Our Programs

Ages 2-4 Playgroup Program

Children in preschool years join our Playgroup sessions, which runs as a morning session from 9 am to 12 noon. The playgroup is a gentle introduction to Kindlehill for both the child and the parents.

Ages 5-6 Kindy Garden Program

The more formal Kindlehill programme commences in our Kindy Garden.

In the year the child turns 5 they enter “Little Kindy” and attend up to three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).

In the year the child turns 6 they enter “Big Kindy” and a five day per week program.

Learning in the kindy garden is experiential. Kindy days are nurturing, warm, colourful and enlivening of the child’s whole being.

Class 1 – 7 Primary School Program

It is typical for the Class Teacher to begin with their class in Year 1 and stay with the class through to the completion of year 7.

The Class Teacher is able to develop a deep understanding of the children in their care, their strengths and the areas where they need extra support.

Teachers work together with parents to develop the capacities of each child.

Specialist teachers in languages, music, crafts and physical education complement the programmes of the class teacher.

Years 8 – 10 High School Program

Students typically move into the High School in year 7/8. The students undertake a diverse array of subjects that are taught by specialist teachers who work collaboratively to develop interconnectedness between subjects. This also contributes to a sense of a community – adults and young people learning together.

The high school features small classes with a balance of directed, independent and collaborative learning. Students extend their network of relationships, engaging with the broader community for artistic, cultural and social activities. The high school coordinator oversees the programmes of the high school and provides guidance and support in regard to student well being. The qualities of kindness, optimism, respect, responsibility, generosity, concern for others and resilience are fostered.

Educational Principles – Practising the Art of Education

At Kindlehill, we see education as a wellspring for life. Our teachers recognise that to learn effectively, children and young people need their imagination enlivened. You will find learning experiences that involve the whole person; thinking, feeling and willing – heads, hearts and hands, from Kindy Garden through to High School.

Formal learning is introduced gradually and balanced with artistic and practical activities. For the young child, there is plenty of time for play and exploration. The concept of slow food as opposed to fast food is a similar concept. Children need time to savour and digest what they learn. We avoid over intellectualising young children and we protect them from the world of advertising. Instead we surround children with real life learning experiences, where they are constantly creating ideas, relationships, and beautiful and useful things.

Throughout the school we seek to develop the ability to interact with peers in a way that is constructive and beneficial to both oneself and others. We do this in ways that are appropriate to the age and development of the students. We appreciate that we are all different individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses. We teach our students to work independently and within a group, and to be flexible and creative with change and difference.

The overall curriculum at Kindlehill, provides a balance of the academic, artistic, practical and physical. We expect that as adults, our student graduates will have the capacity to pursue whatever further studies they wish. They will also have the confidence and skills to be resourceful, collaborative, compassionate people engaged in endeavours and pathways of their own forging. In the high school, students work alongside mentors from our wider community who are experts in their respective fields of endeavour. In this way, invaluable purposeful and real life experience is gained by the students as a preparation for their adult lives.

Seasonal celebrations and whole school concerts and events contribute to the sense of being part of a rich and diverse community. Musical and dramatic performances by students at school events, enlivens the community and provides parents and visitors with a taste of the richness of school life.