JK to Kindergarten

The Experiential Years

At St Hilda’s, 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. 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.

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 student-led learning approach empowers students to investigate, question, and explore the world around them.

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

Our device-free classrooms enable students to be fully present and engaged in an intentional learning environment.

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 residing in the Senior School, ensuring our students are well-prepared when they transition to Senior School.

 

Explore our Early Learning Centre

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