Educational Programs
Our Programs
At Over The Hills Academy, we offer a play-based learning program and curriculum that reflects the Early Years Learning Framework. Our programs are designed with the view that all children are capable and competent learners who have agency. Our aim is to lay down the necessary foundations for your child and prepare them to become life-long learners. We use everyday events and situations, as well as your child’s own interests, to develop the appropriate educational, emotional and social skills that they will need for primary school and beyond!
Play-Based Learning Approach
Our educators design and implement a play-based program in collaboration with our children that allows them to discover, create, improvise, test theories, imagine and engage with others. Learning through play, helps children build self-worth by gaining a sense of their own skills and abilities, and provides opportunities for feeling validated.
Educational theorists also highlight that play is one of the main ways in which children learn and develop. Vygotsky (2004) describes multiple learning experiences as the provision of a ‘rich reality’ for children’s learning. He argues that rich realities promote rich play. Our early childhood educators understand that rich play is a strong base for learning.
Indigenous Education Program
We acknowledge and understand the importance of ensuring that Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are valued. Our educators run a rich, exciting and interactive Indigenous Educational Program in partnership with Wandana Indigenous Education and our revered local Elders. This allows us to develop a love and respect for our country’s Indigenous heritage as it is embodied into each of our everyday practices at Over The Hills Academy.
Multicultural Education Program
Our educators, families and children are comprised of people who have come from all over the globe. We know that as a centre, we represent many countries, a variety of different languages and a plethora of beliefs and traditions from all over the world. Our multicultural program supports our children in developing a sense of belonging and enhances their awareness of diversity and respect for others.
Community Involvement Program
We take pride in our relationships with the community and aim to involve all members in the centre’s educational program. One of our goals is to produce good citizens by increasing our children’s involvement with the wider community and our world. This extensive program includes but is not limited to partnerships with local retirement homes, bookstores, cafes, primary and secondary schools, and indigenous community members.
School Readiness Program
At Over The Hills Academy we run a school readiness program within our preschool room’s that is focused on preparing children for the transition to primary school. The aim of this school readiness program is to lay the emotional and social foundations, as well as exposing the children to early literacy and numeracy to make sure that when your child reaches school they are ready to thrive and take on the new and exciting challenges ahead of them.
Our School Readiness Program involves using age-appropriate methods, including group time discussions, story times, group projects, music, dance, art experiences and self-help activities to prepare them for that moment they do start school. We use a range of media including books, posters and technology to expose children to a whole world of learning.
MUNCH & MOVE
Munch & Move is a fun, play-based NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children birth to 5 years by promoting physical activity, healthy eating and encourages limiting small screen recreation through six positive, health promoting key messages. The Munch & Move program fits within the new National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework.
Early childhood is the ideal time for children to develop and practice healthy eating and physical activity habits; this includes learning a range of fundamental movement skills that will help children take part in and enjoy physical activity throughout their lives.
SUSTAINABILITY
Incorporating sustainable practices into our educational curriculum enables children to cultivate mindfulness towards our planet. Nature and the environment are pivotal components of education, fostering a deep connection for children and nurturing an appreciation for all living beings. At our center, we’ve developed a sustainability plan encompassing initiatives such as vegetable gardens, recycling and composting programs, water conservation measures, and strategies to minimize energy consumption.
Family Time Program
We understand the importance of spending quality time with your loved ones, hence we have created our Family Time Program, knowing we could give back some of that cherished time to our families. This is why we provide your child with various activities on site, to help give back your afternoons and weekends.
