All of the Preparatory students engage in a rich and innovative program. 

The Preparatory teachers instil in children an absolute love of learning. Teachers know with the introduction of the Australian Curriculum, there were more demands being placed on children academically. Sheldon College Preparatory has the balance right.  We've worked out how to provide a rigorous academic program while still preserving the essence of childhood.

Each classroom has a fully qualified, registered Early Childhood Teacher with full-time Teacher Aide support. With their professional knowledge and expertise, these teachers are ideally qualified to nurture children through their Preparatory year of schooling.

The Preparatory students at Sheldon College are very fortunate because they also benefit from the specialist teachers who work across our College campus. Children participate in eight specialist lessons each week (three HPE, two Music, one Technology and two Drama) as well as a visit to our College library. These lessons are taught by specialist teachers and are an extremely important part of our program.

Teaching/Learning Approaches

Our Preparatory programs consist of a balance of investigation or exploration, guided instruction, and explicit teaching. The children are given many opportunities to investigate and explore. The experiences offered allow children to build on their existing knowledge, create and clarify their own new understandings, and experience a variety of approaches to a problem or question.

The Preparatory staff at Sheldon College work in accordance with the Australian Curriculum Foundation Curriculum and deliver regularly a rigorous academic program. They engage in Professional Development programs and ensure they are kept abreast of all new Curriculum initiatives.

Facilities

Our Preparatory classrooms consist of an open space for group and individual activities and a carpeted area for storytelling, singing and group games. Each classroom is rich in learning stimulus, and has access to a kitchen and preparation area. Direct access to bathrooms and an outdoor learning environment is also provided. Sheldon College offers our Preparatory students multiple opportunities to access a variety of facilities across the Kindergarten to Year 12 campus, including purpose-built Dance Studios, Music rooms, Technology Labs, the Junior Learning Centre and purpose-built sporting facilities.

Excursions/Incursions

We include excursions as a valuable part of the program. Incursions are also a feature of the program. Excursions and incursions will provide enjoyment, stimulation, challenge, new experiences and a meeting point with the wider community.