JPC wins Australasia title for its innovative and unique Kindergarten facilities
John Paul College's innovative and forward-thinking Kindergarten facilities, designed by Deicke Richards in 2018, has been announced as the overall winner for Small Projects under $2 million award at the Learning Environments Australasia (LEA) 2020 Awards.
The highly competitive and prestigious LEA award, recognises JPC's Kindy facilities as world-class, highlighting its unique traits that aid in the development and nurturing of student needs.
The new Kindy extension imaginatively articulates the College's Reggio Emilia approach to teaching and learning within an Australian context. Reggio Emilia is an early learning education style that values children as capable and resilient, rich with wonder; it emphasises hands-on, discovery learning that allows children to actively engage all their senses, guided by educators rather than directed. The Kindy environments were intentionally designed to be like a 'third teacher' (after the teachers and students) supporting the children's imaginative capacities to express themselves in many ways.
The thoughtfully layered learning experiences exemplify how the values of a kindy – or any educational institution – can be meaningfully embedded in its environmental design. The new extension provides positive early educational experiences supporting wonder, curiosity, independence and relationship.
At John Paul College our purpose To Educate, To Inspire, To Make a Difference, is demonstrated through a variety of educational programs and techniques which push the status quo when it comes to learning, excellence and care. Our educational leaders, co-curricular programs, world-class facilities and professional learning support for teachers are a testament to our College purpose and the values we uphold in the community and industry.
'The JPC Kindergarten is nothing short of spectacular. We wanted to ensure the Kindy facilities reflected the nurturing and meaningful encounters children have with their families at home whether that be in the kitchen, garden, or play spaces. The outdoor environment was designed in consultation with children and a working party to invite a more 'natural adventure' for the children' says Mrs Karen Spiller OAM CF, Principal of John Paul College.
'Learning and development start from the moment our littlest learners' step in the door. Our Early Years program lays the foundations for competent, curious, natural researchers who are full of knowledge and potential. We believe our Kindergarten facilities nurture and enable our young learners for a future of success' says Mrs Spiller.
Click here to learn more about our Kindergarten program and take a virtual tour of the facilities.
