What's new at our Early Years Centre this year?

Every year, new things await our Early Years pupils when they return to school and this year was no different.  

Welcome to the ‘Atelier'! 

Visit the second floor of our Early Years Centre and you will see pupils engaged in a flurry of activities — painting, building, designing, sharing - in a variety of mediums, physical and digital. Welcome to our new Atelier! 

Atelier means 'art studio' or 'workshop', and the idea behind it comes from the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. We introduced our own Atelier in the Early Years Centre to support our inquiry-focused project-based learning. When exploring in our Atelier, pupils lead their own learning. They can develop their skills, test theories, collaborate and problem-solve. 

This is a creative space with a variety of materials, media and tools that allow pupils to further their inquiries, explore new ideas and express themselves. Here, pupils develop positive behaviours for learning and, most importantly, spark their joy of learning. All our Early Years pupils — from Pre-nursery to Reception — will spend time exploring the Atelier. 

The space also plays host to our Little Chef cooking classes in which pupils explore how to create healthy meals. This gives them deeper insight into where our food comes from and expands their understanding of the wider world. 

Not only does our Lunch Hall support healthy habits, but it is also designed to foster each child's sense of independence, which is particularly important for Nursery children as they transition to Reception. 

Every aspect of our Early Years Centre environment, from the classrooms to the hallways to the outdoor spaces, is purposefully crafted to inspire learning and discovery. By carefully curating a rich and dynamic learning environment, we support the natural development of children's social, emotional and cognitive skills. 

Open spaces, natural light and a variety of textures and materials invite children to explore, collaborate and make connections with the world around them. The environment empowers them to take ownership of their learning, encouraging curiosity and independence from an early age. 

The Early Years Centre is a purpose-built campus five minutes away from the Wellington Shanghai main campus. It features several specialist learning areas, like a music room, a library and a large outdoor play area where children learn to move and move to learn in a developmentally appropriate way.  

The natural surroundings, eco-garden, mud kitchen, and water garden inspire curiosity and provoke enquiry, and is the perfect setting to launch many of our project-based learning activities. Project-based learning is a pillar of our teaching and learning in the Early Years. It enables pupils to play an active role in their learning by harnessing their inherent curiosity. 

• Play and exploration: pupils investigate, experience things and, most importantly, 'have a go' 
 

• Active learning: pupils concentrate and keep on trying (even if they encounter difficulties) and celebrate their achievements 
 

• Creative and critical thinking: pupils are encouraged to explore their ideas, make links and develop strategies for learning. 

Providing a space where our pupils can form secure, reciprocal and positive relationships is critical in Early Years education. This is a commitment we renew each year through renovations — both big and small — of our Early Years Centre spaces. 

If you would like to see the Early Years Centre environment for yourself and meet our Senior Academic Leaders, please get in touch with us by scanning the QR code below.