In the early years of school, Prince Alfred College emphasises the growth of children's inquiry, creativity, curiosity and imagination. While doing this, the development of children's basic skills is carefully nurtured. In these early years, these two philosophies provide our educational framework:
- the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, developed in Northern Italy; and
- the Primary Years Program (PYP), developed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.
In Year 3 to Year 5 (ages 8 to 10), the PYP continues to provide the foundation of our curriculum and organisation, leading to the Middle Schools Program (MYP) in Year 6 to Year 10 (ages 11 to 15), and then the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Years 11 and 12 (ages 16 to 18).
The PYP is trans-disciplinary and emphasises global understandings. Therefore, boys study their subjects in an integrated way that enriches their understanding. The curriculum challenges each child in accordance with his abilities, and thus develops confidence, knowledge, understanding and thinking skills in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust and commitment.
To assist boys' learning, classes in the early years are small and boys have close contact with the classroom teacher. Class numbers build through the primary years to mid to upper 20s by Year 7. Specialists in Art, Music, Physical Education, French and Chinese broaden and enrich boys' skills, and English as a Second Language support is offered to support boys whose first language is not English.
Christian teachings and traditions, with an emphasis on consideration for others, are communicated by example as well as teaching. Each class takes leadership of Chapel Services, enabling boys to gain different experiences such as reading, role-playing and announcing. Guest speakers at Chapel Services from both within and the wider community add to the boys' experiences and knowledge of the application of Christianity to their everyday lives.
Community Service is central to the Primary Years Program. Boys are encouraged and expected to plan and carry out work to support those who are less fortunate in our community or who just need help.
Over 90% of the boys are involved in competitive sport from Year 4 onwards. Students play cricket and tennis in summer and Australian Rules football, soccer, hockey and basketball in winter.
In addition to our normal school activities from 8.45am to 3.25pm, there is a Before and After School Hours Care Program which cares for boys from 7.30am prior to school starting and up to 6.00pm following the completion of the school day.
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