Getting Ready for Prep
Prep is the first formal year of schooling at A.B. Paterson College. Students are engaged in stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning experiences within a vibrant and supportive environment. Creativity is nurtured and encouraged, helping students to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. Prep students are both challenged and supported as they develop the skills and attributes needed to pursue their interests and achieve their goals.
As students begin their schooling journey at A.B. Paterson College, they bring with them a wealth of experiences, knowledge and understandings. Our academic program recognises and builds on these individual starting points, allowing each student to progress through the teaching and learning process in a rewarding and purposeful manner.
The Australian Curriculum forms the basis of learning in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and the Arts. Prep students also participate in specialist lessons in Music and Physical Education and visit the Library each week. Swimming lesson also form part of the Physical Education program.
Students have opportunities to develop their interests and talents beyond the classroom. All Prep students are invited to join the Prep Choir and have opportunities to perform at College events throughout the year.
Pastoral Care plays an important role in developing the personal and social skills that support students in their learning. The Teaching for Understanding (TfU) framework underpins the teaching philosophy at A.B. Paterson College. Through differentiated and supportive programs, teachers respond to the individual needs of each student, helping them to develop increasingly complex skills and understandings appropriate to their level of maturity and ability.
Play is an important part of the Prep experience and is supported through imaginative and flexible classroom and playground environments. These experiences provide opportunities for students to explore, create, collaborate and develop their independence.
Each Prep class has a teacher and a trained Learning Assistant who works closely with the teacher to support the academic, social and emotional development of every student. We also recognise the important role families play in their child’s education. A positive partnership between students, parents and teachers is valued and contributes significantly to successful learning outcomes.
By the end of their Prep year, students will have developed greater independence, established positive friendships and gained valuable knowledge, skills and confidence to support them as they continue their learning journey.
A.B. Paterson College acknowledges the Kombumerri People as Traditional Custodians of the land, sea, waterways, and skies in which we learn and play. We also pay our respects to elders, past, present, and emerging, and recognise their continuing connection to country and ways of learning.