As St. Michael’s celebrates 80 years of creating tomorrow, we continue to reflect on the practices that have always shaped outstanding learning in our school. One of the most enduring is the power of play in the Early Years. Play has long been recognised as the most powerful way for young children to learn. It offers opportunities to explore, imagine, and discover the world in meaningful ways. Far from being just fun, play is essential learning.

Through play, children develop language, creativity, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to take risks. These rich experiences build the foundations for lifelong learning, preparing children to thrive in an ever-changing world. Learning through play was good practice then, and it remains good practice now. Eight decades on, this approach continues to reflect the very heart of our school motto of growing, working, and learning together.