Education, skills and learning

On this page:
General information about primary school
What day will my child start primary school?
Moving from preschool to school
Transitioning to primary school
Preparing for the first day of school
The first few weeks of primary school

General information about primary school

Classes are usually smaller in the first few years of primary school. In most cases your child will have one teacher for their everyday education.

Students may also have a specialist teacher in subjects such as:

• library studies
• computing
• English as a second language
• music or choir
• foreign language
• sport or physical education
• art and craft
• reading recovery.

There are no standard examination requirements for progression through primary school. Students go on to secondary (high) school after completing the final year of primary school.

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What day will my child start school?

In South Australia, it's compulsory for children to be enrolled in primary school by their sixth birthday. 

Currently, most students in South Australia start school at age five. It's common for children to start school at the beginning of the school term following their fifth birthday. The principal decides whether to accept children during a term or wait to the beginning of the next term. 

New arrangements from 2014

From 2014 all children will start school on the first day of term one in that year.

Every child will have four terms of preschool and then four terms of Reception when they go to school.  This will provide a more stable environment for all children, with fewer changes to classes throughout the year. It also brings South Australia into line with other states.

If your child:

Use the same first day calculator  to find out when your child should start school.

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Moving from preschool to school

As soon as you've decided which school your child will be attending:

• Contact the school and make an appointment to enrol your child.
• Let the staff at your preschool or kindergarten know. They will then arrange a program to help your child get used to that school.
• With your permission, the preschool will give the reception teacher and school principal information about your child’s learning progress and needs to help with planning.
• If your child does not attend a preschool contact the school directly to arrange for your child to be a part of their transition to school program.

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Transitioning to primary school

Before starting school children are usually invited to visit their new school so they can become familiar with it.

Some schools set up buddy systems with older children so that children in reception have a welcoming experience from the beginning.

The transition to school program may include:

• regular visits to the school over a period of weeks
• walks around the school grounds and find out where things are, for example, the toilets and playground
• spending time in a classroom with a teacher and other students
• going to school events such as assembly, library visits, or performances
• opportunities to develop relationships with other children and teachers.

It may also include opportunities for parents to:

• become familiar with the school and its policies
• meet some staff members
• ask questions
• get information about out of school hours care (OSHC)

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Preparing for the first day of school

To prepare your child for their first day at school:

• Talk to your child about school and share some positive stories about your primary school days.
• Take your child shopping when you buy their school uniform, school bag, pencils, etc. Consider allowing them to choose their lunch box, water bottle or other personal items.
• Write your child’s name on clothing, bag, lunch box, water bottle and other items.
• Establish a routine at home around sleeping, breakfast, reading books and play time.
• Play act being at school.
• Allow your child to practice wearing the school uniform.
• Encourage your child to learn to dress and undress independently, and to use the toilet appropriately.
• Place extra underwear in their bag in case of an accident.
• Practice walking or travelling to school.
• Arrange for your child to play with other children they know who will be starting school with them.

Your child will feel more confident at school if they:

• know their name, address and phone number
• are used to putting play things and materials away after using them
• know how to look after their belongings
• know the appropriate use of toilet and related hygiene
• know who will be taking them home after school
• know how to socialise with other children, take turns and share their toys and books.

Your child will feel more settled if they understand:

• why they can’t play with friends in other classes when they want to
• why they need to ask to go to the toilet
• why they can’t go outside when they want to
• what the bell is for
• what recess time means.

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The first few weeks of primary school

One of the most important things you can do to support your child during the first few weeks is to ensure that they go to bed early and eat well.

You can also support them by helping them understand that reception is an extension of preschool or kindergarten. Take time to ask them about their day, and find out if they are feeling happy and settled.

If your child is having problems with settling into school it may be helpful to speak to their teacher.

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More information

Other websites
School readiness - Early Childhood Australia
Parenting SA 
Early Childhood Australia 
Parent easy guides - Parenting SA

Contact
Enquiries about new school starting date arrangements
Phone (08) 8207 2494
email decdfirstday@sa.gov.au