The Foundational Years

With early literacy and numeracy skills being the largest indicator of future academic success, our lower primary program is about developing the foundational skills to underpin all future learning.

Forged in the evidence of the Science of Learning, our explicit learning approach enables our girls to engage with the fundamentals of learning right from Pre Primary. Our Pre Primary to Year 2 precinct allows for the sharing of both human and physical resources to attend to all learning needs. With full time EAs in the Pre Primary, as well as extra teachers for literacy and numeracy instruction in Years 1 and 2, we are able to provide small group, targeted, specific and in-time learning for the girls. Research supports an all-girl environment is pivotal for girls at this stage of their learning; particularly in their self-belief as mathematicians. By Year 2 the gender gap in maths performance is measurable; an all-girl environment disrupts this gap.

The classrooms in the lower primary program remain device-free, with shared iPads used only when necessary for the Digital Technologies curriculum.

At St Hilda’s, every girl is known, not just by name, but in the depth of her learning journey. Through intentional data tracking from the earliest years, we build a rich picture of each student’s progress, strengths and areas for growth. But it’s more than numbers; it’s about understanding the whole child. Academic data is paired with insights into wellbeing, engagement and social development, ensuring our staff can respond with precision and care. This approach allows us to personalise learning, provide timely support, and nurture each student’s confidence as a learner. It’s how we ensure that every girl is seen, supported, and set up for success.

Students in Pre Primary are screened for Occupational Therapy to identify any areas of need. Early intervention is the best intervention and with onsite Speech and OT available; this support occurs during the school day.