Odyssey Fourth Avenue – Review
Odyssey Fourth Avenue – the First Ecologically Sustainable Preschool in Singapore
We all know how important the world is to us, and most of us want to do all we can to help it. We also know how cramped spaces and tiny classrooms can be stifling for kids, not just physically, but developmentally as well. Which is why it is important it is to provide a good learning environment for them when they are young. We took a trip down to one pre-school that welds the two together and claims to do exactly that.
At Odyssey Fourth Avenue, it is impossible to escape the great outdoors. Between the gorgeous, massive mural on the entrance wall to the vast expanse of land, the centre seems more like a giant outdoor playground than an actual pre-school. In addition, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and wooden flooring let in a lot of natural light and air, and make you feel like a wood-nymph travelling through a forest!
The words “ecologically sustainable” may initially be the cause of some bewilderment, but you will understand when you see the attention to details when it comes to making the centre at one with nature. From the solar panels, the natural and recycled toys and materials, to the compost bin and very own recycling centre, Odyssey Fourth Avenue aims to make a difference. “We want the children to see for themselves how nature moves in a circle,” says Centre Director, Rupal Arora.
The centre is located on a two-tiered piece of land with a grassy slope, with the toddler’s section conveniently located 
at the bottom, and the older children’s up a short flight of steps. (We were even more thrilled to hear there is going to be a slide coming down the slope for the children!) The kitchen, in which the well-known “Little Chefs” programme will be held, is located beside a garden, to allow the children to use their self-grown herbs for cooking.
Another thing we love is that it isn’t just the environment that allows children freedom and space. In terms of the curriculum, children are able to do what they want to, when they want to. In spite of this, the dedicated teachers ensure that they always learn something in everything, through their exploration, reading and playing. So that there isn’t too much of a culture shock when they step into Primary School, however, children still wear school uniforms, and have their meals at specific times of the day.
They are not aiming to be the only “eco-sustainable” pre-school, however. As the CEO of Knowledge Universe Education, Peter Maslen says, “We want to spread this. We want to make a change. We hope that in the future, all pre-schools will be the same way.”
The overall verdict? To be able to learn in Odyssey Fourth Avenue, we almost wish we could be children too!
Odyssey Forth Avenue commences on the 1st of April 2010.
Odyssey Fourth Avenue
20 Fourth Avenue
Singapore 268669
Operating Hours:
- 7am-7pm on Monday-Friday
- 7am-2pm on Saturdays
Tel: 6464 8986
For more information, visit www.theodyssey.sg!
To read our review of Odyssey Wilkinson, click here!
(8 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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