Preparatory School

A foundation for learning in a caring, structured and exciting environment

Churchie’s Preparatory School (for students from Reception to Year 6) offers an excellent foundation to learning within a caring, structured and exciting environment, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Our ‘boy responsive’ inquiry-based curriculum ensures an intellectually challenging learning experience, with students emerging from their preparatory years as articulate, confident and independent learners who increasingly take responsibility for their own learning.

Three ways to begin your journey

Students embark on their Churchie journey in the Prep School via three main entry years—Reception (prep), Year 3 and Year 5. Each entry point provides a nurturing entry to the School for new students, offering families a variety of options to best suit their son’s needs.

Reception to Year 2

Two classes

A caring and exciting environment awaits our youngest Churchie boys, whose energy and enthusiasm for learning is infectious and engaging. Boys begin learning to collaborate and express themselves, inspired by bright and cheerful classrooms, with an expert teacher and teacher aide in each classroom who have a genuine care and high regard for helping boys thrive at this important stage.

As boys progress through to Year 1 and Year 2, they grow and and their classroom environment grows with them. These years, while full of care and nurture, start to develop independence in boys to lay the foundation for formal years of learning ahead.

Some of the highlights of this special time at Churchie are the annual Christmas Pageant and tailored age-appropriate cocurricular programmes, including chess, swimming and tennis.

Reception Entry Programme

read online

Years 3 and 4

Three classes

An amazing journey awaits boys in Years 3 and 4 as they develop their independence, find their individual interests and begin to explore the many cocurricular activities and sports available at Churchie.

Boys develop a lifelong love of learning through an engaging inquiry-based curriculum utilising the acclaimed International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The music immersion programme commences in Year 3, with every student learning a strings instrument. Through the 1:1 tablet programme, the boys begin to develop essential digital literacy and media arts skills in their everyday learning to lay the foundation for success in the years to come.

Additional opportunities through clubs and cocurricular programmes continue to engage and enthuse boys in their learning and the world around them.

Years 5 and 6

Five classes

In Years 5 and 6, boys grow in independence and leadership as senior students of the Preparatory School, becoming part of a diverse and welcoming community.

As their confidence and sense of responsibility grow, they are encouraged to lead, serve and make a positive contribution to the world around them. Rich learning experiences, leadership opportunities and full participation in sport and cocurricular life help boys develop the capability and independence needed for a successful transition to Senior School.

Supported by a range of academic pathways that challenge and extend them, boys are encouraged to think critically, act with integrity and develop a strong sense of purpose. Participation and leadership within the house system foster belonging, teamwork and school spirit, while opportunities for service nurture compassion and a commitment to serving others. Alongside this, boys are fully involved in the breadth of cocurricular opportunities offered through the GPS competition.

The Aquila Class for Years 5 and 6 is a targeted academic pathway offering increased challenge, pace and enrichment for boys ready to extend their learning.