What is Prep?
Prep is the first compulsory year of school and provides the
foundation for your child’s education. It is a full-time program
held in primary schools. Children attend Monday-Friday for the
full school day. Prep teachers use the Foundation Year of the
Australian Curriculum to guide children’s learning. For further
information visit the Australian Curriculum Website at
www.australiancurriculum.edu.au
When is my child eligible for Prep?
All Queensland children are eligible to attend full-time Prep
from the beginning of the school year in which they will reach
the age of 5 years by 30 June.
| Birth date | Eligible for Prep Year in: |
|---|---|
| Child born 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 | 2023 |
| Child born 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 | 2024 |
| Child born 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 | 2025 |
| Child born 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 | 2026 |
Developing the whole child
Families starting their child’s schooling in the Catholic tradition
know that Catholic schools are committed to the growth
of the whole child by offering developmentally appropriate
programs which address children’s needs – spiritual,
intellectual, physical, cultural, social and emotional. Faith,
spiritual and values development is integrated into the Prep
curriculum in keeping with the ethos and values of Catholic
education.
The Prep program promotes the development of
independence and acknowledges that children arrive at school
as competent and capable learners who have been learning
since birth. The year builds on your child’s learning at home and
in other places like kindergarten and child care.
In close partnership
Our schools see education as a partnership between schools
and families. Parents/Carers are welcomed as members
of the school community and opportunities are provided
to share in the school experience. Close communication
between school and home is a priority. Prep teachers
value partnerships with families, carers, communities and
professional colleagues in order to develop supportive
learning environments for students
What will children learn?
In Prep, children learn in many different ways including play,
organised games and investigation. They develop important
life skills by working with other children and adults. Prep
makes connections between school and what your child
learns at home and in early childhood education and care.
Prep helps your child develop:
• a positive approach to learning
• independence and confidence
• thinking and problem-solving skills
• language skills
• early literacy and numeracy
• physical abilities.
