Beginning Prep at WCC
Prep is the first year of formal schooling in Queensland and provides the foundation for your child's educational journey. In this important year, children develop early literacy and numeracy skills, build social confidence, establish positive learning habits and grow in independence.
At Western Cape College, our Prep program is aligned with the Australian Curriculum and is designed to nurture curiosity, resilience and a love of learning. We understand that starting school is a significant milestone for both children and families, and we are committed to ensuring the transition is smooth, supportive and positive.
Children must be 5 by 30 June in the year they start Prep. To determine when your child can commence their Preparatory year, use the
Prep Ready Reckoner.
Term 3 - Kindy to Prep Experience Days
In Term 3, our Kindy to Prep Experience Days provide future Preppies with an authentic glimpse into life at school.
Through strong collaboration with our three feeder kindergartens, we offer four engaging transition days designed to build confidence and familiarity before the formal transition process begins.
These sessions are thoughtfully aligned with whole-college events such as Book Week, Science Week and NAIDOC Week, allowing children to feel part of the wider College community.
During these visits, our future students:
- Explore our learning spaces and facilities
- Become familiar with key staff
- Participate in classroom routines
- Experience specialist lessons such as Physical Education and The Arts
These opportunities support a smooth and positive start to formal schooling by building relationships and reducing uncertainty.
Term 4 - Formal Transition Program and Parent Workshops
In Term 4, enrolled students participate in our structured Prep Transition Program, designed to ensure every child begins school feeling confident, secure and excited.
Three early-morning transition sessions are scheduled to minimise disruption to kindergarten programs and parent work commitments. During these sessions, students:
- Meet their Prep teacher
- Learn their class group and classroom location
- Practice school routines
- Build connections with peers
- Spend time becoming familiar with their classroom environment
At the same time, parents and carers attend a series of informative workshops that strengthen the home–school partnership and ensure families feel prepared for the year ahead.
Across the three sessions, families will:
- Understand College operations, including school fees, uniforms, recording absences, communication processes and setting up QParents.
- Explore Literacy in Prep at WCC, gaining insight into what we teach, how we teach it and practical ways to support early reading and writing at home.
- Prepare for Prep, with guidance from the Primary Principal on what to expect in the opening weeks of Prep and how to best support a smooth transition.
Together, our Term 3 and Term 4 transition processes ensure both students and families feel informed, connected and ready to begin their Prep journey with confidence.
For information about your child's Prep enrolment or any other queries, please contact the administration office on 07 4090 6444 or
admin@westerncapecollege.eq.edu.au.
Discover Prep at WCC
Why choose Western Cape College for your child?
Experienced, early-childhood trained Prep teachers who inspire students in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Small class sizes with a full-time teacher aide in every Prep classroom.
Vibrant, spacious, purpose-built early years classrooms and play areas designed to support learning through play and exploration.
Access to outstanding facilities including our STEM Hub, Performing Arts Centre, Weipa Indoor Sports Hall, and Resource Centre.
School fees include stationery and essential classroom resources
A wide range of extra-curricular programs and clubs, including athletics, dance, instrumental music, academic enrichment, and citizenship opportunities.
The advantage of a seamless Prep to Year 12 education on one campus
Specialist teachers in The Arts, Health and Physical Education, and Instrumental Music from Year 2.
English: Students develop early language, literacy and communication skills through speaking, listening, reading and writing. They explore stories, sounds, letters and print while building confidence to express ideas and understand others.
Mathematics: Students develop foundational number, measurement, geometry and statistics skills through hands-on investigations and play-based learning. They learn to solve simple problems, recognise patterns and describe their mathematical thinking.
Health and Physical Education: Students learn about healthy choices, personal safety, relationships and emotional wellbeing while developing movement skills through active play. They build confidence, cooperation and resilience in a variety of physical activities.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Students learn about themselves, their families, their community and the places they belong to. They develop an understanding of history, geography and citizenship through exploring connections, traditions and environments.
Science: Students explore the natural and physical world by observing, questioning and investigating everyday phenomena. They develop curiosity about living things, materials, weather and their environment while learning basic scientific inquiry skills.
The Arts: Students learn about healthy choices, personal safety, relationships and emotional wellbeing while developing movement skills through active play. They build confidence, cooperation and resilience in a variety of physical activities.
Technologies: Students investigate how people create solutions to meet needs using design thinking and digital tools. They explore materials, simple design processes and age-appropriate digital technologies to create and share ideas.