Pre Primary – Year 2

Three children in matching blue outfits sit in wicker chairs reading colorful picture books in a bright library setting.

Pre Primary to Year 2 – The Foundational Years

Early literacy and numeracy are the strongest predictors of long-term academic success. For Perth girls at St Hilda’s, these foundations are built with intention: evidence-based teaching, dedicated educational assistants, and personalised progress tracking from Pre Primary.

Forged in the evidence of the Science of Learning, our explicit learning approach enables our girls to engage with the fundamentals of learning right from Pre Primary. Our Pre Primary to Year 2 precinct allows for the sharing of both human and physical resources to attend to all learning needs. With full time EAs in the Pre Primary, as well as extra teachers for literacy and numeracy instruction in Years 1 and 2, we are able to provide small group, targeted, specific and in-time learning for the girls. Research supports an all-girl environment is pivotal for girls at this stage of their learning; particularly in their self-belief as mathematicians. By Year 2 the gender gap in maths performance is measurable; an all-girl environment disrupts this gap.

The classrooms in the lower primary program remain device-free, with shared iPads used only when necessary for the Digital Technologies curriculum.

At St Hilda’s, every girl is known, not just by name, but in the depth of her learning journey. Through intentional data tracking from the earliest years, we build a rich picture of each student’s progress, strengths and areas for growth. But it’s more than numbers; it’s about understanding the whole child. Academic data is paired with insights into wellbeing, engagement and social development, ensuring our staff can respond with precision and care. This approach allows us to personalise learning, provide timely support, and nurture each student’s confidence as a learner. It’s how we ensure that every girl is seen, supported, and set up for success.

Students in Pre Primary are screened for Occupational Therapy to identify any areas of need. Early intervention is the best intervention and with onsite Speech and OT available; this support occurs during the school day. It’s part of what makes St Hilda’s a leading choice for Perth girls in these early years.

Girl in a blue uniform holds up a chart while classmates look on in a classroom.

Creative Problem Solvers

At St Hilda’s, students are equipped with critical and adaptive thinking skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. They develop independent inquiry skills, learning to view problems as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Through our dedicated STEAM Makerspace, students engage with a wide variety of challenges, including robotics, coding, engineering, electronics, designing, making, and inventing. These hands-on experiences foster creativity and encourage students to think outside the box, adapting to new challenges with confidence.

By honing these skills, our students are not only prepared to solve problems in the classroom but also equipped to navigate and succeed in the complexities of the world around them.

Specialist Learning Programs

St Hilda’s specialist learning programs are taught by a specialist teacher who is not the classroom teacher. Specialist areas have a JK to Year 12 focus with a Head of Department who resides in the Senior School so that our students are well prepared when they reach Senior School. Beyond the curriculum, our cocurricular program gives girls further ways to explore their interests.

Specialist Programs	小学学前班 (sessions per week)	第一年 (sessions per week)	二年级 (sessions per week)
归属感	1	1	1
法语	1	1	2
体育	3	3	2
数字技术	1	1	1
音乐	2	2	2
Visual Arts	1	1	1
Dance / Drama	1	1	1

社团活动机会

音乐

Playing a musical instrument engages all areas of the brain, and at St Hilda’s, we start nurturing musical talent from Junior Kindergarten. Our Junior School Music program includes the Primo Strings Program for Pre Primary to Year 4, alongside a variety of co curricular opportunities.

The skills developed through music enhance academic performance, support physical growth, and contribute to emotional well-being, fostering well-rounded development in every student.

From Pre Primary, girls build toward the Years 3 and 4 program where specialist learning deepens.

Experience a day in the life.

Prospective Perth families can book a Discovery Day, where your daughter can experience a day in the life of a St Hilda’s student. This will give her the opportunity to make friends and experience what a St Hilda’s education has to offer.

Arrange a Discovery Day

Pre Primary to Year 2 Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best primary school in Perth for my daughter?

Families should consider academic programs, wellbeing support, class sizes, specialist opportunities, teaching quality, values and whether the learning environment aligns with their child’s needs and interests. St Hilda’s integrates all of these elements from the earliest years.

How does St Hilda's support learning in Pre Primary to Year 2?

St Hilda’s combines evidence-based teaching, personalised progress tracking and targeted small-group instruction to ensure every girl develops strong literacy, numeracy and critical thinking skills during these foundational years.

How does St Hilda's personalise learning for each student?

Teachers use ongoing assessment and intentional data tracking to understand each girl’s strengths, progress and areas for development. Learning support can then be tailored to meet individual needs at the right time.

What should my daughter know before starting Pre Primary?

Children do not need advanced academic skills before starting school. Curiosity, communication skills, emerging independence and a willingness to engage in routines provide an excellent foundation for success.

How does St Hilda's help girls build confidence in mathematics?

Through explicit teaching, targeted support and an all-girls learning environment, St Hilda’s aims to foster positive mathematical mindsets and strong self-belief during the years when confidence in maths is developing.

What are the benefits of an all-girls learning environment in the early years?

Research referenced by St Hilda’s suggests all-girls environments can help strengthen confidence, participation and self-belief, particularly in subjects such as mathematics during the critical early primary years.

What wellbeing and learning support services are available?

Pre Primary students are screened for Occupational Therapy, while onsite Speech and Occupational Therapy services enable early identification and support during the school day when required.

Why is early intervention important in primary school?

Identifying learning, speech or developmental needs early allows support strategies to be implemented when they can have the greatest impact on long-term educational outcomes.

How does St Hilda's develop problem-solving skills?

Through a dedicated STEAM Makerspace, students participate in robotics, coding, engineering, electronics and design challenges that build creativity, innovation and critical thinking skills.

What specialist programs are offered in Pre Primary to Year 2?

Students participate in a broad range of specialist subjects including French, Music, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Digital Technologies, Dance/Drama and Belonging. These programs are taught by specialist teachers.