In 2007, the Queensland Government introduced a Preparatory Year of full-time schooling for children who turn five by June 30 in the year they start school. International research shows the benefits of children taking part in full-time quality programs before they start Year 1.This research also shows that if children start formal schooling when they are a little older, they generally do better than their younger peers. An early years curriculum has been developed specifically for use in schools with prep classes. The Preparatory Year builds on the knowledge and skills that children have already acquired at home and in other places like kindergarten and child care.
At Marymount Primary School, the Early Years Curriculum Guidelines (EYCG) is used by teachers to assist them when interacting with children and to inform their planning and assessment of children’s learning. The following principles provide a framework for practice that guides teachers as they make curriculum decisions and scaffold children’s learning in the Preparatory Year:
- Children are capable and competent and have been learning since birth
- Children build deep understandings when they learn through all senses and are offered choice in their learning experiences
- Children learn best through interactions, active exploration, experimentation and by representing their learning through a variety of modes
- Children’s positive dispositions to learning, and to themselves as learners, are essential for success in school and beyond
- Children learn best in environments where there are supportive relationships among all partners in the learning community
- Early childhood programs are most effective when they recognise, value and build upon the cultural and social experiences of children
- Building continuity of learning as children move to and through school provides foundations for their future success.
- Assessment of young children is an integral part of the learning–teaching process and is not a separate activity.
At Marymount Primary school, the learning experiences provided for children in the Preparatory Year will help them to:
- take on responsibilities
- become more independent
- respect other people
- cooperate with others
- make sensible choices about their health and safety
- develop their physical skills
- develop their oral language
- develop their understanding of literacy and numeracy
- learn how to be thinkers and problem solvers
- use their imagination and creativity
- learn about their environment.
At Marymount Primary School, the curriculum in the Preparatory Year is designed to provide the foundation that children need for success in later schooling. International research has identified several factors that influence success at school. These are:
- independence
- social learning
- health and physical development
- language development
- early understanding of literacy and numeracy
- ability to think and solve problems
- imagination and creativity
- a positive approach to learning.
At Marymount Primary School, children in the Preparatory Year will be involved in activities that encourage them to:
- investigate interests
- make choices
- talk with teachers and other children
- plan with their teacher about the things they might do, and carry out their plans
- design and make things
- sing, dance and paint
- listen to stories
- play games indoors and outdoors
- climb, balance, jump
- plan and share in make-believe play
- use computers to draw pictures, make signs, play games and find out about the world
- take part in everyday experiences like gardening, cooking and tidying up
- write and copy signs during their play
- learn about size, shape, weight and measurement as they construct things indoors and outdoors.
At Marymount Primary School, we recognise the vital role parents play in their child’s education and the Preparatory Year provides many opportunities for parents to participate in their child’s learning. Further parental information is available from Brisbane Catholic Education and Education Queensland.
