At Penrhos, our Early Learning Centre (ELC) is filled with our youngest ‘Penrhosies’ from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2.
It is where your daughter’s education begins – with curiosity, creativity and care at the heart of everything we do.
Starting School
We know the early years are a crucial time in a child’s development. That’s why our program is designed to build strong foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing and character – setting your daughter up to thrive, both at school and in life.
In the Penrhos ELC, your daughter will benefit from:
- A holistic curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and WA standards
- Evidence-based literacy and numeracy programs
- Individual progress tracking and personalised support
- Specialist Learning Enhancement teachers
- A strong focus on student wellbeing, identity and self-confidence
- High expectations and belief in every girl’s ability to succeed
LEARNING THROUGH JOY AND DISCOVERY
We believe learning should be fun. Our curriculum is play-based and rich with intentional learning experiences that support every aspect of your daughter’s development – cognitive, physical, social, emotional and spiritual. By following her interests and working at her own pace, your daughter will be empowered to explore, ask questions, take risks and express herself in a safe, nurturing environment.
The power of play
Play is more than fun – it’s how children make sense of the world. Through play, your daughter will develop language, problem-solving skills, emotional understanding and creativity.
Our educators thoughtfully scaffold play experiences, identifying areas of interest and extending learning opportunities in ways that are meaningful and engaging.
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS
At Penrhos, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. From the moment your family joins our community, we focus on building genuine, trusting connections with you and your daughter. We create a warm, inclusive environment where every girl feels safe, valued and supported.
This strong sense of belonging empowers our students to fully engage in school life, build confidence and form lasting friendships. We honour the unique story each family brings, celebrating the diverse traditions, cultures and backgrounds that enrich our community.
We believe in working together and partnering with families to ensure every girl is seen, heard and understood, every step of the way.
ELC Programs
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
At Penrhos College, we proudly follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) – a globally recognised curriculum for students aged 3 to 12 years old. The PYP nurtures a lifelong love of learning by encouraging curiosity, critical thinking and inquiry-based exploration across six transdisciplinary themes. These themes connect subjects such as language, mathematics, science and the arts, helping students make meaningful links between their learning and the world around them.
The PYP also develops key attributes of the IB Learner Profile, inspiring our students to be inquirers, communicators, risk-takers and caring global citizens. At Penrhos, the PYP works hand-in-hand with our evidence-based literacy and numeracy programs, which form the foundation of every classroom experience. We place a strong emphasis on explicit instruction and ongoing assessment to ensure each child is supported, challenged and empowered to achieve their personal best.
Wellbeing
We take a proactive approach to student wellbeing, helping our girls develop the emotional and social skills they need to thrive. Grounded in evidence-based programs like CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) and Positive Psychology, our wellbeing curriculum teaches students how to recognise emotions, manage them effectively and build positive relationships.
We carefully match every program to each child’s stage of development. In the ELC, students take part in programs like Kimochis, PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) and Keeping Safe, which support emotional literacy, resilience and respectful behaviour.
We’re proud of our warm, inclusive and caring environment, where every girl feels valued. By nurturing strong, respectful relationships from a young age, we lay the foundation for lifelong wellbeing, learning and success.
Music Program
Music is an important part of life at Penrhos, with all students participating in our curriculum-based program from Kindergarten.
🎻 Strings Program
In Year 2, every student takes part in our Strings Program, where they have the opportunity to learn a string instrument – violin, viola, cello or double bass. Students join small group lessons during class Music time, led by our specialist music tutors. Instrument choices are guided by student interest, availability (instruments are provided) and what suits each child best – ensuring every student has a rewarding and joyful experience as she begins her musical journey.
Co-Curricular activities
At Penrhos, learning doesn’t stop when the school bell rings. We offer a rich and varied co-curricular program for students from Pre-Primary to Year 6, designed to spark curiosity, develop new skills and nurture individual passions. Most activities run from 3.30-4.30pm, with before- and after-school swimming lessons also available in our Olympic-sized pool.
Our Junior School co-curricular program refreshes each term, offering exciting opportunities in the arts, academics, technology and sport.
Creative and Performing Arts
- 💃 Dance
- 🎶 Junior Voices Choir
- 🎻 Music Ensembles – Strings, Percussion, Wind
- 🎸 Rock Band
- 🎭 Speech and Drama
Academic and Enrichment
- 🧠 Da Vinci Academic Decathlon
- 🛠️ Engineer Quest
- 🌍 Future Problem Solving
- ➗ Maths Mentor
- 📚 Homework Club
- 🎤 Speakers Challenge (public speaking)
Innovation and Technology
- 🧱 Lego Club
- 🧰 Maker Space Construction
- 🎮 Minecraft Club
Sport and Wellness
- 🏉 Sport – AFL, athletics, cricket, tennis, volleyball
- 🏃♀️ Running Club
Students are always supervised by staff before their activities begin, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for every child to explore and thrive.
