Scotch Reports Issue 164 (December 2015)

Early Learning
Centre
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As a centre inspired by the principles of
Reggio Emilia we are often asked, “What are
the principles of Reggio Emilia?”
Reggio Emilia was founded by Loris
Malaguzzi in 1945, a mere six days after the
end of World War II. Malaguzzi developed
over time and through research, a belief about
the way that children could be educated
that had a profound effect on educational
outcomes for children in the town of Reggio
Emilia in Italy. This approach became so
successful in Italy that it has been adopted
by preschools throughout the world and has
won many international awards. In 1991 a
jury of international experts in the prestigious
American publication “Newsweek”
identified the “Diana” Municipal Preschool
(representing the network of municipal infanttoddler
centres and preschools) as the most
avant-garde school in the world for education
in early childhood.
At Scotch College we believe that all children,
no matter what their age, or stage, are
intelligent, capable and full of potential. We
view children not as empty vessels to be filled
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with information, but rather as individuals who
have ideas, thoughts and theories of their own
that are full of possibilities.
As educators we (actively) listen and respect
what they tell us. Our skilled educators know
the children and their interests and work with
the children to develop deep and authentic
learning experiences relevant to their world.
At the very core of the principles of Reggio
Emilia is community. Community is reflected
in the Centre and children develop an
understanding about their communities
through what happens each day in the Centre.
Not only do we reflect the wider community
in our programs we also develop strong
relationships with our families and the rest of
the College community, at all times enabling
our children to enjoy and understand the
importance of community in their lives.
The College P&F plays a vital role in assisting
the development of relationships between our
families, organising regular social activities
for parents and families to nurture these
important friendships, which will last for the
entirety of their child’s education
and beyond.
Our educators develop strong
relationships with our families,
and respect, honour and include
each child’s family culture in
their programs.
We embrace our College and the
relationships that this opportunity
affords. Not only do we participate
in special events such as Sports
Day and Dress Up Days, but our
children also have lessons each
week with teachers from the Junior
School; an important aspect of our
transition-to-school program.
Earlier this term the Year 11
Home Economics students
visited our Buchanan children
and after getting to know the
children and finding out what
they each like to eat, the Year
11s then cooked a special lunch,
individually designed for each