The New Zealand Early Childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, forms the foundation of our approach, enriching every aspect of the Marsden Preschool experience.

Our holistic, child-centred curriculum enhances learning through structured and group activities tailored to each child’s age and developmental stage. With a strong inquiry focus, we foster a love of learning, creating capable, confident, and competent lifelong learners ready to thrive beyond Preschool. We promote a safe, inclusive and collaborative environment where every child’s individuality is celebrated and nurtured.

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Literacy and Maths

We embed a variety of literacy and mathematical concepts for tamariki throughout the day.

 

We use the iDeal structured literacy approach to guide and support our tamariki to build their confidence with handwriting and reading through the development of phonemic awareness. Throughout the year, we study a sound of the alphabet alongside specific strategies that foster phonological awareness.

 

Children practise counting in varied languages and experience different ways to explore mathematical concepts at both group times and one to one with a teacher.

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Specialist teachers

Marsden Preschool has specialists that teach weekly te reo Māori and music and movement sessions. Additionally, our school librarian hosts a weekly programme where children share stories and borrow books, fostering an early love of reading.

 

A sense of belonging

Our Preschool is closely connected with the wider Marsden School community. We join Primary Assemblies, participate in Mahitahi collaboration time with Year 1, and enjoy buddy reading with Year 5 students. Physical education is a key focus, with activities including swimming lessons, gymnastics, and ball skills.

 

Preschool students also take part in much-loved annual events such as cross country, athletics sports, church services, Grandparents’ Day, and Primary School productions, building a sense of belonging and shared tradition.

 

Transition to school

Marsden Preschool lays a strong foundation for children as they prepare to transition into their primary school years. We are proud of the comprehensive programme we have developed to support this important milestone, ensuring each child feels confident and ready for the next stage of their learning journey.

 

A key part of this programme is our weekly Mahitahi time, where Preschool and Year 1 students collaborate, share learning, and build connections with the Year 1 teacher and classmates.

 

In the term before a child turns 5, families are invited to a welcome meeting, and each child receives a tailored schedule of school visits to suit their individual needs.

 

For children starting school elsewhere, we encourage open communication with their new schools and warmly invite new entrant teachers to visit them at Marsden Preschool.

 

We celebrate this transition with a special farewell event, recognising each child’s growth, achievements, and learning journey during their early education years.