Oz style

[hatmum]

May be going to Australia for a year and need some info on pre-school and primary school education - where do I start? Much appreciated

Thanks. I've had a first glance and the whole ethos surrounding early years education seems fantastic and great that it's the norm (will we want to come back???) Nothing is confirmed yet but probably Queensland - all quite exciting!

Hi have recently returned to Brisbane. Primary schools run year 1-7 but they are in the process of introducing a prep year. You attend year one the year your child turns 6, prep it would be 5 (like uk reception) You are in catchment areas, you contact your local/closest school to where you will be living, and they have to take your child in. Most class sizes are around the 25 mark, the education is based on learning outcomes taught via themes rather than literacy hour/numeracy hour. so far my son has 'done' dinosaurs, underwater, myself etc. Most schools have a phonic system ie: jolly phonics or letterland as well. Lots more outside activities ie: swimming, gross motor skills etc. For preschool/nursery, most are private and you have to register up to 6-12months prior to attending (please contact Brisbane education dept as i am not too sure on the details) this is manly play based learning, no formal classroom learning. I believe the proposed prep year is to bring queenland in line with the other states and will be play based as well. Private system is different again - depends on which school/spaces/fees etc.
Look at brisbane city life web site to get more details or google brisbane/education and you will get loads of info.

Sorry for the long post

Message withdrawn

try this website for the queensland education system..
here