Bush School is the beginning of outdoor education at King’s, allowing children to immerse themselves in nature’s classroom. We are fortunate to have local Bush School sites neighbouring our campus, allowing children to study, take care of, and closely observe the unique nature of the Adelaide Hills.

The Bush School program has been developed to foster a deeper connection with, and appreciation for, the environment, igniting curiosity through exploration and hands-on learning. Children engage in unstructured play and sensory experiences, from feeling the bark of trees to observing native wildlife.

Bush School excursions offer the opportunity for parents to actively participate in their child’s learning journey by volunteering to chaperone the children, alongside the classroom teacher and co-educators. Engaging in Bush School alongside our young learners allows parents to share in the joy of discovery, while playing a pivotal role in serving our school community.

Our Early Years Italian Language Program enriches young minds with the vibrant culture and language of Italy. Through weekly lessons with a specialist language teacher, children are introduced to basic Italian vocabulary and phrases through interactive games, songs and storytelling, igniting curiosity and laying the foundation for multilingualism.

The program exists not only to embrace a new language, but also to cultivate a deeper understanding of the English language through cross-cultural exploration. Through immersive activities, children develop linguistic skills whilst honing their ability to compare and contrast languages. By recognising the similarities and differences between Italian and English, young learners strengthen their grasp of both languages, enhancing cognitive flexibility and communication skills.

The Italian Language Program expands gradually throughout the Early Years and through to Junior School, where children continue to develop their vocabulary and understanding of the Italian language. This continuation of learning bridges the playful and exploratory nature of the children’s first years of schooling with the more academic focus of Junior School, ensuring a smooth and engaging progression in both language acquisition and cultural appreciation. By reinforcing the foundations of Italian, students are well-prepared for the deeper linguistic exploration that awaits them as their schooling journey continues.

The Kimochis® Wellbeing Program fosters a nurturing environment for our Early Years students, prioritising emotional intelligence and mental wellness. Through engaging activities, students are introduced to a broad range of emotions, learning to recognise and express their feelings using age-appropriate tools and terms.

The use of Kimochis® helps young learners cultivate respect and empathy for others by encouraging students to understand and connect with their own emotions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the feelings of others. By embracing the Kimochis® program, children are empowered to navigate life’s challenges with compassion and confidence, laying the foundation for a brighter and more emotionally aware future.

The use of Kimochis® at King’s begins in the ELC and continues into our Reception-Year 2 classrooms, creating a seamless continuum of emotional learning and development throughout the child’s formative years.

The Patch to Plate program introduces Reception-Year 2 students to the wonders of growing and preparing their own food. Children engage in hands-on activities as they plant, nurture and harvest a variety of produce in our on-site garden, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and the food they eat. Through this process, students explore the diverse tastes, textures and nutritional value of fresh ingredients, while learning the importance of sustainable practices.

The program goes beyond the garden and into the kitchen, where students integrate key concepts such as science, maths and literacy while preparing healthy meals in our very own school kitchen. Guided by a specialist educator, children follow recipes, measure ingredients and apply critical thinking as they transform school-grown produce into nutritious dishes. They develop important life skills, such as reading and comprehending – and sometimes developing – recipes while maintaining hygienic food preparation practices. The lessons culminate in a shared class meal, where students enjoy the fruits of the labour and experience the variety of flavours they helped bring to life. Recipes are sent home, encouraging students to continue their learning by recreating meals with their families and reflecting on the skills they’ve developed.

Patch to Plate nurtures curiosity, promotes healthy eating habits and instils a strong sense of environmental stewardship, offering students a holistic understanding of food.

The Year 2 Strings instrumental program enhances King’s’ rich Performing Arts curriculum, offering students their first specialist instrumental lessons within the school day. As part of this immersive program, students are introduced to the fundamentals of playing a string instrument, with the option to learn the violin, viola, cello or double bass. Under the guidance of skilled educators, children develop foundational skills in technique, music reading and performance, expanding their confidence and self-expression in collaboration with their peers.

The program culminates in the highly-anticipated Year 2 Strings Recital Night, where families are invited to celebrate their child’s musical achievements in a special performance that showcases the progress made throughout the year.

For students who show a strong interest in strings, the learning can continue beyond the classroom through co-curricular instrumental lessons. These one-on-one sessions with a specialist instrumental teacher are offered weekly, with instrument hire available for the violin and viola, providing ongoing support for those eager to further their musical journey at King’s.