This year marks a new milestone for Ficino School, as they prepare for the opening of their new early childhood facility.
The new Preschool will offer a high quality, philosophically inspired education for children aged three to five years.
Aligned to the teachings offered in its primary and intermediate school, the Preschool will take an integrated and holistic approach to learning, based around universal principals of play and love.
The curriculum will reflect the principles and strands of Te Whariki the national early childhood curriculum of NZ. There will be a strong focus on expressive arts such as poetry, dance and good literature, which convey moral messages of honesty, love and integrity.
With 28 years of experience in early childhood education, the Preschool’s head teacher Trinette Bush is drawn to Ficino’s spiritual based teaching as it focuses on shared human values that unify everyone, with no affiliation to any race or religion.
“In this day and age, having a curriculum that supports the spiritual development of children, families and teachers is very valuable. Our aim will be to work closely with parents to achieve this,” she says.
This approach to learning, combined with an enrichment programme for four-year-olds and a high teacher to child ratio will support its children’s smooth transition to primary school.
Ficino Preschool’s new purpose built facility aims to provide a calm and relaxed environment. Learning resources and equipment will largely be made from natural materials along with an engaging exploration focused outdoor area.
Being part of the larger Ficino School, the Preschool children and parents will have opportunities to visit and participate in a range of activities and events, including plays, special assemblies and visits to the Junior school.
Vegetarian meals will be provided and prepared fresh on site each day and children and teachers will sit down to eat together. The experience of eating together will foster an appreciation of the benefit that healthy food and good manners brings to our lives.
The Preschool will be hosting an open morning in August. To attend, please register your interest online at www.ficino.school.nz/tours.
As written by, and appearing in Central Leader Wednesday 27 July 2016
