Overview

The boys in Kindergarten to Year 2 of the Preparatory School engage in the exciting Primary Years Program (PYP) designed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. The PYP is taking the world by storm and revolutionising Primary education by putting the emphasis on inquiry-based learning. This has had the happy effect of increasing student engagement and accelerating learning, with students learning to become effective thinkers and independent learners. This inquiry-based learning program creates a sense of enthralment and trains boys to question, analyse and think. This leads to deeper understanding, the development of problem solving skills and academic advancement. For more details of the PYP, please click here.

Literacy and numeracy skills are central to the PYP, with boys being constantly stimulated to grow in these key areas. Regular assessment and constant monitoring allow our teachers to customise their lessons so that learning is optimised. Literacy skills are further enhanced by the adoption of the ‘Teaching Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills’ (THRASS) program, which is proving to be very effective. For more details of the THRASS program, go to http://www.thrass.com.au.

The K-2 curriculum of The King's School has the following features:

• A technology rich environment that prepares boys well for the electronic world they will inherit.
• Access to a state-of-the-art Inquiry Learning Centre.
• Specialist teachers in the areas of Technology, Christian Studies, Music, Physical Education, Library and Art.
• Specialist staff to meet the needs of students requiring learning support or gifted and talented programs.
• Specialist teaching of Mandarin, which is the overseas language of choice taught within the Preparatory School.
• An international perspective, with boys being prepared to play their part on the world stage.
• A Christian foundation that provides the framework for a good moral code, personal faith and the development of appropriate values. Although a Christian school, King's welcomes students from all faiths, on the understanding that they will be educated in a Christian environment.
• Exemplary pastoral care.

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What makes a good school great?

One of the most precious gifts a parent can give their son is a good education. This is particularly true of Primary education. A boy's first few years at school are foundational years on which the rest of his education will rest.

At The King's School, we place our boys on a trajectory of success. Our academic results at primary level are well above the national average and our class sizes are smaller.

Kindergarten at King's is a place of magic. Set in beautiful gardens, boys are able to learn in an environment that is ideal for a boy. There is space, there is adventure and there is permission to be a boy.

Key facts:

• Your son needs to have turned five by 31 March, in the entry year.
• There are two classes in Kindergarten.
• There are about 20 boys per class
• Kindergarten boys may arrive after 7.45am for an 8.25am start. School finishes at 2.50pm and boys can stay for play until 4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
• After school care is available from 4pm onwards (3pm on Thursday) on a user-pays basis.
• There is a smart school uniform. Most items can be purchased at the Braeside Shop in the Senior School (9683 8463 or braesideshop@kings.edu.au).

Enrolment Process

• The application form can be downloaded online, please click here.
• Prospectus and application forms for the Senior School and Prep School are also available from the Registrar's office (9683 8423).
• In the year prior to school entry, families will be invited for an interview and the applicant given a readiness assessment.
• About 40 places are offered to Kindergarten boys. Characteristically, there are more applications than places available. The School usually begins the process of confirming a place in May of the preceding year.
• School tours are available, as is the opportunity to meet the Head of the Preparatory School, Mr Keith Dalleywater, and the Director of Infants, Mrs Belinda Baxter. To book the School tour please click here.

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Prepare your son for school

The King's School recognises that effective education happens best in partnership with the home. Parents are the major influence on a son's academic success and development. With this in mind, the following advises how parents might prepare their son for Kindergarten.

• Create a warm and secure home with minimal stress. Worry about the home can make a boy reluctant to leave it.
• Do not spoil, over-protect or indulge a son so he lacks the resilience necessary to cope with school.
• Be a reading home rather than a watching home. Meals together, bed-time stories and chatting do much to accelerate pastoral and academic readiness for school.
• Encourage play with other children and the sharing of toys.
• Encourage correct grammar in speech and discourage ‘baby talk’.
• Give your son simple tasks about the house, such as tidying his room and helping with meals.
• Promote wonder, point out interesting things, ask questions, encourage thinking.
• Develop skills in using scissors, pencils, paintbrushes and how to use the correct, tripod pencil grip.
• Ensure your son can complete tasks such as putting on shoes and tying laces.
• Ensure your son can recognise and write his name.
• Be positive about schooling and share how good it was when you were at school.
• Introduce him to boys who will be starting school at the same time.
• Make sure your son attends the School tours and the ‘Transition to Big School’ days.
• Share with the School any relevant medical, learning, psychological or other developmental information about your son.

In conclusion, it is recognised that ‘school readiness’ varies from child to child. However, by following the advice above, most boys will find themselves ready for the wonderful world of The King's School Kindergarten.

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