A new educational method was born in the town when, following World War II, parents of the local children decided a new approach to education was needed.

That approach has now come to Armidale, with the opening of PLC’s all-girls Junior School.

The school features a new pre-Kindergarten class specially designed for parents whose children have ‘autumn birthdays’, and those who want to better prepare their children for the start of school.

The school is based on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community.

The students held a ‘princess party’ to celebrate the opening of the school.

PLC’s head of primary, Deb Curkpatrick, said the Junior School is great preparation for Kindergarten the following year.

“It’s structured play with a broad range of new experiences in preparation for the ‘big school’,” Ms Curkpatrick said.

“They enjoy activities such as drama, music, sport, art, gardening and cooking.”

The children also learn French.

“It’s an introduction to the wider world. When they start kindergarten they are ready to learn because they have been through all the preparation, and they have the ability to focus on the task.”

The girls’ social skills are also focused on, and are developed through the older girls at the school guiding the younger ones in a peer support program.

The school is already immensely popular, particularly with parents wanting ‘something more’ in preparation for Kindergarten.

“Parents want something that is tailored to meet their girl’s needs before they start school,” Ms Curkpatrick said.

Acclaimed artist Gaye Chapman was on hand for the launch of the school.

Chapman is best known for her work illustrating NSW School Magazine. She has also illustrated several books.

Chapman said it is an important process in developing the creative side of children.

“I think it’s more than important actually,” she said.

“It’s a really organic process where they put the child first and respect their creativity and listen to what they have to say.

“It’s about individuality.

“The first time I heard about it I thought ‘we could actually put that into practice and create some decent human beings’.”