"Kindy" in different states

[xXHopeXx]

I know my DD is nowhere near going to school yet but looking at different posts, it's got me wondering how "Kindy" and the like work in different states!

In NSW, we have preschool when they're 4 (which from memory isn't compulsory) and then they start Kindy when they are 5 (or about to turn 5, the cut off is June sometime I think, but there is the option to hold them back until the next year if you don't think they're ready) they then stay there for the school year and progress normally through grades 1-6.

How is it done in other states?? (or correct me if there's something different about NSW please!)

[Beach Mama]

In a rush but in Vic they have 3 yr old kinder and the 4 year old kinder, starting school when the turn 5 before April 30. So my DD is a May bub and will do 4 yr kinder next year while turning 5 in May!

Prep is the first year of school but in some states they call Prep kinder. Bring on National curriculum, it's a joke as it stands.

[Floweryfields]

Qld you have kindy the year your child turns 4 (by 30 June if after 30 June it's the next year) and then prep the year they turn 5 (same scenario as kindy with the age).

[Novella]

Currently in SA 'Kindy' is from 4-5 years old, they start kindy the term they turn 4 and have few pre entry visits the term before that. They then they go to primary school which starts in reception then goes years 1-7, high school is generally years 8-12

[~Kim~]

In the NT we have preschool the year before they go to primary school. It is government funded and almost every child attends.

We have the first year of primary school (the year they are five or before they turn 6) called Transition.

Kinder here refers to 3yo kinder - the very expensive year at privately funded centres before they are able to go to preschool.

[LuluHB]

In WA kids start kindy the year they turn 4 before 30 June. Pre-primary is then the following year and neither are compulsory here (at least kindy isn't. Don't think pp is either). Then its grade 1 the year they are 6 prior to 30 June.

I was amazed with DD1's kindy this year. I was honestly expecting it to be glorified daycare, but a start with socialisation, learning to sit quietly, ask questions after raising hands etc. She has learned heaps. She now writes well, knows numbers to about 100 and has begun reading. They also do a lot in terms of other learning -one semester was pets, one the human body etc. DD1 goes to a private kindy, and having spoken to mums of kids at public school kindy, DD1's kindy seem to have a much stronger emphasis on learning.

[Trillian]

I know my DD is nowhere near going to school yet but looking at different posts, it's got me wondering how "Kindy" and the like work in different states!

In NSW, we have preschool when they're 4 (which from memory isn't compulsory) and then they start Kindy when they are 5 (or about to turn 5, the cut off is June sometime I think, but there is the option to hold them back until the next year if you don't think they're ready) they then stay there for the school year and progress normally through grades 1-6.

How is it done in other states?? (or correct me if there's something different about NSW please!)

The cut off date is July 31 - so if they don't turn 5 till after that date then they must start school the following year. A child in NSW must start school by their sixth birthday - so if a child turns 5 this year, then they must start school next year, unless there is a special circumstance such as a special needs issue that means they need another year at home. That's as far as I understand it to be for NSW anyway

[xXHopeXx]

Prep is the first year of school but in some states they call Prep kinder. Bring on National curriculum, it's a joke as it stands.

I reckon!! For one country that only has 8 states, you'd think there would be more unity, it's not that hard is it!? Jeez, I can't get over the variance!!