Celebrating a Year of Growth in Reception

Small Steps, Huge Growth
Our youngest primary school students began the school year in slightly over-sized uniforms, looking too little to carry their back packs. Whilst there was a tremendous amount of excitement to start their first year of schooling, there were also a lot of nerves. Fast forward one year, and it’s hard to believe these confident, capable children were once those unsure little learners. The physical, academic, emotional and social growth they’ve experienced is nothing short of extraordinary.

Activities which were once daunting or challenging have become second nature and the way they move through the school with assurance reflects a sense of belonging. For educators, this is the ultimate goal: when a child feels secure and accepted as their authentic, unique selves, all areas of learning and development can follow.

“It’s why I love teaching Reception so much. Watching their transformation over just one year is incredibly rewarding.” – Miss Cole, Reception Teacher.

The transition from Preschool to Reception seems huge to our Reception students – navigating larger grounds with older children, becoming familiar with new routines, attending school five days a week, building new relationships with teachers and classmates, all while beginning their academic journey. The social and emotional growth in these 5 and 6 year olds is particularly remarkable.

This progress was on full display during the Reception Learning Journey in Term 4. Focused on the theme of celebrations, the students explored the concept of traditions, sharing their own family celebrations and learning about others from around the world.

A Celebration of Learning
Under the Piltangka Plaza students took to the stage, getting into formation with their props, microphones and lines at the ready. Waiting for their individual and group cues, to speak, dance and sing, the highlights included singing “I can sing a Rainbow” in Japanese, a Chinese Dragon who made its way across the stage and the beautiful artworks proudly held up to depict the different types of celebrations they had learnt about throughout their Unit of Inquiry.

The performance wasn’t just a testament to what they had learned during the Celebration Inquiry; it also demonstrated their personal growth. From remembering where to stand and following cues to speaking into a microphone and patiently awaiting their turn, the children showcased how far they had come in just one year. Providing children with opportunities to speak to an audience from an early age can really help in building confidence to present and public speak for the future (with many SPW students going on to be School Captains at their secondary schools).

Afterward, families were invited into classrooms to participate in activities celebrating the theme of celebrations. Together, they enjoyed a photo booth, gift-wrapping stations, bubble-blowing, colouring-in activities, disco-dancing with ribbons and more.

Congratulations to all our Reception students for having successfully completed their first year of schooling, it was a joy to watch you take on your first year with so much courage. As we prepare to send off our Year 6 students, we are reminded of how short but monumental the primary school journey is and how privileged we are to play a part in their journey.