Prep is the first full-time year of schooling for Queensland children prior to Year 1. They are generally required to turn 5 by June 30 of the year they enrol in Prep; however, parents may delay their child’s start by one year if they believe that their child is not ready.
As a parent, there are many ways that you can support your child's transition to full-time school, such as the development of age-appropriate skills. We've prepared a free Prep Readiness Guide to help you practice skills with your child to smooth the transition to full-time schooling.
The two modern Prep classrooms at BAC are equipped with hands-on learning materials and interactive spaces that maximise learning potential.
Our Prep teachers provide a mixture of challenge and support that coaxes young minds, hearts and hands on a journey of discovery and towards a life-long love of learning. The key learning areas that form the basis for the curriculum as students advance through school are meticulously introduced here.
Prep has separate classrooms, a separate bathroom, and a playground that is used exclusively by Prep and Year 1 children. This provides a sense of security and safety.
As the year progresses and we see our young students settling well into their new environment, they make connections with the rest of the College through Primary Chapel services, assemblies, book buddy time with Year 6, and special events such as Grandparent's Day, Junior Athletics Day, and Primary Week of Worship.
The Prep students visit the Year 1 classroom and meet the Year 1 teachers. This gives Prep students the confidence to move smoothly into Year 1 and 'big school' when the time comes.
All Prep students will also be screened throughout the year by visiting professionals for hearing, vision, and speech.
The Prep teachers deliver lessons in line with the Australian Curriculum and work as a team to program and plan activities. This gives children from both classes the opportunity to play together and participate in whole class activities, rotational groups, combined performances, excursions and differentiated learning groups.
Prep learning areas include:
