to them.
The Hills Grammar School is committed to learning through inquiry. The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program allows students to explore their world through a series of guided inquiries that enrich the curriculum and give students increasing responsibility and ownership over their learning. The transdisciplinary nature of the program increases collaboration across and between classroom and specialist subjects and enhances the learning experiences for all, whilst engendering a lifelong love of learning.
The Academic Program
In Kindergarten we provide a balanced sequential program catering for individual needs and differences through the six Key Learning Areas. (‘KLAs’) These are:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science and Technology (including Information and Communication Technology)
- Human Society and Its Environment (including the study of French)
- Creative Arts
- Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Kindergarten staff are committed to providing students with a wide variety of learning experiences which focus on the development of the whole child and are congruent with the NSW Board of Studies requirements.
Class teachers are supported by specialist teachers in Languages, Physical Education, Music and Visual Arts.
Learning Enrichment is provided from Kindergarten to Year Six for students who have gifts and talents, require learning support, have identified special needs or have English as a Second Language. Early intervention is a priority and students are assessed upon entry to the school and consistently monitored thereafter.
The Student Wellbeing Program
The Hills Grammar School provides a safe and supportive co-educational environment in which each student is encouraged to strive for excellence in scholarship, personal development and citizenship. Students are better able to achieve these outcomes when they are connected to a healthy, happy and safe community.
Our School's response to the educational, personal and social needs of its students acknowledges the need for a comprehensive whole school approach to student wellbeing and aims to:
- enhance the development of a school environment where children and young people feel safe, valued, engaged and purposeful
- deliver curriculum which provides students with opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop positive values, attitudes and behaviours
- provide access to structures designed to identify and support all students, in particular those students dealing with learning, social, emotional or wellbeing needs
- establish partnerships with parents and wellbeing specialists to ensure appropriate assessment and intervention is available to those who need it most
For further information, please view our Student Wellbeing brochure
The Co-curricular Program
The Co-curricular program at The Hills Grammar School is an integral part of the whole school curriculum. There are wonderful opportunities for students to develop their skills and interests across a broad range of activities including Sport, Creative and Spoken Arts, Music, Leadership and Service. These activities take place before school, during lunch and after school with further weekend commitments in some areas.
The central aim of the program is to broaden the development and interests of each student through the provision of a wide range of purposeful activities in Music, Sport, Leadership & Service and the Creative and Spoken Arts.
Aims of the program are:
- to foster and develop student leadership
- to encourage and develop co-operation, responsibility and ‘team’ work
- to develop a sense of belonging and school spirit
- to foster good rapport between staff, students and parents
- to inspire students to strive for excellence in all areas of endeavour
- to provide opportunities for parents, ex–parents and ex-students to contribute to the School
- to establish links with the wider community and develop relations with various groups
- to provide opportunities for students to achieve success in a diverse mix of interests.
