Prep Year - More than just Pre-School

_{14, October 2005}

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Geoff with local Ferny Hills mum, Karen Kennelly and her son Ryan who will be starting Prep Year in 2007 at Patricks Road State School.

Major changes to early childhood education in Queensland primary schools have been foreshadowed by local State Member for Ferny Grove, Geoff Wilson.

Speaking with local parents and teachers this week, Geoff Wilson said, “Prep Year is a whole lot more than just Pre-School.”

“Prep Year replaces Pre School and will be the starting point for a reformed early childhood curriculum which extends from Prep Year all the way up to Year 3,” Geoff Wilson said.

The Prep Year, to be introduced in all Queensland primary schools by 2007, involves a non-compulsory, full-time year of education before Year 1.

This will be followed by another important change to early childhood education in 2008; increasing the compulsory school starting age by six months.

“The increase in the compulsory school starting age will ensure all Queensland children are fully prepared for school,” Geoff Wilson said.

Not only do these changes bring Queensland into line with other states, research shows that early childhood education leads to long-term improvements in achievement in school and greater learning capacity. 

Prep year provides many benefits for children, including better social skills, greater interest in learning, better problem-solving skills, understanding and responding to routines, coping with the length of a school day and readiness for Year 1. It also offers parents the choice of a full-time education program before Year 1.
Geoff Wilson is organising and hosting a Prep School Year Parent Information Night on Tuesday 25 October at the Patricks Road State School, (7:00 pm – 8:30 pm).  The evening will be a joint exercise with Patricks Road and Ferny Hills State Schools.

“I would like parents of young children to be more informed and better understand what the Prep Year will mean for them and their children,” Geoff Wilson said.

“I have invited representatives from Education Queensland as well as parents and teachers from a school trialling the Prep Year to share their Prep Year experiences,” Geoff Wilson said.

“Regardless of which school your child will be attending, I invite all interested parents to attend,” Geoff Wilson said.  “Come along and join the discussion.”

To assist parents, there is a special section on the Education Queensland website explaining the changes - just click here (www.education.qld.gov.au).  Education Queensland has also established a ‘Prep Year Information Line’, which operates between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 1300 650 220.

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