Preschool Years Curriculum: Nursery Two, Kindergarten One and Two
Nursery Two: 4 years old
Kindergarten 1: 5 years old
Kindergarten 2: 6 years old
The Reggio Emilia Preschool Years curriculum lays a foundation for every child from Nursery 2 to Kindergarten 1 and 2 to engage in life-long learning through the integration of learning activities in the areas of aesthetics and creative expression, environmental awareness, language and literacy, motor skills development, numeracy, and self-awareness.
At the Kindergarten level, children get to expand language and literacy skills progressively to include reading, writing, and maths concepts, enabling a smooth transition to primary school, Instead of simply memorising and regurgitating information, children are facilitated to develop more complex mental processes (higher order thinking skills) and taught how to apply knowledge to demonstrate understanding.
Children will develop into active thinkers and problem solvers through a series of inquiry experiences as they explore, question, experiment, analyze results, and share their reflections and learning with classmates and parents.
The Primus Schoolhouse Approach
Our Reggio Emilia inspired programmes stand apart due to our commitment to holistic development, facilitating not just academic learning but also the crucial social and emotional growth of children. Unlike mainstream memorisation-focused methods commonly adopted in Singapore preschools, we promote a better understanding of concepts, enabling children to become lifelong learners.
By adopting philosophies from the Reggio Emilia approach, such as acknowledging the environment as the third teacher, we ensure a rich, engaging learning environment for children. Our Nurser and Kindergarten Programme offers a comprehensive, globally aware, and experiential learning journey for your child, setting them up for long-term success in their academic journey.
Low Teacher-To-Child Ratio 
A low teacher-to-child ratio in our Nursery 2 and Kindergarten Programme allows each toddler to receive individual attention and a learning environment tailored to their unique needs, promoting holistic development. The low ratio fosters children's social-emotional development, as they receive timely responses, nurturing trust, and security.
In a classroom with fewer students, teachers can closely monitor interactions, build strong relationships with each toddler, tailor activities to their developmental needs, provide immediate feedback, and adapt teaching methods. This personalised approach helps foster confident and enthusiastic learners with well-developed social skills and behavior.
Our educators receive extensive training to deliver our unique Reggio Emilia Preschool curriculum. They participate in ongoing professional development to stay updated on the latest trends in early childhood education and understand children's changing learning needs, promoting a culture of lifelong learning within our team.
Our Preschool Years Curriculum 
Each activity in our Nursery 2, Kindergarten 1 & 2 programme is purposefully constructed to offer maximum benefit to children. Starting each day with breakfast not only fuels their young bodies but also teaches them about nourishing their body in the beginning of the day.
Inquiry-Based Learning Sessions
Children continue developing curiosity and wonder about
the world around them, learn problem solving strategies, and talk about relationships. |
Mindfulness and Well-Being
Children learn mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, body scans to identify emotions, simple yoga poses, and practice demonstrating gratitude. |
Creative Expressions
Children use a wide variety of symbolic languages for a variety of purposes, including expression,
communication, thought, etc. and these languages are all included in the '100 languages of children.' |
Language and Literacy
Children's vocabularies continue to expand and mature as they engage in a variety of experiences helping them articulate their thoughts and feelings in words. |
Numeracy
Building on various fundamental numeracy concepts and skills like problem solving, critical thinking skills etc. through daily experiences including but not limited to: |
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Why Primus Schoolhouse?
Holistic Development
The balance of academic, creative, and wellness activities fosters well-rounded growth in children. Alongside language, literacy, and numeracy skills, children enrich their creativity, motor skills, and personal well-being. Children in Nursery 2, Kindergarten 1 and 2 are engaged in a variety of activities that help them grow in different ways, and it is all about having fun while learning, making friends, and becoming a smart, creative, and healthy little individual.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
For children in Nursery and Kindergarten, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are like superpowers that help them understand the world around them. Through an inquiry-based learning approach, they get to explore, ask questions, and figure things out on their own. The inquiry-based learning approach promotes higher-order thinking skills. With critical thinking and problem-solving skills, they can find solutions and apply them to practical real-world situations, particularly beneficial during transitions to structured environments like primary school.
Bilingual Proficiency
Singapore's diverse population is a microcosm of the world's various cultures. A bilingual learning environment (English and Mandarin) from a young age enhances cognitive development, prepares children for global opportunities, and promotes cultural understanding at an early age. At Primus Schoolhouse, we offer Chinese Immersion Programme (CIP) for students in the Preschool Years Curriculum, tailored to meet the dynamic learning needs of students and immersing them in Chinese.
