4 January, 2021
Seek first to understand, then to accept.
Then you must follow before you can lead.
Then will you enjoy success.
White Lodge stems from the shared efforts of its dedicated members of staff, and the passion and direction from the Founder, Ms Jayne Nadarajoo. The curriculum is deeply rooted in the most current theories and research in early childhood education practices which is adopted from principles of High Scope, Reggio Emilia and Harvard Project Zero.
This is coupled with careful consideration given to the children’s shared interest and developmental needs and milestones. The curriculum is delivered through the following subjects:
Familiar theme-related rhymes and songs are carefully selected and introduced to children in all age groups. Children are involved in exploring simple musical concepts such as fast and slow(tempo), loud and soft (volume), high and low (pitch) and sound quality/timbre. Musical toys are made readily available for children to explore. Children in the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument like the drum, or Ukulele. A resident musician who plays a musical instrument, visits the school weekly to play the songs live for children as we incorporate movement in our music programme. Children learn not only how to do certain movements, but also how to move in time with music. Our programme strengthens children's sense of rhythm and their ability to match their movements to different genres of music. Children are naturally high-energy and as they are still learning how to move their bodies, our music and movement sessions are made as fun as possible focusing on the sheer joy of moving and learning with their bodies!
Our termly class presentations, events and annual musical held at the end of each year are a culmination of the year’s learning experiences and skills. A specific storyline and complementary Unit of Inquiry is deliberated to extend the children’s opportunities to showcase their creativity through drama, music, and movement. In addition, during the weeks of Creative Arts and Performing Arts, we focus on giving children the opportunity to get up on stage not only to perform in front of an audience but to develop their confidence. The transferable skills children can learn from performing gives them an awareness about themselves and to put the creative skills they have acquired.
Our ultimate goal with all the children that enter our doors at any White Lodge preschool or childcare centre is to encourage in them these qualities:
There are a number of planned activities which involve all members of the community, children, parents and staff. These planned activities help to strengthen the community. Examples of the activities we undertake at White Lodge include our annual concert, book week, festival celebrations, UN Day and an art exhibition.
White Lodge is also a nut free school and we promote healthy eating habits by providing food with all the required nutrients for our children.
The Mandarin curriculum is unique to White Lodge and is based on the Singapore Kindergarten and Primary School frameworks.
With a dedicated Head of Mandarin, the fun-filled Mandarin programme aims to provide children with maximum exposure to the language, culture and history. With twice daily teaching of Mandarin at all White Lodge centres, the children have an extensive opportunity to increase their knowledge and proficiency of Mandarin.
Classroom activities include:
All students from White Lodge are provided with a great foundation for the continued learning of Mandarin as a second language.
Children at White Lodge are emotionally and socially safe from a young age.
They leave us with resilience, ready to take on the next adventure and academic risks needed to be successful in the 21st century.
We look at early childhood education as an opportunity to give all children the hope that they need for a better day. Each of us are invested in providing a memorable experience for life.
