Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.
- O. Fred Donaldson

At St Patrick’s, children get ample opportunities to nurture their skills and talents. They are involved in cultural, social and artistic activities both inside and outside the classroom. All children deserve a safe, caring and warm environment, where they are happy, cared for and nurtured in a reassuring environment so that they grow and develop to their maximum potential. Stimulating activities that promote children’s emotional, physical, social and intellectual growth and development are provided to foster children’s sense of worth and self-esteem. By participating in activities beyond academics children have fun, make friends, learn skills, express creativity and form self-identity. When children express themselves through, art, music, dramatics or play, the focus is not on the finished products rather on the processes which children go through and develop confidence.

Creativity through Art:

This skill develops in children before they learn to write. Most young children naturally take delight in art. Working with art materials offers children opportunities to experiment with colours, shapes, designs and textures. They are encouraged to open up their mind and heart through this medium and in return it also gives us an insight into their world of imagination.

Music and Dance:

One of the most important early foundations for later motor skill development is the infant’s awareness towards the steady beat. This awareness, or basic timing, is the foundation on which the child builds future motor coordination.

Phyllis Weikart, Leading authority on rhythmic movement

Children naturally love music! Whether it’s soft and soothing or a lively tune, children feel it both physically and emotionally. As children grow in their appreciation of the beauty of music and dance, they acquire a gift that will bring them great pleasure. Music brings another dimension of beauty into our lives. Music and movement benefit a child’s development in many ways.

Professionally trained staff introduces music to young children at our school, and they are encouraged to sing, dance and most importantly have fun while experimenting with music.

Reading:

St. Patrick’s Academy has a fine library with carefully selected books for children. Teachers spend a lot of time, reading to young children by which children acquire language acquisition and literacy skills early in their lives which in turn evokes the desire to explore their world through reading.

Role Play/Dramatics:

Here children accept the assigned roles and act those out. They break through the wall of reality, pretend to be someone or something different from themselves. This kind of play is an integral part of developmental learning process and we encourage children to come out and participate and develop skills in such areas as abstract thinking, literacy, math, and social studies, in a timely, natural manner.

Sports and Games:

Physical Education is an article of faith with Patrician Brothers and they have produced many world and Olympic champions in track and field events. Physical activity is vital for a child’s development and lays the foundation for a healthy and active life. St. Patrick’s academy offers a wide choice of play-based physical active learning experiences which link to children’s interests, abilities and identity. Specially trained staff encourages children to participate at all levels to promote their healthy growth and development. Such activities also promote social skills and improve their concentration and thinking skills.

Morning Assembly:

Morning Assemblies at St. Patrick’s Academy are not restricted to saying prayers, choir singing or just standing in lines. These provide children opportunities to improve on their various skills, like language, dramatics, creative, social and, most importantly, help them to have better self-esteem as the children get a platform to practise and showcase their talent. It’s wonderful to hear the children giving messages about simple but important and relevant topics; these could be about following safety rules, cleanliness, spreading joy and many more. With intent to encourage leadership skills among our children, the student council is given a major responsibility to conduct the school assemblies.