Learning Across the ELC
Banksia Gold Learning Update
Learning Inquiry: Connecting to People, Place, and Our Stories
The children of Banksia Gold have been deeply engaged in an inquiry focused on Connection -to nature, to one another, and to the stories that shape how we understand our world. This has invited them to think critically, observe closely, express creatively, and build a strong sense of belonging within our Early Learning and broader school community.
Much of this learning has unfolded outdoors, where the children have been practising “deep listening” as they explored the College grounds. Attuned to the sounds, colours and textures of spring, they became “data detectives,” using iPads to capture signs of seasonal change. These observations led to conversations about life cycles and transformation, which continued in the classroom through detailed observational drawings.
Our inquiry into growth deepened through a Jack and the Beanstalk story table, where storytelling supported imagination, ethical thinking, and shared dialogue. The children’s interest in the beanstalk sparked a natural transition into exploring real seeds and plant life cycles. Using magnifying tools and open-ended questioning, they examined seed structures, dissected seeds to discover what lies within, and created artworks inspired by patterns, shape and symmetry from their observations.
This hands-on curiosity culminated into plant-growing experiments, with children planting and caring for their own seedlings. As they observe, measure, and document changes over time, they are developing responsibility, patience, scientific thinking, and an understanding of what distinguishes living from non-living things.
Across all these experiences, the children have demonstrated curiosity, care, and creativity. Their inquiry highlights the power of learning that connects nature, relationships, stories, and community, supporting them as they make sense of themselves and their place in the world. We are incredibly proud of their growth and look forward to continuing this rich learning journey together.
Emily Kohler
Early Childhood Teacher
Gumnut Learning Update
The Gumnut children have been invited to take part in a special outdoor art experience using large canvases and black-and-white paint. This open-ended activity was thoughtfully planned to encourage creativity without the overwhelm of too many colours. By focusing on contrasts, shades, and simple colour mixing, the children were free to explore and express themselves in meaningful ways.
The experience encouraged the children to use their whole bodies in their artwork. Many painted with their hands, others experimented with their feet, and some stretched, crawled, and reached across the canvas—discovering how different movements created different marks and patterns. It was wonderful to see them explore painting from so many perspectives: up close, far away, high, low, and even lying across the canvas!
Throughout this learning process, we noticed rich expressions of communication—children shared their excitement through words, joyful noises, pointing, facial expressions, and gestures. Their interactions showed not only creativity but also collaboration, as they worked together to create a shared piece of art.
This experience nurtured both artistic expression and a strong sense of connection within the group. We look forward to offering more opportunities for the children to explore, create, and express themselves in dynamic and playful ways.
Manasi Kewlani
ELC Team Leader
