The power of consistency in education

ACADEMIC GROWTH

THE POWER OF CONSISTENCY IN EDUCATION

OUR EARLY LEARNERS LEAP BOLDLY INTO PREP

BY CATHERINE NOBLE AND POLLY GRIERSON

Prep Teachers

Parents want to ensure the school they choose is the right place for their children. The benefit of holistic educational care the children receive, from when their brains are just starting to open up and interpret the world to when they become independent thinkers and leaders, is fundamental. Research shows that a positive transition occurs when families and educators collaborate and outline clear expectations around learning, safety and care.

As Prep teachers, we are uniquely placed to observe the positive impact on children when they transition from Pre-Prep to Prep within the same educational setting. Conversations between families, ELC and Junior School educators start earlier and the sense of community and strong relationships nurture the children as they move to the next stage of their educational journey. Transitions occur naturally because our Pre-Prep children are surrounded by an academic environment beyond their gate and witness interactions between Junior and Senior students that may inspire them.

EARLY TRANSITION Our formal transition to School commences in Term 4 of the year prior to children starting Prep, yet, our Early Learning children are no strangers to the Prep classrooms. They recognise the classrooms and they say hello to the familiar Junior School teachers they see on a daily basis. They even become confident with playing on the big equipment in the playground.

Recently we have expanded our transition program with the introduction of Project Enlighten for Pre-Prep, Prep and Year 1 students. This program runs in Terms 2 and 3 and involves children learning in small, mixed-age groups once a week. Through an engaging program of play-based activities, they become familiar with a range of staff members they will encounter once they move to Junior School.

A FAMILIAR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT When our children transition into Junior School, we really notice how ready and prepared they are for the next academic level. The children feel comfortable and safe in a learning environment that is familiar to them, therefore they are fully able to immerse themselves into all areas of their education. They know other children from their time in Pre-Prep and also have the opportunity to make new friends. This familiarity and consistency allows them to focus on building their skills in reading, writing and mathematics.

We know that in recent years our children have faced many disruptions to their daily routines and learning journeys. In light of this, there is real value in the sense of security and community that is afforded by providing consistency in their educational environment.

Going from Pre-Prep to Prep is one of the biggest educational leaps a child can take. After a time of such uncertainty and disruption to our children’s education, how do we know that they are leaping boldly (not blindly) into Prep and beyond?”