Primary English Preparation Program

CRICOS Code 107819A
  • Mode of Study 
  • Face-to-face delivery
  • Class hours
  • 25 hours per week
  • Duration
  • 10 - 40 weeks
  • Key Date
  • Set start date
  • Regular Test
  • Weekly review tests
  • Application Fee 
  • AU$260

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

Overview
Pathway
Assessment
Timetable
Intake Dates

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 8 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 Campus
Mode of Study 25 hours per week Face-to-face classroom delivery
Key Dates Set Start Date
Entry Requirements
    • Age Range: 7 -11 years old
    • Pre-test required (optional Online Pre-test; compulsory Orientation Placement Test)
    • Entry level – Beginner (Pre A1 - A2)
    • Student Visa, Vistor Visa or Dependent Visa
    • PEP students must reside with a “nominated guardian” approved by the Department of Home Affairs.
Duration 10 - 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
    • Cambridge Exam fee (optional extra)
    • Weekly review tests
    • Regular ‘mock’ exams / Progress Reports issued
    • After class support (During the time with Shafston)

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.

2024 Sample Timetable

Time

MON

TUE

WED

THUR

FRI

8:30 - 9:45 Class Core Grammar Input - Past Simple - Rules and Contexts Core Vocabulary Input - Family and Friends - Rules and Contexts English for Science - Growing a Plant - Experimentation Core Grammar - Continued Applied Communication Unit Review and Tailored Revision
9:45 - 10:00 BREAK
10:00 - 11:15 Class Core Grammar Output - Past Simple - Applied Communication Core Vocabulary Output - Family and Friends - Applied Communication Writing Input - Planning and Writing a Scientific Report Core Vocabulary - Continued Applied Communication Review Test and Feedback
11:15 - 12:00

LUNCH

10:00 - 11:15  Class English for Science - Growing a Plant - Theory and Planning English for Maths English for Health and Physical Education English for History and Geography Social English Expressions - Communication Practice
13:20 - 13:45

BREAK

13:45 - 14:15  Class Interactive Literacy Activities Interactive Listening Activities Physical Activities on Campus Interactive Numeracy Activities Physical Activities on Campus

School Activities

At Shafston International College, we believe in providing a holistic educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. Our school activities program is designed to enrich students' lives, foster personal growth, and create a vibrant and inclusive community. From cultural events and sports competitions to academic clubs and volunteer initiatives, our diverse range of activities ensures that every student finds opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge lasting friendships.

The Shafston program offers a variety of classroom activities - participating in group work tasks as well as other activities to become successful autonomous learners. These extracurricular experiences not only contribute to a well-rounded education but also complement our academic curriculum by fostering a sense of teamwork.

2024 & 2025 Shafston Intake Dates

 

Class

Start Date

End Date

Course Duration

Pathway Course

Pathway Intake

2024 Term 1

22 Jan 2024

28 Mar 2024

10 Weeks

2024 QLD Primary Schools Term 2

15 Apr 2024

2024 Term 2

15 Apr 2024

21 Jun 2024

10 Weeks

2024 QLD Primary Schools Term 3

08 Jul 2024

2024 Term 3

08 Jul 2024

13 Sep 2024

10 Weeks

2024 QLD Primary Schools Term 4

30 Sep 2024

2024 Term 4

30 Sep 2024

13 Dec 2024

10 Weeks

2025 QLD Primary Schools Term 1

28 Jan 2025

2025 Term 1

28 Jan 2025

04 Apr 2025

10 Weeks

2025 QLD Primary Schools Term 2

22 Apr 2025

2025 Term 2

22 Apr 2025

27 Jun 2025

10 Weeks

2025 QLD Primary Schools Term 3

14 Jul 2025

2025 Term 3

14 Jul 2025

19 Sep 2025

10 Weeks

2025 QLD Primary Schools Term 4

07 Oct 2025

2025 Term 4

07 Oct 2025

12 Dec 2025

10 Weeks

2026 QLD Primary Schools Term 1

26 Jan 2026

 

2024 Queensland Term Dates

QLD Term 1 QLD Term 2 QLD Term 3 QLD Term4
  •  10 weeks
  •  Start Date: 22 January 2024
  •  End Date: 28 March 2024
  •  10 weeks
  •  Start Date: 15 April 2024
  •  End Date: 21 June 2024
  •  10 weeks
  •  Start Date: 22 July 2024
  •  End Date: 13 September 2024
  •  11 weeks
  •  Start Date: 30 September 2024
  •  End Date: 13 December 2024

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Testimonial

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Yunah PARK From South Korea

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. 

Martin BELLO TORRES From Colombia

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. 

Xurui LIU From China

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