At St Jerome's Primary School, our approach to Early Childhood Education is guided by a commitment to continuous school improvement and a growing body of research into how young children learn and develop. We recognise that the early years are fundamental in establishing the knowledge, skills, confidence and dispositions that support successful learning throughout life.
Our educational practice is informed by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the Western Australian Curriculum and contemporary research in cognitive science, child development and the science of learning. Through our ongoing school improvement journey, we are strengthening the connection between what research tells us about effective teaching and the everyday learning experiences we provide for our youngest students.
Purposeful Play
Carefully designed play-based experiences encourage curiosity, imagination, language development, collaboration and problem-solving.
Intentional Teaching
Explicit instruction, modelling, guided practice and feedback help children develop essential early literacy, numeracy and foundational knowledge.
Whole-Child Development
Positive relationships and nurturing environments support children's spiritual, social, emotional and physical development.
We recognise that purposeful play and intentional teaching are complementary elements of high-quality early childhood education. Our educators select teaching approaches according to the learning intention, children's developmental needs and the knowledge and skills being developed.
Our educators thoughtfully design learning environments that are engaging, supportive and responsive to children's needs. Through modelling, guided practice, purposeful questioning, observation and timely feedback, teachers build upon what children already know and provide appropriate support and challenge to extend their learning. Assessment and evidence of student progress inform teaching decisions, ensuring that learning is intentional, meaningful and responsive to individual needs.
As a Catholic learning community, we recognise the importance of nurturing each child's spiritual, social, emotional and physical development. Positive relationships, a strong sense of belonging and safe, predictable learning environments provide the foundations from which children develop independence, resilience and a love of learning.
Our commitment is to continually reflect upon, evaluate and refine our teaching practices so that every child benefits from effective approaches to learning. At St Jerome's, we believe that the right strategy, chosen for the right purpose and guided by evidence, enables deep and meaningful learning.
Our purpose is clear:
Success happens for every child, every day.