Early literacy, language and mathematical thinking are woven naturally through the Preschool day, helping children develop important early skills in engaging, age-appropriate ways.

Drawing on Marsden’s iDeaL Structured Literacy approach, teachers introduce children to oral language, sounds, phonological awareness, books and early writing through stories, songs, games, play and everyday experiences.

Mathematical thinking develops through counting, patterns, shapes, measurement, problem-solving and number concepts, with children encountering these ideas naturally through play, group learning and one-to-one interactions with teachers.

Inquiry, imaginative play, STEM, art, construction, movement, outdoor exploration and Education Outside the Classroom encourage children to wonder, experiment, solve problems and develop their own ideas.

Teachers follow children’s interests while also extending their thinking, introducing new possibilities and encouraging them to persevere, collaborate and think creatively.

Our campus and outdoor spaces give children plenty of opportunity to learn beyond the Preschool classroom, explore the natural environment and take their learning into new settings.

Being part of the wider Marsden School gives Preschool tamariki access to specialist learning experiences that enrich their week.

Children learn with dedicated specialist teachers in areas including Music, Physical Education and Te Reo Māori, and make regular use of the Marsden's library to share stories, explore books and borrow favourites to take home.

These experiences broaden children’s learning while helping them become familiar with the people and places of the wider school.

Marsden Preschool is closely connected to the life of the wider school.

Children enjoy opportunities including swimming lessons, buddy reading with Year 5 students and participation in school events such as cross country, athletics and other community occasions.

Our weekly Mahitahi programme brings Preschool and Year 1 students together to share learning, build relationships and spend time alongside one another.

These experiences help children develop a strong sense of belonging and familiarity with school life while still enjoying a programme designed specifically for their age and stage.

Moving from Preschool to school is an important milestone, and at Marsden it is supported through Te Whakawhitinga, our transition-to-Primary programme.

For children moving into Marsden Primary, Te Whakawhitinga builds on the relationships and familiarity they have already developed through Mahitahi and everyday life on the Marsden campus.

The programme includes a visit from the Year 1 teacher to the child in Preschool, a parent goal-setting meeting with the Year 1 teacher and Head of Primary, and a series of school visits, including at least two half-days and one full day in Primary.

This thoughtful transition helps each child approach Year 1 feeling known, secure and excited about what comes next.

For children moving on to another school, our teachers work closely with families and welcome contact with their child’s new school to help support a positive transition.