Our Curriculum

Our Unique Curriculum
Teaching Approach
6 Principles
Extra Curricular

Our Unique Curriculum

Our curriculum uniquely prioritises a Christ-centred play-based learning approach that incorporates biblical values into children’s daily learning. We believe that Christ is the source of all wisdom and holistic development in whom children can truly THRIVE. 

Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia learning approach and various research-based developmental methodologies, our educational program is driven by the voices, individual needs, interests, and abilities of the children. 

Teaching Approach

Based on the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) practice principles we approach our teachings through four simple principles R-O-C-K.

Reflective practice, Respectful relationship and Responsive engagement

Optimistic expectation for all children

Collaborative relationship with families and EC professionals

Knowledge of learning / assessment and integrated teaching and approaches

T.H.R.I.V.E. - Our Six Curriculum Principles

THINK CREATIVELY

Creating an environment that promotes the ability for children to generate new ideas, think critically, and approach problems in innovative ways.

This type of thinking is crucial for a child’s overall development, as it lays the foundation for various cognitive, social, and emotional skills. We create an environment that values imagination, curiosity, and exploration. Providing a mix of open-ended activities, opportunities for self-expression, and positive encouragement, having lifetime benefits for children.

HALE AND FLOURISH

Providing the opportunity for children to develop in their various developmental domains—physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, language and spiritually.

We recognise the interconnectedness of the various developmental domains are necessary for children’s holistic development and we provide suitable support in a comprehensive and integrated manner for children to achieve their full potential. 
We provide activities that prompt children to discuss and reflect on their experiences which contribute to active learning.

REFLECT AND META-COGNIZE

Providing the opportunity for children to develop in their various developmental domains—physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, language and spiritually.

We recognise the interconnectedness of the various developmental domains are necessary for children’s holistic development and we provide suitable support in a comprehensive and integrated manner for children to achieve their full potential. 
We provide activities that prompt children to discuss and reflect on their experiences which contribute to active learning.

IDENTIFY TRUE SELF

Creating a Christ-centred environment through our biblical perspective curriculum where children can form a godly identity and develop holistically.

From young age, children develop their sense of self, including the understanding of their unique characteristics and their roles within their various social and cultural contexts. Identity formation is a complex process that has a great environmental influence. Our curriculum is based on biblical perspectives giving the children a Christ-centred environment to form a godly identity and develop holistically.

VIBRANTLY LEARN

Our approach to learning recognises children as capable humans who learn best when they are actively involved in their learning process.

Our approach to learning recognises children as capable humans who learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. In our vibrant learning environments, teachers take on the role of facilitators rather than just instructors. They observe, guide, and support children’s exploration and learning, creating an environment that encourages inquiry and discovery. Teachers scaffold learning by providing appropriate challenges and assistance when needed.

EXPLORE AND DISCOVER

Our Christ-centred play-based curriculum incorporates instructional support which inspires children to actively explore their God’s given world to discover and grow.

Exploration and discovery are fundamental to cognitive development. We provide activities that challenge children’s minds and encourage them to think creatively to enhance their cognitive growth.

Play is a primary vehicle for exploration and discovery in early childhood. Through play, children experiment with different roles, scenarios, and ideas. It allows them to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Our play-based curriculum incorporates instructional support which inspires children to actively engage with their environment so they can thrive in their cognitive development.

Extra Curricular

Perpetual Motor Program (PMP)

Through a variety of engaging activities, including games and exercises, we aim to improve coordination, balance, strength, and agility in a fun and supportive environment. This early motor skill development improves children’s academic performance, social interaction, and overall well-being. The PMP activities are designed to enrich and enhance children’s development focusing on fostering fundamental motor skills crucial for children’s physical, cognitive, and social growth.

Music and Movement

We believe that music plays an important role in children’s development. Music and Movements stimulates children’s cognitive skills such as memory and language, while fostering creativity and self-expression. Group musical activities also promote social skills and teamwork, while improving focus and academic performance. By incorporating music into our curriculum, we provide a well-rounded education that nurtures a love for learning and personal growth from an early age.

Incursions

Our incursion sessions bring special experiences directly to your children, such as drama, dance, wild animals, pets, fire fighters and other community helpers, water incursions and more, all within the safety and familiarity of our service.

Cooking and Nutrition

Our cooking classes encourages children to discover new foods, it helps to explain nutritional value and encourages smart food choices and healthy eating habits, hygiene and cleanliness. Classes are aimed to help with any eating challenges.

Sustainability and Environment

Learning about the environment and sustainability is an important element in our daily practices at TORCEL. We want to teach each child to be good stewards of the earth God gave us and how their decisions and choices impact it directly. Children will be able to learn how to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs, composting, recycling, watering and horticulture.

Nature Play

The Nature Play Program implements learning through experience providing opportunities for children to engage with outdoor nature play as they explore and nurture God’s beautiful creation. From understanding how vegetables grow within our horticulture program to appreciating the colour variations in a simple leaf or the life cycle of a butterfly, ensuring children have nature rich, meaningful experiences with the natural environment and a more autonomous learning experience.

STEM

We aim to offer Science lessons to the preschool age group once a week. The program is aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and will be delivered by an experienced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) teacher. Early exposure to STEM concepts encourages children to question the world around them and look for solutions to problems. The children engage in new and exciting concepts and the learning takes place through having fun in the classroom.