Social-Emotional Growth
Mindfulness practices and interactive, communicative activities such as 'Show and Tell' encourage children to express themselves, manage their feelings, and build relationships with peers. Through such activities, children learn to share their thoughts, interests, and experiences, which boosts their confidence. It also teaches them to listen and respect others when it is their turn to listen.
Improved Concentration
The integration of mindfulness and breathing exercises into the daily curriculum helps toddlers to be more present and attentive to their surroundings. As toddlers are easily distracted and may find it tough to follow through with their actions, this improved ability to concentrate is valuable as it can help them better focus on various activities and tasks, both inside and outside the classroom.
Creativity and Expression
The inclusion of creative experiences like art and music allows children to explore and express their creativity. It also encourages emotional expression and instils an appreciation for the arts.
Goals of Our Nursery 2, Kindergarten 1 & 2 Programme
The structured inquiry learning approach equips children with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will have also benefited from mindfulness practices, developing important coping mechanisms like stress management and improved concentration. The programme encourages creative expression, leading to the growth of their creative abilities through activities like art and music.
Additionally, children will have advanced their communication skills through engagement in activities like 'Show and Tell' and discussions on current affairs. The bilingual environment will have given them a solid foundation in both English and Mandarin, fostering cultural understanding and global readiness. Through the programme, children learn healthy lifestyle habits, beginning with structured mealtimes. Therefore, under this programme, children will have achieved a well-rounded set of skills, allowing them to confidently navigate academic and real-world situations.
They will have acquired proficiency in fundamental academics, specifically in language, literacy, and numeracy, which also prepares them for a seamless transition to Primary 1.
Parent Testimonials
| My daughter had a lot of fun when she was there. She enjoys the art and sensory. She was very shy initially and the teachers have boosted her confidence tremendously. We saw improvements on her and strongly recommend this school to others. | Mohammad Dzahir Primus Schoolhouse, River Valley |
| Highly recommended for your little ones! Our 2.5 year old attended a week-long holiday programme during her vacation from her regular preschool, just before Circuit Breaker. | Siva Gopal Thaiyalan Primus Schoolhouse, Bukit Timah |
| As the aunt of both kids, Noah and Joel, I can say that they enjoy going Primus Schoolhouse everyday as they learn through many activities with good value. |
Rosaline Aquiman Primus Schoolhouse, River Valley |
| Great school to take your kids to! Staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. |
Gerardo Pittaro Primus Schoolhouse, River Valley |
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Ms. Rochelle has helped our Son to improve his confidence in reading and telling the time. When he was a bit behind due to us going on holiday she took time to help him catch up and keep his confidence up as he went through the activities. Ms. Urenee is wonderful, caring and supportive, definitely one of our kids favourite teachers. She makes every effort to keep us up to date and takes excellent care of our daughter, building her self confidence. Ms. Sharma took time to research how to address certain topics with our Daughter and shared this research with us. She also took the time to speak directly with Cara, providing support, guidance and reassurance. |
Alison, Parent of K1 child Primus Schoolhouse, River Valley |
FAQs about our Nursery 2, Kindergarten 1 & 2 Programme
What age can my child start Preschool in Singapore?
Our Preschool Years Curriculum is for children aged 4 to 6 years old.
Nursery 2: 4 years old
Kindergarten 1: 5 years old
Kindergarten 2: 6 years old
Is Preschool compulsory in Singapore?
It is not compulsory in Singapore to send your child to school until they are 7 years old. However, the Ministry of Education (MOE) highly advocates for preschool education for all children and many parents choose to send their toddlers to start attending Preschool when they are as young as 18 months old.
How much are the school fees for the Nursery and Kindergarten Programmes?
Contact us for more information on the school fees for the Nursery and Kindergarten Programmes in Singapore. Send us an online enquiry here.
At which centre is the Chinese Immersion Programme being held?
The Chinese Immersion Programme for Pre-Nursery students is only held at Primus Schoolhouse @ Bukit Timah.
Is there an outdoor environment for my child in school?
Each of our centres have its unique features. In Bukit Timah, we have the largest outdoor play area, while River Valley offers an outdoor rooftop for kids to enjoy. In Alexandra, we do not have an outdoor environment, but we take the kids to parks on a weekly basis for outdoor experiences.
Where is the Parent-and-Toddler programme held?
The Parent-and-Toddler programme is held at Primus Schoolhouse @ Bukit Timah.