The Program

Overview

At The Scots School Albury we firmly believe in providing a smooth, tailored transition program for children entering Kindergarten in the Primary School.

Our program provides a sensitive, straightforward transition into schooling life for all students.  It encompasses the blending of routines, classroom practices, social development and teacher awareness from Scots Pre-School to Primary School.  The focus at all times is on "Children First".

The daily program is:

• designed to meet the individual needs and interests of each child
• flexible in recognising that each child will develop at his/her own pace
• focused upon providing opportunities to develop the emotional, social, physical, cognitive and linguistic skills of each child
• balanced to ensure content is meaningful, significant and challenging.

All children participating in the Scots Pre-School have access to this program, regardless of their choice of school.

Benefits:

The major benefits of transition from The Scots Pre-School to The Scots Primary School:

• Close, convenient relationship between teachers from both areas of Early Childhood
• Prior knowledge of the school
• Familiarity and security with surroundings
• Sense of belonging
• Planned curriculum flow to accurately meet children’s developmental needs

Scots Transition Program

For children enrolling at the Scots Primary School, the benefits derived from participation in the Scots Transition Program ensures a seamless transition from the Pre-School into the Primary School.

During Term 3, all Scots Pre-School students have opportunities to attend shared events and special occasions with the current Scots Infant (K-2) students.

These events provide the children with opportunities to interact with other school children, Infant class teachers, our Head of Primary and Infant Coordinator and include:

• Infant Assembly
• Morning tea and playtime
• Physical Education class
• Music making
• Stories and travelling shows

School Readiness Forum

A School Readiness Forum is held at the school during August for all Pre-School families.

The program for the forum consists of a panel-style discussion facilitated by the Head of Early Years at Charles Sturt University, the Director of the Pre-School, the Infants Coordinator and Kindergarten teacher, along with the Head of Primary.

Topics relating to transition issues such as readiness for school, parent expectations and potential anxieties are explored at the forum, in addition to educational based topics such as reading, boys’ education, co-educational play and Middle Years.

School Readiness Assessment

During the second half of Term 3, all new pre-school children enrolling at Scots are invited (along with their parents) to attend an individual formal interview with the Head of Primary. These interviews last for around 45 minutes.

During these interviews each child (under the supervision of the Head), completes a School Readiness Assessment Questionnaire.  Parents complete an accompanying questionnaire that helps the School to gauge each child's interests and developmental levels, prior to their commencement at the School.

Key factors for readiness in transition to school:

• Social interaction
• Emotional development
• Interactive play
• Independence

Orientation Session

An Orientation Session is held in late November for all new children enrolling in Kindergarten at Scots Primary, prior to the upcoming year. The Orientation Session is conducted in the Kindergarten classroom where parents are encouraged to attend, and provides opportunities for the children to meet the Infants Coordinator and their Kindergarten teacher, along with the Head of Primary teacher and their student “Buddies” from the current Year 3 student group.

This session helps to reinforce the student relationships already initiated from Pre-school, providing the children with an opportunity to further explore their new learning environment, in an informal manner under the supervision of their teachers whilst providing parents with the opportunity to meet other parents with children in the same year.

Prior to the commencement of the school year, new parents and children are encouraged  to tour the school and discuss curriculum and pastoral care issues with the staff.

Starting School

In Week 1, Term 1 of the new school year, a staggered entry occurs on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday for Kindergarten children. This allows the child and their teacher to become familiar with each other, and for each child to become comfortable with their new surroundings.

All Kindergarten children finish at lunchtime in the first two weeks of school. Children may be collected at the start, during, or at the end of the lunchtime session. For those children unable to be picked up at this time, Gap Care is provided on campus for a minimal fee enabling children to be collected up until 3.10pm or later.