Primary English Preparation Program
CRICOS Code 107819A
- Mode of Study
- Face-to-face delivery
- Class hours
- 20 hours per week
- Duration
- 1 - 40 weeks
- Key Date
- Set start date
- Regular Test
- Weekly review tests
- Application Fee
- AU$300
ABOUT THE COURSE
The aim of the Shafston for Schools program is to prepare students with the necessary English language skills and confidence to pathway and complete their secondary schooling in an Australian high school, or in another English speaking country.
Learn to Speak English
The Primary English Preparation Program specifically targets young learners who are seeking to learn English and continue their schooling in Australia. The learners typically have only learnt some basic English at primary school and occasionally speak English with native speakers.
Students will:
- study with other students seeking to study in an Australian schools
- follow a specially designed and tailored intensive integrated English course covering Grammar, Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing
- study English for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- study CLIL (Content Language Integrated Learning) Intensive Reading Program
- participate in mini class debates, discussions and oral presentations
- develop essential academic skills to successfully study in a high school learning environment such as essay writing skills, research skills and note taking.
- study towards an internationally recognised Cambridge Examination (Cambridge for Schools)
- learn social language that will help them to transition to schools and make new friends in Australia
- participate in regular sporting and art/craft activities to ensure they stay fit and creative at the same time!
- study in a dedicated Shafston Junior Zone for under 18 students!
- receive regular progress monitoring, weekly assessments and feedback
- receive support from teachers and Shafston staff – and students can record progress in their Shafston COMPASS learner’s diary
Course Information
Shafston’s PEP program provides a pathway for young learners with basic English skills to enter mainstream primary school upon completion.
Alternatively, students can continue onto the High School Preparation program at Shafston and then transition to a mainstream high school. The program is open to students aged 7 to 11 years old and requires them to reside with a nominated guardian approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
| Course Name | Primary English Preparation (PEP) |
|---|---|
| CRICOS Code | 107819A |
| Locations | Brisbane & Sydney Campus |
| Mode of Study | 20 hours per week Face-to-face classroom delivery |
| Key Dates | Start Date: Brisbane: 27 January 2026, 20 April 2026, 13 July 2026, 5 October 2026 | Sydney: 2 Jan 2026, 13 July 2026 |
| Entry Requirements |
|
| Duration | 1 - 40 weeks, 4 levels (Each level is 10 weeks in duration) |
| Course Content | Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking skills development Includes preparation for official Cambridge exam A2 Key for Schools and B1 Preliminary for Schools |
| Key Points |
|
School Pathway
It is anticipated that Primary English Preparation Program students will exit the PEP Program and pathway to a mainstream primary school. The alternate pathway is for students to continue into the High School Preparation Program at Shafston, then exit to a mainstream high school.
Partner Schools
Shafston International College is pleased to announce the establishment of collaborative partnerships with Education Queensland International (EQI) and several distinguished private schools across Queensland. These partnerships mark a significant step towards creating a more globally connected and enriched educational experience for students.
Progressive Assessment
Progress is assessed through formative evaluation, the attainment of learner objectives, and self-evaluation. At the conclusion of each week, students are awarded a rating of 1-5 stars according to their performance in specific skill domains (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). This approach emphasizes motivation and development rather than a strict pass or fail system. Furthermore, there are 7-10 “can-do” statements aligned with the course goals and objectives each week, allowing students to assess their own progress based on these criteria. This practice instills a sense of achievement, serving as a catalyst for further learning.
