Pisces

Hi, I have a daughter who turns 4 tomorrow. I have her name down on waiting lists for 3 pre-schools in the North Shore area of Sydney. She will be starting school next year, but I would like to find out more about kindergarten. Is it only NSW that does not have kindergarten at schools or is it just certain schools don't have kindergarten classes. The school in our catchment area only starts from age 5. Thanks.

NickyC

In NSW, 'kindergarten' is the name given to the first year of school. In other states it might be called Year One or Reception or whatever.

All state schools (and all private schools too) in NSW have kindergarten classes. What very few state schools have is pre-school classes.

Mrs Jackaroo

Like Nicky says - the first year is called Kinde (reception in the UK) - then year 1, year 2 etc. Kids start Kinde after turning 5 (not sure of the cut off dates though)

Pisces

Thank you, that explains a lot. I was feeling pretty confused by the whole thing. I have been told she can start school (kindergarten) if she turns 5 by the 1 July of that school year.

Ozzidoc

In Victoria:
Kindergarten.

Primary school: Prep ("preparatory class") then Grades/Year 1-6
High/secondary school: Year 7-12