The Pre Foundation Program

Our 'Pre Foundation Program' provides a solid foundation for achievement.

Background to the Pre Foundation Program

In 2017, Sale Primary School introduced a new approach to grouping our Foundation students that saw the creation of a Pre Foundation Program. This exciting new program was developed out of a school and wider community need to better meet the needs of those children who commence their first year of schooling but are:

School-aged but still quite young and not quite school-ready (predominantly those students that turn 5 in their first school year in January-April inclusive)
School-aged but better suited to learning through investigation (hands-on) rather than more formal learning practices.
Going to benefit from a modified year of learning followed by a further year in Foundation
Ready for 5 days a week of school as an alternative to a second year of kindergarten

Features of the Pre Foundation Program

Our 'Pre Foundation Program' provides a solid foundation for achievement. Each child will be carefully monitored with ongoing assessment initially based on Pre-Foundation standards progressing towards Foundation standards as required throughout the year. The Pre Foundation Program has many positive features including::

Small class size – capped @ 18 students maximum ensuring a fantastic start to the school experience.
Supportive and welcoming teachers
Learning Consultants involved in supporting the transition of all of Foundation students, particularly 'Pre Foundation' students
Education Support Staff included as additional support attached to Literacy and Numeracy time
Individual Literacy and Numeracy assessments conducted in February
Individual and small group instruction a feature of the classroom.
Inquiry / Play based learning - developing problem solving skills.
A heavy emphasis on oral language, communication and social skills
Access to specialists programs (as per all year levels throughout the school ) such as Visual and Performing Arts, Japanese and Physical Education
Involvement in school activities including Swimming, Visiting Performances, Excursions & House Sport

Expressions of Interest

Those wishing to be considered for the Modified stream will be required to complete an Expression of Interest Form thus identifying their child as a possible member of this group.

The Expressions of Interest close at the end of June to allow the school time to co-ordinate plans for the following year and offer placements to this Modified Program
Positions for this Modified Program will then be offered at the beginning of Term 3 (July).
The Modified Program will be capped at 18
If over-subscribed the following considerations will be made before offering positions and creating any Waiting List:

Completion of a Kindergarten year
Family connections with the school
Date of Birth
Identified needs inclusive of input from parents, kindergarten teachers and health-care professionals