Western Australian children to step up in Pre-primary and Year 7

On 8 December 2011, the State Government announced two major decisions to give Western Australian children the educational advantages they need.

In 2013, Pre-primary will become the first year of compulsory schooling for all Western Australian children. In 2015, Year 7 public schooling will move to secondary schools.

It’s the right time … for every Pre-primary child to be involved in high quality learning programs in school. This is a foundation year for building the literacy and numeracy skills of young children. It is also one of the most important years in children’s social, emotional and physical development.

It’s the right place … for children who are turning 13 years old to have the specialist teachers and facilities available in secondary schools to extend their learning and challenge them to achieve. Secondary schools also have the focused pastoral care to support young people as they develop.

It’s the right thing to do … for both young children and adolescents as the national curriculum is introduced across Australia.

On a case by case basis, principals at some small country schools will offer families special consideration to help them plan the most suitable timing and arrangements for their children to move to Year 7 in secondary schools. This option will be provided until the beginning of 2018.

View video of announcement.

More information for parents

Parents are encouraged to explore the information on this website and to talk with their school about these changes. The principal will be able to help you with queries about your children.

Further information can be obtained from:

Parent Line
An information telephone line will operate from 8.00am to 8.00pm, from Thursday 8 December to the end of the 2011 school year (Friday 16 December) and thereafter during normal business hours.
T: 1800 791 197

Parent Email
E: therighttime@det.wa.edu.au
Reponses will be provided within two working days.