Kindergarten

At Meriden, we understand gifted children have unique learning needs that warrant particular attention within the school environment. We are committed to meeting the needs of our highly able students through specialised teaching staff who provide extension and enrichment activities throughout the school day.

Our fine standard of academic achievement testifies to the richness, depth and rigour of the learning environment provided for our gifted students.

At Meriden, the intellectual growth of gifted students is strengthened and deepened when these students work with others of similar ability and interest. It is also strengthened when they experience a rich and challenging curriculum organised around complex concepts designed to develop skills in thinking, problem solving and inquiry learning. Gifted students move through the curriculum more quickly than their age peers and, for this reason, their teachers compact the curriculum to provide opportunities for enrichment, extension and subject acceleration.

Process of Identification

In the Junior School, thorough, school-wide assessment and standardised screening processes are regularly undertaken for all students. The progress of our students is carefully tracked to identify those who may need assistance or those who may benefit from extension programs. More formal assessments may be undertaken to clarify the needs of individual, gifted students, and a learning pathway is developed in consultation with teachers, parents, psychologists and the students themselves.

In-Class Differentiation

All teachers in the Junior School carefully plan extension activities for each of the Key Learning Areas, and consideration of prior learning is incorporated in the planning process. Students’ current skills and knowledge form the springboard for new learning.

Teachers differentiate the content, pace, process, product and environment so that learning experiences are scaffolded around students’ needs, interests and competencies. Students participate in learning experiences of varying detail and depth, depending on their strengths.

Accelerated Progression

Grade-acceleration or early entry to school is available at Meriden if it is considered to be in the best interests of the individual student. Accelerated progression is managed by a Gifted Education Committee, and decisions are made in consultation with parents, students, teachers and professional advisers, including our School Psychologist.

A girl’s academic ability, social and emotional wellbeing, and capacity to attend to classroom tasks and work output requirements are issues that are considered carefully in relation to whole grade acceleration. Psychometric assessment is foundational to this process. Meriden’s early entry policy and procedure encompasses the process of acceleration for those students commencing school at an early age.

With so many skills being introduced and mastered simultaneously, the early years of schooling can be challenging for some students. Learning support in the Junior School is provided through Meriden’s Learning Enhancement program. This program is designed around the principles of collaborative learning and progression through work pitched at the individual student’s level of development. Learning support intervention promotes the self-esteem of each student and encourages her to develop appropriate, individual skills and abilities.

Assistance takes place within the framework of the regular classroom or small groups of students may be withdrawn to an area of minimal distraction. Students cover core work taught in class, where possible, and are given additional instruction specific to their areas of need. Evidence-based reading programs such as MultiLit and MiniLit are provided to assist students who require additional support in developing reading fluency.

The frequency of instruction varies according to the needs of each individual. Where possible, learning support sessions are timetabled to coincide with their class literacy and numeracy times.

Meriden aims to support each girl to become the best that she can be.

Meriden offers a supportive environment for students from non-English speaking backgrounds while they develop their confidence in speaking English and improve their proficiency in the language.

All students at Meriden are encouraged to speak English inside and outside the classroom. Immersion in the language gives them the opportunity to hear everyday English spoken by both native and non-native speakers. They are motivated to participate in class discussions and learn how to express their own ideas in English.

Support for Junior School students through the English as an Additional Language (EAL) program is offered according to need to students whose first language or main language is not English.

EAL is an intervention program that addresses specific language needs, helping students to become competent enough in English to take part in social and educational activities. The program is scaffolded with grammatical and vocabulary intensive learning experiences in reading and responding, writing and oral interaction. The program design ensures that these learning experiences are linked to all curriculum areas and builds on students’ linguistic and cultural identities in order to foster their confidence and motivation.