Shelley Laycock is an Old Girl of Abbotsleigh and an Early Childhood teacher with close to 30 years’ experience, and 13 of those as a director. She fervently believes that all children should have access to high quality education and care. At the core of Shelley’s personal philosophy is the belief that it is imperative for babies, toddlers and children to experience the satisfaction and success of repetition and the security of the known in order to be confident and to go further in their learning. At the very heart of Shelley’s approach is a commitment to embracing the sense of wonder, curiosity and creativity of each child; to support the abundant potential of all children as they are given opportunities to question, play and explore and develop their creative confidence.
Ms Sally Ruston says that to see Junior School girls demonstrate such curiosity, wonder and delight as they engage in challenging learning opportunities is truly a privilege. She takes seriously her responsibility as leader of educators to create an environment where learning is seen as ‘good, hard fun’ and all girls work at their edge of competence so that personal best outcomes are the expected reality.
Abbotsleigh’s culture of excellence, in which girls thrive, is underpinned by strong pastoral support where students are taught how to collaborate, problem solve, think critically, innovate and persist through challenges.