australia's most comprehensive online directory of pregnancy, baby & toddler services

The Statement below has been provided by the Queensland Goverment Department of Education.
 


Preparing our children for school: the Queensland Government’s trials of a preparatory year of school.

In 2002 the Queensland Government announced its Queensland the Smart State: Education and Training Reforms for the Future package.

As part of the reforms, the Government is investigating converting part-time preschool programs into a full-time preparatory year to be offered in state, Catholic and independent schools. The Preparing for School trials, which will run during the next three years, will inform government on how best to provide a preparatory year to improve our children’s performance at school and help make the transition to Year 1 easier.

About the trials

During statewide consultations, parents and educators alike said that many children needed more preparation before they start Year 1. This is reflected in both national and international research on the effects of early childhood programs.

In addition, parents and educators also said that we should look at raising the school starting age and providing early education programs that fit in with the changing needs of children and families.

Queensland has had a highly regarded preschool program operating at no cost to parents in many state schools since 1972. Preschool is also provided at many Catholic and independent schools. These programs are currently available in approximately three-quarters of our state schools where children’s participation is based on a waiting list. While some preschools may have lengthy waiting lists, others are operating with vacancies.

The Preparing for School trials began in 2003 with 39 schools across the state. These schools include 30 state schools, six Catholic schools and three independent schools. Twenty additional schools will join the trial in 2004.

Currently, Queensland children start schooling in Year 1 — at least five months earlier than their interstate counterparts. The trials will help the Government decide if this is the best starting age for our children or whether the the starting age should be increased by at least six months. As a result, the trials involve children who are at least 6 months older than children currently commencing in state preschools, (i.e. children turning four by December 31 the year prior to attending preschool).

Children must be at least five years of age by 30 June 2003 to take part in the trial in 2003.

Once a preparatory year is fully implemented, there will be increased numbers of children aged from four to four-and-a-half years old who will require kindergarten and child care centres in the pre-preparatory year.

What will our children learn?
A draft Queensland Early Years Curriculum has been developed by a team of curriculum and early education experts, in liaison with organisations like the Crèche and Kindergarten Association of Queensland and the Early Childhood Teachers’ Association. The Early Years Curriculum Guidelines builds on Queensland’s existing preschool curriculum.

This draft curriculum will be child-centred, emphasising the importance of play in young children’s learning. Teachers will be encouraged to respond to each child as an individual. Children will explore five broad learning areas that will promote their successful transition to Year 1 and continued learning throughout school.

What will happen to existing early childhood programs? When introduced, the preparatory year will be available in all state primary schools. Catholic and independent schools may also decide to provide this year of education.

Education Queensland is working closely with the community kindergarten sector through the Creche and Kindergarten Association of Queensland and childcare sector through the Child Care Consultative Commuittee to investigate the potential effects of a preparatory year on their services, and the complementary pre-preparatory programs that they would provide if a preparatory year was introduced.

While a preparatory year in schools would decrease the number of children aged from four and a half to five years in other early education and care services, it is anticipated that this would be offset by an increased demand for pre- preparatory programs for children aged from four to four and a half years.

During the trials, preschool programs will continue to operate alongside the trial classes. We also acknowledge the contribution of other early childhood education and care providers who will continue to provide programs for young children in our community during the trials.

Why is Queensland trialling a preparatory year?

Queensland is the only Australian state where state schools do not offer a full-time year of education for children before they start Year 1. Queensland children are also at least five months younger than their interstate counterparts when they start Year 1.

The trials will allow us to evaluate different ways of providing quality early education programs that suit the needs of Queensland’s young children and their parents. The trials will help answer questions about how we prepare children for formal schooling, the age at which children should start formal schooling. The trials will include rural and remote locations and even a school of distance education.

Will the preparatory year have a play-based curriculum?

A draft Queensland Early Years Curriculum has been developed to support the trial, and is based on based on our well-regarded play-based Preschool Curriculum Guidelines. Children will be involved in play-based and focused learning tasks, investigations, real-life events and daily routines that will not only prepare them for school but enhance their skills as a lifelong learner.

Play provides a powerful context in which children learn as they actively engage socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually with people, objects and symbols. Engaging in play for extended periods of time allows children’s learning to become increasingly complex.

During the trial, what will the preparatory year classroom look like?
Trial classroom requirements include close proximity and access to a wet area, an appropriate open space, easily accessible toilets, an outdoor play area with playground equipment, appropriate furniture, equipment and learning materials. The trial will provide the basis for long-term planning for classroom design, playgrounds and resources.

Will the preparatory class be taught by early childhood trained teachers?

All trial classes are provided with a suitably qualified or experienced teacher. Where possible, the trial classes will be taught by early childhood trained teachers. This is not always possible in rural and remote areas of the state.

Will parents be involved in the preparatory year?

Parents play a vital role in their children’s education. Early childhood professionals will continue to recognise the importance of developing positive relationships with parents and supporting their ongoing involvement in early education programs. The Early Years Curriculum Guidelines provide advice about building partnerships with parents that support children’s learning.

How will the trial be evaluated?

There will be an external evaluation of the trials to examine issues affecting children and families.

We will decide on the future provision of a preparatory year based on research, including the findings from the formal evaluation.

To find out more about Queensland the Smart State: Education and Training Reforms for the Future call Education Queensland’s Early Childhood Unit on (07) 3237 0949 or visit the website: http://education.qld.gov.au/etrf/.