2026 Sample Timetable
Time |
MON |
TUE |
WED |
THUR |
FRI |
| 8:30 - 10:00 Teaching Session 1 (1.5h) | Math - Multi-step word problems with addition, multiplication, subtraction, division | Grammar - Tag questions | STEAM - Watch Behind The News | Speaking - Conversation Cards | Reading - Space Exploration - Preparing for Space |
| 10:00 - 10:15 | MORNING BREAK | ||||
| 10:15 - 11:45 Teaching Session 2 (1.5h) | Reading - Book - Back to Earth with a Bump | Listening - Comprehension, Story - Read and act out | Vocabulary - Will and Going to Future, Adventurous words | Writing - What happens next - The First Splash in Space - Writing | Health - Why is exercise important? |
| 11:45 - 12:30 |
LUNCH BREAK |
||||
| 12:30 - 13:30 Teaching Session 3 (1h) | Science Vocabulary - Space - How do Astronauts eat, sleep and shower | Writing - Space themed writing prompts - Narrative | Reading - First Man on the Moon - Reading Comprehension | Listening - Comprehension and Strategy | Physical Activities - Badminton |
2026 & 2027 Shafston Intake Dates
|
Campus |
Class |
Start Date |
End Date |
Course Duration |
Pathway Course |
Pathway Intake |
|
🟠 Brisbane (BNE) |
||||||
|
BNE |
2026 Term 1 |
26 Jan 2026 |
3 Apr 2026 |
10 Weeks |
2026 QLD Primary Schools Term 2 |
20 Apr 2026 |
|
BNE |
2026 Term 2 |
20 Apr 2026 |
26 Jun 2026 |
10 Weeks |
2026 QLD Primary Schools Term 3 |
13 Jul 2026 |
|
BNE |
2026 Term 3 |
13 Jul 2026 |
18 Sep 2026 |
10 Weeks |
2026 QLD Primary Schools Term 4 |
6 Oct 2026 |
|
BNE |
2026 Term 4 |
5 Oct 2026 |
11 Dec 2026 |
10 Weeks |
2027 QLD Primary Schools Term 1 |
25 Jan 2027 |
|
BNE |
2027 Term 1 |
25 Jan 2027 |
2 Apr 2027 |
10 Weeks |
2027 QLD Primary Schools Term 2 |
12 Apr 2027 |
|
BNE |
2027 Term 2 |
12 Apr 2027 |
18 Jun 2027 |
10 Weeks |
2027 QLD Primary Schools Term 3 |
12 Jul 2027 |
|
BNE |
2027 Term 3 |
12 Jul 2027 |
17 Sep 2027 |
10 Weeks |
2027 QLD Primary Schools Term 4 |
5 Oct 2027 |
|
BNE |
2027 Term 4 |
4 Oct 2027 |
10 Dec 2027 |
10 Weeks |
2028 QLD Primary Schools Term 1 |
— |
|
🔵 Sydney (SYD) |
||||||
|
SYD |
2026 Term 1 |
26 Jan 2026 |
3 Apr 2026 |
10 Weeks |
2026 NSW Primary Schools Term 2 |
22 Apr 2026 |
|
SYD |
2026 Term 2 |
13 Jul 2026 |
18 Sep 2026 |
10 Weeks |
2026 NSW Primary Schools Term 3 |
6 Oct 2026 |
|
SYD |
2027 Term 1 |
25 Jan 2027 |
2 Apr 2027 |
10 Weeks |
2027 NSW Primary Schools Term 2 |
12 Apr 2027 |
|
SYD |
2027 Term 2 |
12 Jul 2027 |
17 Sep 2027 |
10 Weeks |
2027 NSW Primary Schools Term 3 |
5 Oct 2027 |
2026 Queensland Term Dates
| QLD Term 1 | QLD Term 2 | QLD Term 3 | QLD Term 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
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Download the Brochure
Testimonial
I started to study at Shafston in 2022 for 6 months and I have enrolled in Calamvale Community College successfully as a Grade 10 student. There are a lot of exams and assignments in high school and it is difficult for international students to learn a new language. Shafston HSP program with doing English tests and using English textbooks is so helpful for me to adjust to high school courses.
I think Shafston is a great college. My teachers are very friendly. If I have any study troubles during the class, they will help me step by step to understand the knowledge smoothly. My classmates are from different nationalities. I was very nervous about this on the first day when I arrived. But after 2 weeks, I had made friends with my new classmates.
I feel very happy to study at Shafston because the teachers here are very friendly to me. I enjoy the pretty campus river view at Shafston. Every Friday, we have sports activities that I can play volleyball and badminton with my classmates. I have made many friends from different nationalities here.
Class Images
