Early Childhood
VIS strives to create an environment that supports the learning, personal growth, wellbeing and safety of all members of the school community. Our EC programme starts at 3 years old.
Our early years program is rooted in a play-based approach, where exploration, imagination, and curiosity drive meaningful learning experiences. Through play, children develop critical social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills in a way that is engaging and developmentally appropriate. Whether building with various materials, role-playing, or investigating the natural world, children make sense of their environment, solve problems, and express their ideas. This child-centered approach fosters creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Each day at VIS begins with a warm welcome from our staff, who help children smoothly transition from home to school.
Next, we gather in our morning circle for songs, discussions, and sharing, creating a sense of community. After breakfast, we dive into literacy activities that foster phonemic and phonological awareness, build vocabulary, and ignite a lifelong love for reading and writing. As the day unfolds, learning invitations are placed around the classroom to spark curiosity and deeper inquiry into a range of concepts—today, they might investigate the seasons, and tomorrow, the life cycle of caterpillars!
Outdoor learning plays a key role, with field trips to local areas like parks. In addition to hands-on exploration, the day includes physical education lessons that develop motor skills, teamwork, and resilience, as well as creative arts, music, and dramatic play to foster sensory development, creativity, and self-confidence.
The day wraps up with time for social development and free play, allowing children to unwind and connect with their peers.
Inquiry is sparked by children’s natural curiosity and desire to explore the world around them. It begins with their questions, observations, and wonderings, which are nurtured by educators through open-ended experiences and thoughtful provocations.
“Inquiry in the early years allows the children to drive their own learning. They might become curious about a water pipe in the courtyard during outside play and this then leads to an exploration of where water comes from or how we use water at our school.” (Early years teacher)
At VIS young learners are encouraged to think critically, reflect, and express their understanding in diverse ways. This process builds a strong foundation for future learning and fosters the skills and attitudes of lifelong inquiry.