Our Curriculum
Highscope Curriculum
Our curriculum is rooted in the HighScope educational approach, a model that emphasises active, hands-on learning and encourages children to engage with their environment through purposeful play. Practitioners support children’s interests and curiosity, guiding them to explore, experiment, and problem-solve.
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Using HighScope’s “Plan-Do-Review” structure, children are empowered to make decisions, carry out their plans, and reflect on their activities, fostering confidence, independence, and self-discipline. This approach promotes cognitive, social, and emotional growth, supporting children as they work both individually and collaboratively, developing essential skills like critical thinking and teamwork.
Active Learning
Children learn best through hands-on experiences with people, materials, events, and ideas. In the HighScope Curriculum, active learning is the cornerstone, encouraging children to engage directly with their environment. This approach allows them to construct their own understanding of the world, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Positive Interactions
The HighScope Curriculum emphasises the importance of warm, supportive relationships between educators and children. Teachers are not just instructors but also facilitators and guides, who observe and interact with children in a way that respects their ideas and encourages their development. This positive engagement builds trust and self-confidence.
Consistent Routine
A predictable routine helps children feel secure and understand what to expect each day. The HighScope Curriculum integrates a consistent daily schedule that balances structured activities with free play, providing children with a sense of stability while allowing flexibility for exploration and creativity.
Scaffolding Learning
HighScope educators use a technique called "scaffolding," where they provide the right amount of support to help children achieve tasks just beyond their current abilities. This approach allows children to gain new skills progressively, building on what they already know and can do, thus promoting continuous learning and development.
Language and Communication
Language development is a key focus in the HighScope Curriculum. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings through various forms of communication, including verbal language, gestures, and creative expression. Teachers actively engage in conversations with children, helping to expand their vocabulary and enhance their communication skills.
Family Engagement
HighScope recognizes the critical role that families play in a child's development. The curriculum encourages strong partnerships between educators and families, promoting open communication and collaboration. By involving parents and caregivers in the learning process, HighScope ensures that children's experiences are supported both at school and at home.