The Pre-Kindergarten programme is designed for children aged 4½ to 5½ years. At this stage, children move on from play-based activities to learning activities. They are engaged in project work and Units of Enquiry that address social, geographical, historical and environmental issues. They become more aware of print and develop their fine motor skills. They show an interest in reading and are able to identify a few letters and words.
Jolly Phonics
At this stage, the children will be working towards a thorough foundation for reading and writing. The Jolly Phonics Programme teaches children letter sounds in an enjoyable, multi-sensory way, which helps the children to read and write words. Levels one to three are reviewed and workbooks are introduced when appropriate. The teachers extend the children’s learning through various activities to aid letter recognition and formation, and to help children blend and identify sounds. In the Pre-Kindergarten class, levels one to four of the Jolly Phonics programme will be completed.
Mathematics
The Mathematics programme is developed using the Singapore Kindergarten and Primary Mathematics Framework as a guide. The programme integrates the best practices of both early childhood education and Mathematics education. It incorporates the introduction and usage of Maths vocabulary. Where appropriate, a workbook is introduced to reinforce the concepts. Topics one to twenty-four of the Mathematics programme will be covered at the Pre-Kindergarten level.
GINN Reading
As children recognise letters and learn sounds, a reading programme is introduced to complement their development. The GINN Reading programme uses a systematic and progressive approach to reading with a set of high frequency words at each level. At this stage, levels one and two are introduced together with a workbook and children are encouraged to complete six core books and twelve supplementary books in each level. The programme incorporates group discussion and basic comprehension skills. Children are upgraded based on their ability and interest to read.
Science
As children develop, they become more inquisitive and interested in the world that they live in. To constantly stimulate and challenge them, a science programme is introduced at this stage. Folens Science aims to help children understand, appreciate and respect a scientific approach to understanding the world, to recognise how science affects their lives and to encourage them to apply scientific ideas for themselves. At this level, stage one, with its many investigative and explorative units, is introduced. These activities replace the sensory activities that are conducted in the younger age group. There are no workbooks or worksheets accompanying this programme. It is a fun filled explorative programme to get children curious and excited to learn.
Mandarin
Children practice their conversational Mandarin throughout the day and have a minimum of 30 minutes of formal Mandarin lessons each day in the afternoon. The main objective at this stage is to prepare them for formal learning and equip them with the basic skills required in preparation for their graduation to a local primary school or international school.
