Canberra Girls Grammar Early Learning Centre

Location
Canberra

The Canberra Girls’ Grammar School Early Learning Centre has adopted the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. This approach originated in Italy and grew out of a movement towards progressive and cooperative early childhood education. The innovative program emphasises the creativity and empowerment of young children. It encourages discovery, communication and social interaction, through long-term negotiated projects and self-motivation.

This building reflects the aims of the program — it’s creative, welcoming and uses interesting shapes and spaces. The ‘classroom’ spaces and a strong connection with the outdoors. Natural light and air are central to the Reggio Emilia approach. The quality of light in some areas can change for sleeping and light is used extensively to create effects essential to the design.