HISTORIC PREP YEAR TO BEGIN THROUGHOUT QUEENSLAND

Thousands of children throughout Queensland are gearing up for the historic first day of the new full-time, non-compulsory Preparatory Year on 29 January.

Minister for Education and Training and Member for Everton, Rod Welford, said the introduction of Prep at schools throughout Queensland would be a significant event.

“The first day of the 2007 school year marks an exciting new era for early education throughout Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“Prep is now the first year of school in Queensland, replacing pre-school.

“There is a full-time program that develops a positive approach to learning, independence and confidence, and early literacy and numeracy skills.

“There are new or refurbished facilities in schools to provide for the Prep children, and there are new teachers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for schools to celebrate a new chapter in Queensland education.”

Mr Welford said the State Government had committed more than $350 million to the introduction of Prep at Queensland state and non-state schools.

“Getting ready for Prep has meant one of the largest capital works programs in our history with more than 1600 classrooms built or refurbished to accommodate students,” Mr Welford said.

“Ad additional 100 teachers have been employed, more than $2 million committed for specialist staff training, and a further $15.8 million allocated for curriculum resources including toys.

“We are staging the introduction of Prep with children born between January 1 and June 30, 2002 eligible to attend Prep this year.

“In 2008, children born between July 2002 and June 2003 will be eligible to attend. This is in line with an increase in the official starting age for school by six months from 2008.

“We anticipate 29,000 children will be starting Prep this year.

“The new curriculum for Prep has been developed by the Queensland Studies Authority and is based on a ‘play and inquiry’ approach to learning.

“Children learn when they play because they’re making decisions, solving problems, communicating and developing thinking skills.

The state-wide introduction of Prep follows a successful four-year trial and phase-in program involving more than 120 schools.

Media contact: Greg Milne on 32371000