Bush Kindy 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 Kindy sites neighbouring the Early Learning Centre, allowing children to study, take care of, and closely observe the unique nature of the Adelaide Hills.

The Bush Kindy 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 Kindy 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 educators. Engaging in Bush Kindy alongside our young learners allows parents to share in the joy of discovery, while playing a pivotal role in serving our school community.

At ELC, children are actively immersed in cultural responsiveness, honouring the traditional custodians of the lands on which our School stands, the Peramangk people. This engagement goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it fosters a deep respect for the land, understanding it as a sacred place of stories, traditions, culture and identity.

We emphasise to our students the profound spiritual connection Indigenous Australians have with the land, engaging in the concept of 'Caring for Country.' Through an environmental and sustainability focus, we teach children the importance of nurturing and preserving the land for future generations.

Through programs and partnership, children are encouraged to cultivate genuine respect and connections, empowering students to become culturally competent and compassionate.

At King’s Early Learners, Jesus is at the centre of everything we do. Our Christian faith is a cornerstone of our curriculum, developing spiritual growth, compassion, empathy and courage for ourselves, for others and for the world around us.

Faith is interwoven into our daily life, with morning devotions in the classroom, weekly Chapel services alongside our "Big School" peers, and regular family Chapel services where parents and grandparents are invited to celebrate God’s love as a school community. Children’s faith journeys are also expanded upon at significant times of year, including participation in Holy Week events and activities prior to Easter, and songs and storytelling at our annual Christmas celebration evening.

Faith Studies at King’s are enriched by service learning programs, pastoral care and a safe environment where we strive to model God’s unconditional love.

The ELC’s 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 English 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.

This early introduction to a love of languages continues into school, where Italian is integrated into the Early Years and Junior School curriculum, laying a robust foundation for future academic success and global citizenship.

The Kimochis® Wellbeing Program fosters a nurturing environment for our ELC 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® extends beyond ELC into the Early Years (Reception-Year 2) classrooms, creating a seamless continuum of emotional learning and development throughout the child’s formative years.