SYDNEY: Early entry to school will now be an advantage for students of Galstaun College thanks to the innovative restructuring of the College's Kindergarten program.

From January 2011, the College will accept students at 4 years into the Reception Class if they are of school age. Reception students will be learning Board of Studies outcomes as well as all the social and academic skills that are necessary for a good start to school.

After Reception, students will move to Transition, where the level of work is higher and the more difficult Board of Studies outcomes are addressed prior to entering Year 1. Flexible progression options will also be available for gifted students or students with special needs.

There will be a strong focus on vocabulary building in both English and Armenian, together with skill development in literacy and numeracy.

A spokesperson from the NSW Board of Studies said that the Board strongly supported the program, because it responded to the needs of our Community and provided an improved foundation for students entering school, which would be of benefit to them right through to the HSC.

Parents who feel that their children are ready to move beyond pre-school, but who were concerned that their children might be too young for school, can now enroll their children, confident in the knowledge that the early start will be of benefit in terms of academic and social development.

Children can be accepted throughout the year, it is not necessary to have a January start.

To learn more about this exciting program or how it can benefit your child, please call Galstaun College on 9970 6984 and ask to speak to Mrs Carolyn Blanden, the Head of College.