Ekya Vana Early Years

Nurturing a generation
of curious minds

Rooted in our Purpose-Based Schools philosophy, our unique learning pathways are designed to spark curiosity, build empathy, and inspire action. From growing a garden to building pollinator habitats, children engage deeply with nature while discovering their passions and purpose.

Education that nurtures critical thinking, empathy, and responsibility - from the ground up.

We follow the child, guided by nature’s rhythms and rooted in real-world purpose.

How will our children truly learn?

Key Experiences of Childhood

Eco -
Stewardship

Children actively compost, plant, and conserve water – learning that caring for Earth is in their hands.

Creative Expression in Nature

Art, music, and stories use natural materials, making creativity part of the outdoors.

Wellness & Mindfulness

Outdoor stretches and quiet garden moments help children cultivate calm and focus

Scientific
Curiosity

Nature – filled investigations – watching roots drink, following ant trails, collecting rain in leaves – foster hands – on science learning.

Community &
Cultural Connection

Local flora and fauna, and celebrations of nature-based festivals, root children in their place and heritage.

What will our students discover here?

Key Experiences
Beyond the Classroom

Experts
Talks

Hear stories and knowledge from wildlife experts, ecologists, gardeners and community elders.

Work
Shops

Try skills like planting native seeds, building bird feeders, making nature art, or studying water life.

Outbound Nature Learning

Explore local forests, streams, gardens, and fields, observing and taking notes on nature’s patterns and cycles

Community Connection

Work with helpers and neighbors to restore habitats, care for plants & animals and share what they learn with others.

What are our pathways?

Pathways with
Purpose

People and Planet
Pathway

Focus

Exploring nature’s interconnected web.
Guided discovery.
Hands-on learning.
Understanding interdependence.
Develop empathy for living beings.
Build practical environmental skills.
Grow as responsible stewards.

Activities

Sensory exploration in the Mud Kitchen.
Developing motor skills and scientific thinking through water play.
Hands-on discovery in the eco lab.

Skills

Observe and wonder.
Ask questions, solve nature’s mysteries, and think creatively.
Work together.
Grow empathy for all living things.
Build lifelong habits that help protect our planet.

Key Standards

Connections in Nature: Spotting and naming local wildlife; understanding how living things are linked.
Caring for Living Things: Growing and nurturing plants; tending to gardens and habitats.
Nature Exploration & Discovery: Using hands, eyes, and tools to investigate the outdoors and its wonders.
Conservation in Action: Taking simple actions – like litter clean-ups or creating wildlife-friendly spaces – to help the environment.

Earth Care
Pathway

Focus

Creative reuse and upcycling.
Composting and soil care.
Renewable energy sources.
Nature-inspired problem solving.
Practising sustainable living.
Designing wildlife habitats.

Activities

Recycling and reusing materials creatively.
Storytelling based on bugs and habitats.
Composting.
Bird watching.

Skills

Taking responsibility for resources.
Observing and making connections with nature.
Collaborating with peers.
Building empathy and care for living things.
Creative problem solving for nature.

Key Standards

Sustainable Living: Practising composting, water conservation, and responsible resource use.
Creative Problem Solving for Nature: Inventing and building with recycled materials; turning old things into new treasures.
Innovation from Nature: Noticing how animals and plants adapt, and copying nature’s smart design.
Community & Shared Responsibility: Taking part in group eco-projects, sharing earth-care ideas with friends, family, and the community.

How do we nurture literacy and numeracy?

Early Skills for
Lifelong Learning

Literacy & Language

The Literacy and Language curriculum develops receptive and expressive language skills alongside print awareness and vocabulary. Children learn to use language to communicate effectively and express themselves in daily situations. Through an integrated focus on listening, reading, speaking, and writing, they gain a strong grasp of written conventions and the ability to make meaning from text.

Numeracy & Mathematics

Early math learning emphasizes sensory exploration, helping children grasp abstract concepts through hands-on experiences. Using the Concrete–Pictorial–Abstract (CPA) approach and a spiral curriculum, they move from real objects to drawings and finally to numbers and symbols. This step-by-step process builds lasting understanding by linking new concepts to prior experiences.

What are some of our unique spaces?