The NMAJS Early Learning Campus is a space exclusively for our youngest learners (age 3-6). As an IBPYP school, our approach to early learning encourages curiosity, exploration and discovery in a stimulating, safe and happy learning environment.
The IB philosophy, along with the NMAJS curriculum model, work together to foster a culture that celebrates diversity, and encourages deep learning. The early learner is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that every young learner is capable, confident, and creative, with an innate desire to learn. Our approach at the NMAJS early childhood campus is focused on stimulating children’s interests and motivating them to learn through play and inquiry. This approach not only helps them construct their understanding of their world, it also equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge they need to build a strong foundation for future learning.
We recognize that each child is unique, with individual preferences and prior knowledge. Therefore, we personalize each learner’s journey, tailoring our approach to meet their specific needs and interests. We strongly believe in fostering learner agency, enabling our youngest students to make informed choices and take ownership of their learning, knowing that their voice is valued.
Our holistic approach ensures that
socio-emotional, physical, and cognitive development is supported during this sensitive time of growth. As a PYP school, we provide a high-quality curriculum that is both relevant and challenging, guiding our learners through exciting transdisciplinary units of inquiry. This method integrates appropriate skills and knowledge from various subject areas into authentic and contextual units of inquiry, making their learning experience meaningful and engaging.
Our unique learning environment is truly one of a kind, featuring a custom-built play village, an imaginative play area that includes spaces for STEM exploration, messy play and art, everyday life spaces like a play home, a grocery store, a play medical centre as well as a local Mumbai bus and construction zone. This is where, children bring their imaginative ideas to life, role-playing as astronauts, doctors, architects, or caring for family and friends in the play homes. Here children learn that they can become whatever they aspire to.
These child friendly space invite excitement and imagination while at the same time provide opportunities for children to demonstrate their knowledge, attitudes and skills in authentic contexts.
In addition to this, we have a gymnastics arena for specific gymnastics training, a sensory space and light atelier, a children’s kitchen as well as a music and movement hall. Our outdoor environment of around 26,000 sqft includes a mini football field, sand and water play areas, an “animal friends” enclosure (yes we have real animal friends visiting!), a gardening space and an amphitheater for performances.
We are committed to providing a healthy and safe learning environment for the young learners at NMAJS. All of our teachers engage in safeguarding training and we have rigorous health and safety procedures.
Our teachers utilise structured and guided inquiry to drive learning, incorporating direct-instruction and modelling through mini-workshops and small group teaching. Authentic learning experiences are created or utilised to encourage learners to observe, question, wonder and make connections. Children become innovators as they create their own play, individually or as a group. Through play, we co-create opportunities for creative-thinking and problem solving.
Our strong commitment to culture and values is evident through the many celebrations and traditions we engage in. These activities help us connect with our Indian heritage while at the same time provide opportunities for learning and help us appreciate other cultures, thus promoting international mindedness.
Our Early Years Campus is also inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which compliments the PYP in enabling children’s creativity and their sense of wonder and awe about the world around them.