Our Program
The Wishing Tree’s early learning program is grounded in the understanding that children are natural learners, each developing at their own unique pace.
We recognize that the most effective learning occurs when children feel safe and comfortable in their environment, fostering connections with their teachers, educators, and peers. That’s why we invest time in truly getting to know each child, taking a personalised approach to their learning journey.
Research shows that every year a child spends in a high-quality early learning program like ours leads to better outcomes in school and beyond.
At every stage of their learning journey, we collaborate closely with you to gain deeper insights into your child. This partnership allows us to tailor our program to build on their interests and abilities while introducing essential early concepts and skills, including language and literacy, math, STEM, and more.
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) recognises that childhood is a critical time in children’s learning and development. The EYLF is a curriculum which has been designed as a guide for educators to extend and enrich young children’s learning from birth to 5 years, and through their transition to school. It provides children with the opportunity to maximise their potential and develop a foundation for future success in learning.
This will result in children who:
Play Based Learning
What is play based learning?
Play based learning refers to a holistic approach to learning and development. Through play, children learn valuable skills that support their social, physical and cognitive development. Through engaging with others, objects and symbols, children learn to make sense of the world around them.
Why is play based learning the best approach?
We prioritise learning in real-world settings to prepare children for the fast-paced, rapidly changing society they inhabit. Traditional teaching methods, such as rote learning, are becoming less effective in this dynamic environment.
Providing opportunities for children to inquire and explore learning in the following areas:
Through our play-based learning programs, we empower children to become:
Our aim is to equip children with the essential skills they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
21st Century Skills
What are they?
21st century skills are the set of knowledge, character traits, skills and work habits that educators and employers have identified as being critically important in today’s contemporary careers and fast paced world. These core competencies are critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, technology literacy, flexibility, leadership, resilience and social-emotional development.
Why does my child need them?
If you want your child to succeed in the contemporary careers of the future, we need to encourage their natural curiosity and excitement to support emerging skills in reading, math, science, and social studies, but also, to develop their early foundational skills that will help them reason, think creatively, analyse data, and work collaboratively in the future. With these foundation skills in hand, your child will be prepared for the challenges and demands of the future and be ready to transition to school as a happy and confident learner.
Bi-lingual Curriculum and Cultural Heritage
Our world is fast becoming a global village and whilst we need to embrace the world around us, we are committed to honouring the rich culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Culture and legacy will be preserved and enhanced by delivering our educational offering in a bi-lingual environment.
By offering a curriculum in both Arabic and English, we celebrate Arabic and Saudi culture and traditions while promoting linguistic diversity and preparing children for a globalised future. This approach ensures that children understand the global significance of their local heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity alongside a broader international perspective.
STEM
Building skills and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) starts in the early years.
Young children are natural scientists as they notice their world, test their ideas and share discoveries through a sense of wonder and play.
Educators use the Early Years Learning Framework to develop foundational skills in STEM.
The framework helps children to:
“Humanity, and the planet we share with all living things, face some big challenges. Educators and children have important and active roles to play in creating and promoting sustainable communities.”
— EYLF V2.0, 2022, p.18
Our Classrooms and Playscapes
Safety is paramount and is incorporated into all aspects of The Wishing Tree Early Learning Centres.
Our classrooms are customized for the little people we educate and are welcoming, safe and functional. They are accessible and age appropriate and have multiple activity areas, which along with extensive educational resources, encourage children’s agency and curiosity.
Our playscapes focus on skill development, the merging of indoor and outdoor environments and most importantly FUN!
We know that children learn best through play, so our playscapes are developed to encourage open ended play and improve all aspects of children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Our equipment and materials are designed to support acquiring important gross motor and hand eye coordination skills and stimulate children’s imagination and creativity.
Sustainability
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) 2.0 features Sustainability as one of the 8 principles to underpin practice and is broadly defined to span the environmental, social, and economic dimensions which are intertwined.
Sustainable communities work to meet the needs of people, animals, plants, land, and water now and in the future. Educators recognize that children are naturally curious about their environment and can understand ideas about sustainability. They also have the power to advocate for positive change.