Years Prep to Two
Curriculum Overview: Prep to Year Two at Baden Powell College
At Baden Powell College, we are committed to providing a consistent and comprehensive approach to learning from Prep to Year Nine. Our curriculum is grounded in a whole-school instructional model, ensuring consistency across all areas. We emphasise student engagement and voice in our curriculum development and delivery, fostering a learning environment where students are actively connected with their education.
At Baden Powell College, the social and emotional development of students is just as important as their academic progress. We create a supportive environment where students are encouraged to develop positive relationships, work collaboratively, and become active participants in school life. Our personal growth programs ensure that students build resilience, emotional intelligence, and the skills they need to navigate their school years with confidence.
Transition to School Program
Our Prep to Year Two curriculum begins with a smooth and supportive transition from kindergarten to primary school. The BPC 'Prep Transition Program' starts in Term 4 of the child's kindergarten year, providing opportunities for children to develop positive social interactions and become familiar with school routines and expectations. Our ‘Quality Beginning’ program creates a nurturing environment where students engage in short and simple tasks that will set the foundation for a successful school experience.
Literacy Development
At Baden Powell College, the Literacy program for Prep to Year Two provides students with the essential building blocks to develop a strong foundation in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
We believe in the power of teaching phonics in context as a vital component of our literacy program. Aligned with the Big 6 of reading instruction—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing—our approach ensures that students engage with phonics in meaningful ways. Through shared reading experiences, we emphasise phonetic patterns within authentic texts, helping students connect sounds and letters to the stories they love. Our commitment to contextual phonics instruction helps nurture confident, enthusiastic readers who are prepared for lifelong learning.
In Reading, students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of print, such as reading from left to right and understanding that text is made up of letters, words, and sentences. They develop strategies to read simple texts, using their growing word bank and sound knowledge to record words in their writing. Through daily literacy blocks, students participate in engaging learning activities, including:
- Modelled and Shared Reading: Teachers explicitly teach reading and comprehension strategies using shared texts.
- Independent Reading: Students select “Just Right” books and practice reading skills independently, while teachers provide individual feedback through reading conferences.
- Guided Reading: Students participate in small group activities tailored to their level, focusing on skill development and comprehension.
In writing, students explore and develop their ability to become confident writers daily using the 6+1 Writing Traits. They are learn about and are encouraged to write for different purposes while developing handwriting skills and growing their vocabulary. Teachers guide students through Modelled and Shared Writing sessions, Independent Writing, and Focus Groups, with opportunities for feedback conferences and reflection time to strengthen their writing abilities.
Numeracy Development
Numeracy in Prep to Year Two focuses on laying a strong mathematical foundation by exposing students to daily mathematical experiences. Students are introduced to core mathematical concepts in areas such as number, measurement, geometry, statistics, and probability. Using hands-on materials, students develop an understanding of how numbers work, create collections, and practice counting forwards and backwards.
They explore patterns, shapes, measurement using length, mass, and capacity, and engage in predicting and gathering simple data. Through individual tasks, group work, and teacher-led focus sessions, students consolidate their understanding and develop confidence in their mathematical abilities. Regular assessments enable teachers to monitor progress and tailor instruction to each student's needs.
Big Ideas Inquiry
The Big Ideas inquiry-based learning approach is designed to build students' capacity to explore their world and become engaged citizens. Big Ideas integrates key areas of the Victorian Curriculum, including Science, History, Geography, Economics, and Health. Through creative investigation, problem-solving, and decision-making, students learn to inquire about the world around them and discover their place within it. By promoting curiosity and critical thinking, students go deeper into their learning and broaden their understanding of how they can contribute to their community.