AM First Steps (Preparatory School)

3.5-5 Years - Explicit Classroom Teaching - Leaders in School Readiness

AM First Steps (Preparatory School) is a bespoke education program, elite and specialised for early learners. It enables children to curiously explore, build confidence, and develop a love of learning. With a strong academic focus at its core, the program offers a holistic approach to education that nurtures each child’s curiosity and growth. Designed to reflect a Kindergarten school day, lessons are taught by qualified teachers and provide children with a structured introduction to the Early Stage 1 Syllabus. Students engage in Word Study and Phonics, Reading, Mathematics, Physical Education and Visual Arts, laying the foundations for success in their schooling years.

The program is delivered as a 12-month course across Term 1 to Term 4. Two sessions run daily, each 2.5 hours in length. Families have the flexibility of enrolling their child into one session per day or both sessions, depending on their needs. To maintain our standards and deliver a highly personalised experience, AM First Steps (Preparatory School) accepts only a small intake of students each year.

AM First Steps (Preparatory School) delivers quality education through explicit teaching, moving beyond traditional rote learning to ensure lessons are teacher-directed, purposeful, and engaging. Teaching strategies include modelling, demonstration, open questioning, shared thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring children are active participants in their learning journey. The framework of “I do, we do, you do” allows students to gradually build independence and confidence as learners.

Alongside academics, the program emphasises broader school readiness skills. Children learn classroom etiquette, positive peer relationships, self-regulation, and responsibility, while also developing resilience, confidence, and independence. Through interactive learning, social development strategies, and opportunities for hands-on exploration, students are well prepared for the transition into Primary School.

Each school holiday, AM First Steps (Preparatory School) also hosts STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Workshops. These engaging, hands-on programs allow children to explore the world of STEAM through creativity, problem-solving and collaboration, sparking curiosity beyond the classroom. Participation in these workshops is not compulsory for Preparatory School students, as they are open to the wider community.

AM First Steps (Preparatory School & Toddlers) proudly provides a pathway from ages 1 to 5, guiding children through their earliest educational milestones with a strong emphasis on academic beginnings and structured development. By the time children graduate from AM First Steps (Preparatory School), they are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to transition seamlessly into Kindergarten and thrive in their first years of formal schooling.

We are leaders in school readiness. Our students consistently step into Kindergarten as confident learners who lead their cohorts, giving them the best possible chance of success in their first formal year of education.

Important Notice

AM First Steps (Preparatory School & Toddlers) is an education-only program providing short coaching sessions delivered by qualified teachers. We are not a childcare or preschool provider and are not registered under the National Quality Framework (NQF). Supervision is provided during scheduled sessions only for educational purposes. Families remain responsible for care outside of session times.