The Chilton Old Girls' Association (COGA) is always keen to hear from past students, follow the links to learn more and keep in touch.
Preschool at Chilton offers the first formal step to becoming remarkable as a life-long learner. The Chilton Preschool challenges and nurtures the pre-literate child to learn to know, to learn to do, to learn to live with others and to learn to be herself or himself.
The Chilton Preschool curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) but also uses Te Whaariki, Head Start and Creative Curriculum as guides for best practice.
Preschool at Chilton is essentially a ‘preparation for school’ programme giving children a head-start to ensure that your child's introduction to school is a happy experience.
At Chilton we believe passionately that every child is entitled to have the widest possible opportunity to learn. This applies particularly to the young child whose capacity for learning is at its peak.
The curriculum is carefully structured to establish stong foundations of literacy and numeracy skills. Activities are centred mainly on the development of language in all its aspects: reading, speaking, listening and writing. Students are encouraged to begin reading if and when they are ready. Writing, mathematics and computing skills are also encouraged.
Equally importantly, we encourage socio-emotional, cognitive and physical development through our construction, computer, music, art, dramatic play and outdoor skill centres and the Perceptual Motor Programme. Combined, these lead our youngest members of the Chilton family to develop inquiring minds and become life-long learners.
Each session is divided into large blocks of time for specific indoor and outdoor activities. These may include:
Carefully structured indoor activities promoting the foundations of reading, writing, language, numeracy, colour recognition, texture sensitivity, developing eye/ hand co-ordination and fine motor control.
Carefully structured outdoor activities such as climbing, balls, sand, water and carpentry, develop large motor skills, spatial knowledge, physical strength, balance, mathematical, scientific and socialisation skills.
Group teacher directed activities such as mat time, reflection time, shared reading, music and movement which develop group cohesion and music/ movement skills.
Discussion, story and evaluation time develop cognitive skills and stimulate the enjoyment of language as children recall the events of the day, complete tasks, review something of interest and discuss the next day’s events.
Music is an integral part of the programme and, in addition, children receive half an hour of music each week with our specialist music teacher.
Preschoolers are gradually introduced to the organisation and discipline she/he must accept at school by regular participation in activities with the whole Chilton Junior School such as Athletics Day, Grandparents’ Day, assemblies and concerts.
Preschool classes are accommodated in well-equipped and attractively decorated rooms situated in the Junior School alongside the Years 1 – 6 classrooms and playground areas.
Preschool operates from 8.15am until 3.30pm for girls and boys from 3 – 5 years of age. 3 year olds may attend afternoon session (12.45pm – 3.30pm). 4 year olds have the option of attending morning sessions (8.30am – 12.15pm) or all day sessions (8.30am – 3.30pm).
We encourage each child to develop to her or his fullest potential. To establish a strong collaboration between Preschool and home, regular assessment of each child's progress is given to the parents by the qualified teaching staff. We encourage parents to visit often to share in your child's learning programme and to enjoy watching their ongoing development. Staff are always available to discuss your child's individual progress with you.
Contact our Registrar, Miss Leigh Whitelaw to find out more, or submit an application today.