Kindergarten

Beginning primary school is a friendly and exciting experience at Meriden. Caring, experienced teachers gently introduce students to the routines, interpersonal skills and academic requirements of primary education, equipping them with the fundamentals they need for success at school and beyond. Meriden’s nurturing Kindergarten program supports young girls to find their voices, connect with their peers and think creatively about the world around them.

Kindergarten students attend school on the vibrant, colourful Lingwood Campus, an award-winning space designed specifically for the educational and developmental needs of young children.

Student Wellbeing

At Meriden, girls are valued members of a caring and supportive community. Teachers and dedicated pastoral care staff nurture every student to develop her confidence, self-esteem and learning capabilities.

A daily pastoral care program for all students ensures the girls learn to feel secure and valued and build positive relationships with their peers. The approach includes a comprehensive resilience-building program that helps students live out practical values such as integrity, respect, responsibility, friendliness and co-operation. Students are taught how to face challenges and how to recognise, explore and manage their own emotions and responses to others. Each year, all students participate in an anti-bullying program and there is a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty amongst the girls. 

Extensive steps are taken to ensure the School is a safe and secure environment. Staff are thoroughly trained in procedures for safety and emergency management. The majority of staff members hold a current first aid certificate and there is a registered nurse on staff.

Curriculum

From Kindergarten to Year 6, our students undertake far more than the standard curriculum requirements of the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Curriculum. The School’s approach to teaching and learning is designed to equip students with skills for life-long learning, facilitated by the expertise of outstanding teaching staff.

The acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills is a key focus and the timetable provides for daily, uninterrupted time devoted to both areas. Meriden’s rigorous teaching and learning programs see students consistently exceed state averages in national testing and educational competitions.

All students, from Kindergarten to Year 6, study the subjects of English; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Human Society and its Environment (HSIE); Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE); and Creative Arts (Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Drama).

Students have regular lessons in Christian Education and a language other than English, build literary engagement by visiting the Lingwood library and participate in assemblies and Chapel services. Subjects such as French and Mandarin, Music, Christian Education and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers.

Kindergarten girls participate in a comprehensive Personal Development, Health and Physical Education program which encourages them to develop the knowledge, skills, values and attitude needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life. Each class engages in weekly Personal Development and Health sessions that promote all aspects of wellbeing, including social, emotional, spiritual and physical health. Through regular Physical Education lessons, students develop skills in a variety of physical activities and are equipped with the knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Academic Support

At Meriden, we understand that all children have unique learning needs and our teachers are committed to meeting these needs so every girl can reach her potential. Formal assessments are available to students from Kindergarten to Year 6 for giftedness, learning support and English language learning so evidence-based support can be delivered by classroom teachers and specialised educational staff.

The high academic achievement of all Meriden girls speaks to the personalised support each girl receives for her learning, whatever her level of ability.

Beyond the Classroom

A Meriden education develops accomplished young women through opportunities that allow every girl to expand her interests and hone her talents. Specialist staff develop the girls’ confidence and skill in sport, music, performing arts and many more areas. Consider the possibilities of your daughter’s cocurricular journey.