A great foundation at Village School

Phillip Island Village School has eight new foundation students starting this year, including two siblings and several children that previously attended the Phillip Island Village School Playgroup. Their first day of school was Thursday, January 28.

The school’s ‘Shooting Stars’ (early years) program is designed for students working from foundation to level 2 (a total of 17), with five mentors teaching in this program.

“This program recognizes that children in the early years of their school journey greatly benefit from a play-based focus to their learning,” a school spokesperson said.

“It integrates the adult-led components of school, such as the development of core literacy and numeracy skills, and mentor supported activities, with a strong focus on child-led play-based time.

“Prioritising play-based learning time has multiple benefits in our school context, in particular enabling children to have extended periods of time to follow and learn about their own interests.”

As they move through the school, students are building and practicing the skills they need to be “sparky and empowered project-based learners”.