Preparatory fits between Pre-school and Primary

This is a means of assisting children with the transition from Pre-school to school.  All children who are turning six may not be ready for the Year 1 classroom.  The Year 1 program at Christian Outreach College Brisbane is comprehensive and we need to ensure as far as possible that the children who are beginning Year 1 are ready for this step.

To this end, a school readiness assessment is administered at the end of the preschool year.  Discussion with parents then determines whether their child is ready for Year 1 or would benefit from a year in Preparatory class.  It could be for some children that they would benefit from another year of Preschool.

Our desire is to implement programs that are designed for the varying stages of development we see at this age level and to give all children the most positive start to their school years.  The objective for the Preparatory children is to give them another year to grow and develop readiness and maturity. 

Our Preparatory program is not a Preschool program.  The children come into a normal structured school environment, wearing a uniform, having their own desk to look after, and learning the routines of a school day.  Their daily program, however, involves more freedom, play and discovery, being given more outdoor and gross motor development time.  The program makes extensive use of play, literature themes and some formal learning experiences that prepare children for Year 1.  They do not have homework since these are children who are less mature and may tire easily.  This program especially builds early learning foundations and ensures that children are prepared and ready when they begin their formal years of schooling.  Children can face the year with confidence and expectations of success.

Aerial Photo of PrepWorld: opened 2007