The Years of Ascent programme, as stated in the Foundations of the programme itself, emphasises:
- belief in the capacities of preschool children to actively participate in their learning and development;
- the importance of play at this age and the significance of the joint participation of children and adults for learning and development;
- the kindergarten teacher's profession as a unique profession compared to all others, ethical and reflexive in its essence, which is based on complex and unique competencies;
- the unique professional role of professional associates in developing reflective practice and a high-quality programme through changes in the culture and structure of kindergarten;
- connection with the local community and family and the importance of their role in preschool education.
First of all, the programme of our preschool contributes to realizing the children's right to grow and develop in a high-quality educational environment that respects all their individuality, acknowledges their needs and encourages their psychophysical development. All of the above is fully aligned with the core principles of the Cambridge Early Years programme, which is aimed at the children’s overall development and their connection with the world and the people around them. This programme has six areas:
- Communication and literacy;
- Creative expression;
- Mathematics;
- Physical development;
- Personal, social and emotional development;
- Understanding the world.
The programme uses a spiral approach to acquire knowledge and develop desired skills. This means that key themes are addressed in different ways and revised at different stages. This way, development and individual progress are encouraged, while following international standards for early child development.
By combining these two programmes, we provide children with the most modern approach that fully meets their developmental needs, but also enables an easier transition through the next stages of education.
The programme of our preschool contributes to realizing the children's right to grow and develop in a high-quality educational environment that respects all their individualities, acknowledges their needs and encourages their psychophysical development. The programme is based on project-based learning, thematic planning and a bilingual approach as well as additional programmes and extracurricular activities. It relies on experiences from the Finnish educational model, which emphasises the principles of freedom of choice, independence, research activities and the use of art as a means of expression and self-awareness.
Project-based learning, thematic planning, Cambridge Early Years and the bilingual programme
Topics are chosen based on the interests of children and parents, continuous monitoring of children and the adaptation of activities. The morning activities are inspired by literary works and are processed through the dramatic method. Along with learning through movement and exploration, children are encouraged to freely express their emotions, desires and needs in front of the group. Lapbooks, as specially designed notebooks, allow monitoring of all aspects of development, and are made on a weekly basis in accordance with the topic being addressed. Additional programmes, activities, sports and other events are thematically connected to the morning ones, and thus children are provided with the context of project-based learning and the creation of functional knowledge.
In order to acquire the desired skills and functional knowledge, the topics, based on the Cambridge Early Years learning system, are covered in different ways, with a focus on revising them at different stages using a spiral approach in teaching. In this way, international standards for early child development are ensured. The Cambridge Early Years programme is aimed at the holistic development of children and their connection with the world and people around them, which is fully aligned with the Years of Ascent programme.
Following children's needs and interests from the very beginning to the present day, programmes and activities in our kindergarten are created through the joint participation of both children and adults in their design. This method of working is completely in line with the Years of Ascent and is based on developing lifelong learning skills, encouraging self-confidence, openness, curiosity, perseverance, resilience and creativity.
The preschool nurtures the spirit of bilingualism. Children have English lessons every day, and a large number of other activities are carried out in Serbian and English, so children are taught communication skills and intercultural understanding from an early age. Expressing, understanding and interpreting thoughts, feelings and information in English is encouraged through listening, speaking, reading and writing in which children participate more and more over time.
Each classroom is equipped with interactive boards.
Additional programmes and extracurricular activities
At the Kreativno pero Preschool, one additional programme and two activities are implemented each day, which thematically follow on from the morning activities.
Our children, within the Preparatory Preschool programme, acquire all the necessary knowledge and skills for starting school. Every year, psychological testing of preschoolers is conducted in order to determine the level of maturity of the child to start school.
Children who attend the Preparatory Preschool programme also become first-grade students in the Cambridge system. According to the Cambridge programme, they study the following subjects: Cambridge Primary English as a Second Language, Science, Mathematics, Music, Art & Design, Physical Education, Global Perspective, Digital Literacy/ ICT Cambridge, while according to the national programme they study the following subjects: Serbian language and World Around Us.
Kreativno pero Preschool participates in various international projects that encourage creativity, learning through research and play (Climate Action Project, eTwinning, Hour of Code, Outdoor Classroom Day and many others). Preschool teachers are supported by professional associates in the implementation of the programme, and external associates from various fields (music, sports, art, foreign languages...) are responsible for the implementation of additional programmes, sports and extracurricular activities.
Parental and family involvement in the work of the institution
At Kreativno pero, we foster cooperation with parents and support the participation of parents and families in the life of the institution. Children use the Class-Dojo app with their teachers, which supports children's engagement and helps parents monitor their children's progress on a daily basis. Through the monthly newsletter From our pen, parents receive information about the activities planned for the next month.
