At Robert Cochrane Kindergarten, we believe that children learn best through a play-based program which is guided by our experienced educators through intentional and scaffolding teaching. Our educators teach through being deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful in their own discussions and actions. Our educators use strategies such as modelling, demonstrating, open-ended questioning, explaining, shared thinking and problem solving to extend the children's learning and understanding.
Robert Cochrane Kindergarten runs a variety of programs as part of our educational curriculum.
Music & Movement Program
Children in the 4 year-old program participate in regular music and movement lessons enjoying a variety of creative experiences through movement and dance.
Sports Program
Fundamental movement skills are developed through game-based activities led by a dedicated sports teacher. The children enjoy a weekly Sport time session throughout the year.
Environmental/Sustainability Program
Within our two large outdoor playgrounds, the children plant and care for the vegetable gardens. With a focus on the environment, the children collect food scraps at the end of mealtimes and contribute these to the compost bins, observing the worms in action. We use the water from our large water tanks in the bathroom and garden. The children are also encouraged to reuse and recycle water whenever possible.
Incursions/Excursions
Community visits, bus excursions, puppet shows and music and drama shows are planned throughout the year.
All of the above programs are included in the parent contributions.
The kindergarten offers two 4-year-old groups, Emus and Wombats, for a total of 44 children. Each of the groups has a teacher and assistant. The core program is 18 hours (for Emus) and 19.5 hours (for Wombats). In addition, parents may request additional extended hours sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, which are allocated subject to availability. For details of the times and costs of our 4-year-old sessions and Optional Extended Hours Program, please see the Timetable and Fees page.