St Mark’s Preschool programme follows a play-based inquiry model as a part of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP). We also adhere to New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, Te Whariki. We interweave both curriculums through all activities and all areas of the curriculum to develop a unique programme that combines a balance between child-initiated inquiry and structured, small group activities which match the age and developmental stage of each age group.
All of our teachers are committed, highly experienced and fully qualified early childhood educators who are passionate about nurturing and developing young children. Our teaching team brings a wide variety of teaching and learning styles to both support and encourage children through the different stages of development. The diversity of staff contributes to meeting the needs of our multicultural community and contributes to the strong partnership with parents and whanau to celebrate and promote each child’s learning and development.
Our Preschool operates 48 weeks a year, closing only for one week in the July school holidays (mid-year break) and for three weeks over the Christmas/New Year period. Our central Wellington location and convenient opening hours – 7:30 am to 5:30 pm each day – make us an ideal choice for everyone.
The Preschool timetable is structured placing the children at the heart of our programme. There is a balance between active play-based activities and introduction to the academic skills of literacy, numeracy and science. Throughout the day, the approaches to learning – thinking, research, social, communication and self-management skills – are fostered and developed.
As an IB school, we believe that children are naturally drawn to explore, experience and to learn. We believe that nature has always been a place of wonder for children – a place to explore, assert their independence, take risks, exercise resilience, promote a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing and overcome fears. It inspires curiosity, wonder, possibilities, imagination, motion, contemplation, exploration and gales of laughter. Our students enjoy regular nature walks at the nearby Matairangi Nature Trail. Nature is a child’s world.
Our Preschool students enjoy regular lessons with specialist teachers in Te Reo Maori, Spanish, Physical Education and Music and Movement. They also make regular visits to the Library, Chapel and Hall at St Mark’s.
