Welcome to Prep!
Starting school is a significant milestone in every child’s life, and we are committed to making the transition to school a positive, exciting and memorable experience.
At Preston Primary School, we create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and excited to learn. We aim to inspire curiosity, build confidence and encourage every child to become an enthusiastic and lifelong learner.
A Positive Start to School
Our transition program helps children and families feel comfortable and confident as they prepare for school. Children take part in orientation sessions at our school, meet Prep teachers and future classmates, become familiar with their new surroundings and begin building friendships before their first day.
Literacy
Our Prep literacy program gives children the skills and confidence they need to become successful readers, writers, speakers and listeners.
Through the Phonics Plus program, students learn the sounds that letters make and how to use these sounds to blend, segment, read and spell words. These skills are practised through decodable books, handwriting, spelling and meaningful writing experiences.
Students also participate in the Magic 100 Words program, building their knowledge of high-frequency words and developing reading fluency. Our weekly Language Experience sessions provide opportunities for children to turn their real-life experiences into writing.
Children take home books each week, allowing them to practise their reading skills and share their progress with their families.
Numeracy
Prep students develop their mathematical understanding through hands-on activities, play, problem-solving and everyday experiences, supported by the Ochre Education Mathematics program.
Children explore:
- Number – counting, recognising, ordering and representing numbers, as well as early addition and subtraction.
- Measurement and Space – exploring length, mass, capacity, time, shapes and position.
- Patterns and Data – finding patterns, sorting, classifying and representing information.
Our practical approach encourages children to explore, question, explain their thinking and develop confidence as young mathematicians.
Humanities
Our Humanities program encourages children to be curious about themselves and the world around them. Through History, Geography and Science, students explore their families, communities, environments and the natural world.
Children learn about:
- History – families, personal histories, traditions and celebrations.
- Science – materials and objects, movement, animals and plants.
- Geography – places that are important to us, where people live, maps and caring for our environment.
Children investigate, observe, ask questions, share ideas and make connections through stories, discussions, practical experiences and hands-on investigations.
ICT
Technology is a regular part of learning in our Prep classrooms. Students use iPads to support their Literacy and Numeracy learning, providing opportunities to practise skills, explore new ideas and engage with interactive learning experiences.
Through purposeful use of technology, children also begin developing their digital literacy.
Wellbeing
UR Strong – Friendology
Building friendships and learning how to navigate relationships is an important part of starting school.
Through the UR Strong Friendology program, children learn how to make and maintain friendships, communicate kindly, manage friendship challenges and seek help when they need it.
These lessons help create a safe, caring and connected classroom, while giving children practical strategies to build positive relationships.
Share Time
Share Time gives children the opportunity to share special items, experiences and ideas with their classmates.
As the year progresses, children develop their confidence and learn important skills for speaking clearly, listening to others and presenting to an audience. Topics are linked to learning taking place in the classroom, making Share Time a meaningful and enjoyable part of the Prep experience.
Other Activities
Prep is about much more than what happens inside the classroom. Throughout the year, children take part in a variety of experiences that encourage them to explore, have fun, build confidence and develop new skills.
Gymnastics provides opportunities to develop coordination, balance, strength and gross motor skills in an active and supportive environment.
Our Fire Education program teaches children important safety skills and helps them understand what to do in an emergency.
A variety of incursions and excursions also provide opportunities to experience new things, connect classroom learning to the wider world and engage with our local community.
A Wonderful Beginning to Their School Journey
Prep is the beginning of an exciting journey filled with new experiences, friendships, discoveries and opportunities to learn. At Preston Primary School, we are committed to making every child’s first year at school a happy and successful one.
