Prep starting age
In order for your child to be eligible to commence Prep they must be turning six years old by the 30th of June in the Year they enrol in Year One.
This means that if your child was born between the 1st of July 2016 and the 30th of June 2017 they will be eligible to commence Prep in 2022 and Year One in 2023.
The laws in Queensland have changed and from 2017 it is compulsory for all children to undertake a full-time Prep Year, before they can begin Year 1. Find out more at the Education website.
Who has access to Prep?
All children of appropriate age are able to attend Prep.
There is no waiting list to attend Prep as it is available to all children attending State primary schools.
The Prep year is a full-time, compulsory program that has been specially designed to replace Preschool. Preschool has not been available in Queensland primary schools since 2006.
Enrolling in Prep
The number of students enrolling in Prep at Parke in any given year is not to exceed 10 students in 1 classroom unless there are more than 10 students enrolling from within the catchment area.
Enrolment applications for admission into Prep will be accepted each year from the beginning of Term 3 for enrolment to commence from the beginning of Term 1 the following year.
Applications will be recorded in order of receipt and will remain current only for the year of submission.
The curriculum
The Early Years Curriculum guidelines are designed to better prepare children for primary school. It is based around active learning, investigations and play.
In Prep children will be:
- Using blocks and other equipment to develop early mathematical concepts and skills.
- Building and understanding of the world around them through dramatic play.
- Drawing and painting to encourage oral language, reading and writing skills.
- Playing and investigating independently, in pairs, in small groups and as a whole class.
- Actively making choices about what and how they learn.
- Participating in music and language experiences.
The learning experiences will help children to:
- Develop oral language, literacy and numeracy skills.
- Become independent thinkers and problem solvers.
- Learn how to cope with others.
- Develop physical co-ordination skills.
- Listen to, respond to and give directions.