JK to Year 2

A Strong Start for Lifelong Learning

We create a nurturing environment where students build a strong foundation to thrive. Our teachers take the time to understand each child as an individual, fostering their mental, physical, and spiritual growth.

We prioritise early literacy and numeracy, ensuring children grasp essential skills while developing confidence and independence. Speech and occupational therapy assessments help identify and support students who may need additional assistance, ensuring every child is set up for success.

Our play-based approach encourages curiosity and discovery, using the environment as a third teacher to reinforce learning in engaging and meaningful ways. Through hands-on exploration, students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a love of learning. Intentional teaching in small groups allows for personalised support or extension, catering to each child’s needs.

We focus on building independence, responsibility, and respect, helping children adjust to new routines in a supportive and encouraging environment. With wide-open spaces and a natural setting that sparks curiosity and imagination, our inquiry-based learning approach empowers students to investigate, question, and explore the world around them.

The benefits of Nature Play

Nature play fosters curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving by using the environment as a third teacher. Designed to reflect learning goals, natural spaces encourage exploration, collaboration, and independence.

Bright, airy classrooms extend into outdoor areas, supporting different learning modes. Movement-based play enhances cognitive and physical development while deepening connections to nature.

By embracing nature play, students build resilience, responsibility, and respect—essential skills for lifelong learning.

Specialist Learning Programs

St Hilda’s specialist learning programs are taught by a specialist teacher who is not the classroom teacher. Specialist areas have a JK to Year 12 focus with a Head of Department who resides in the Senior School so that our students are well prepared when they reach Senior School.

Junior KindyKindyPre PrimaryYear 1Year 2
Music
Physical Education
Swimming Lessons
Outdoor Education
Dance
French
Visual Arts
Design Technology
Digital Technologies
Belonging

Music

Playing a musical instrument uses all areas of the brain. At St Hilda’s, music starts in Junior Kindergarten. Courses include our Primo Strings Program for Pre Primary to Year 4 and Choral Program for Years 3 to 6, along with many cocurricular opportunities.

The skills learned in music assist all other academic, physical and emotional development.

Explore our Early Learning Centre

We invite you to experience the Junior School in action through one of our group or personal tours.