Welcome to the Preparatory School 

Guildford Grammar School is leading the way as an inclusive Pre-K-12, co-educational, boarding and day school in Western Australia. We are a vibrant and busy school with many things on offer for both students and parents. 

With a proud heritage, a warm and connected community and a deep commitment to living our purpose and values, we stand apart.  

We believe that students have agency in their learning, and the ability to positively influence their own lives and the world around them, now and into the future.

School Purpose:
Inspiring students to achieve personal excellence and be outstanding citizens who work to create a just, loving and peaceful society. 

School Values:
At Guildford Grammar School students and staff are guided by the following values: 

• Spirituality 
• Compassion 
• Excellence 
• Respect 
• Integrity 

Please click on the link below to view the Preparatory School timetable for 2025.

A day in the Preparatory School

Vision Statement
At Guildford Grammar School, we celebrate the whole child as a unique individual. We are passionate about creating a purposeful learning environment where children are encouraged to be courageous risk takers, creative thinkers and empowered learners through positive, hands-on experiences. Using developmentally appropriate practices, we strive to foster curiosity, wonder and discovery.  

The early years of a child’s education are unique, exciting, and foundational. At Guildford Grammar School, we are dedicated to supporting every child in achieving personal excellence in all areas of development. Our nurturing environment and intentionally designed learning spaces embody our shared vision of holistic education for young learners. We value the importance of constructing the right environment that will complement and support our shared vision of educating children. We recognise that creativity and cognitive action, relationships and movement support the developing brain and ensure that these are evident.

Our staff are caring and experienced professionals, who are committed to working collaboratively and reflect regularly to refine best practice. Guided by the Western Australian Curriculum in Pre-Primary to Year 2 and the Kindergarten Guidelines in Kindergarten, alongside the Principles and Practices of the Early Years Learning Framework, our learning programs are designed to trigger curiosity and encourage children to ask “why?” We value and support a Play and Inquiry Based approach to learning which encourages and supports the children to explore materials and learning centres, ask questions, share ideas and discover. 

The outdoor environment is a cornerstone of our learning program. Each class participates in weekly Bush School experiences, exploring our beautiful campus and natural surroundings, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. 

We recognise the importance of explicit and intentional teaching of fundamental early literacy and numeracy skills, delivered to children in a developmentally appropriate way. Our integrated Inquiry approach encompasses Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Health and Physical Education, the Arts, and Technologies. Our practices are in a balanced way, to support the growth of valuable learning assets and enable each child to become a strong and capable learner, who knows what to do when they don’t know. 

 Building trust and developing positive relationships between all stakeholders is an important part of the early learning journey. Communication is key. The beginning and the end of each school day provides the opportunity to meet and greet families informally. Teachers are available for interviews on request.  

Seesaw is one of our communication tools for families. It is the medium in which educators share weekly content overviews, and a digital portfolio of learning through photographs, work samples and teacher feedback. 

Shared Vision Statement
Through collaboration, the Year 3-6 team support each other to establish a differentiated educational experience for our students. We create meaningful and authentic learning experiences to foster inquiry, curiosity and inspire a love of learning. We are committed to the growth and development of the whole child, encouraging student agency.  

In Years 3-6 we are guided by, but not limited to, the Western Australian curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Technologies, STEAM, Health, Physical Education, Language (French) as well as The Arts (Drama and Dance, Music and Visual Art).  

We also place value on thinking, creating, collaborating, communicating, researching and contributing. These learning assets take the curriculum beyond simply knowing content, to deeper levels of understanding, enabling students to make connections with the world around us.  

Learning in Years 3-6 follows on and further develops the inquiry learning of the Early Years and supports the co-construction of knowledge and the development of critical and creative thinking skills, ethical and intercultural understanding and personal and social capability. Our approach to learning positions the students as inquirers at the core of everything they do.  

We care about our students’ engagement with their learning and know that a rigorous environment where students are inspired and challenged at their own level will ensure personal growth. We aim for students to take action to positively impact their learning and set them on a course as lifelong learners. To do this, we make use of our purpose-built Preparatory School and the magnificent environment in which it is set.  

At Guildford Grammar School, we prioritise wellbeing and strive for students to be connected, empowered, engaged and future focused. Our learning community promotes student wellbeing, safety and positive relationships so that students can achieve personal excellence. All members of our community play an active role in building a culture of wellbeing where student voice, diversity and inclusiveness are highly valued. Research shows that initiatives to promote the positive development of wellbeing have a significant impact on engagement, academic achievement and success and satisfaction throughout life. The development of social and emotional skills is explicitly taught through research-based programs. The strategies and language taught are embedded throughout our classroom and co-curricular programs. Our students participate in a wide range of wellbeing initiatives which include:  

Zones of Regulation: We understand that it is important for all students to learn how to identify their feelings and be able to talk about how they feel. To help give students a voice we talk about the zones of regulation to describe our emotions, and how to manage them. 

Friendology: The U R Strong Friendology program is an internationally renowned program that teaches a common language of friendship and helps students develop healthy friendship skills. 

Friendships: Friendships and student wellbeing are very important, and we will not only support students to make friends, but also help them to navigate friendships when there are bumps and turns in the road.  We talk about what a healthy friendship is and that no friendship is perfect. At times, it is normal for healthy friendships to have challenges, we call this a ‘friendship fire’. If students find themselves having a ‘friendship fire’, thre are lots of people here to help talk it out and resolve disagreements. 

Protective Behaviours: All students are taught explicit concepts from the Holding Hands protective behaviours program. This program aims to develop problem solving skills and assertiveness in students, supporting them to know when something isn’t right and empowering students to act. The key messages are reinforced through the program and other initiatives linked to our Child Wise certification. 

– We all have the right to always feel safe.  

– We can talk with someone about anything no matter what it is.  

Our Positive Behaviour Adventure: The Positive Behaviour Adventure follows a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) model which is an evidence-based framework that supports students to develop and maintain positive behaviours in the classroom, the playground and within the school community.  

Clear expectations are outlined and align with our School Code of Conduct, along with a clear and consistent process for misbehaviour. We all make mistakes, and naturally within a school environment, students are given opportunities to learn from these mistakes. Our Prep School culture will continue to adopt an inclusive, compassionate approach, ensuring students feel valued and heard, as well as safe to reflect on mistakes as learning opportunities. 

Buddy Program: Our Buddy Program pairs younger and older students together, which helps to develop strong bonds and a sense of belonging. It also enables our older students to develop their communication and leadership skills.  

Mindfulness: Mindfulness helps to reduce worries, anxiety and distress, regulate emotions and increase concentration and productivity.  

Student Goal Setting: Students are encouraged to set their own goals. This helps to give them a clear focus and direction as well as motivating them to acquire new knowledge and skills. Once goals are attained, a sense of personal satisfaction is also achieved. 

Visible Wellbeing Program: Visible Wellbeing aims to help everyone thrive at school through embedding visible wellbeing practices into each day using the SEARCH framework. The VWB techniques taught help teachers to use the learning process itself as a delivery mechanism to build student wellbeing. It is a flexible approach with both explicit and implicit opportunities, truly integrating academic learning and wellbeing so students can flourish at school.  

At Guildford Grammar School, we value inclusive educational practices and believe that all students should be provided with accessible and equitable learning opportunities to achieve personal excellence. We know and understand our students’ profiles and learning preferences, so that we can provide programs that challenge and inspire them in their learning.  

Our educators differentiate their programs and pedagogy to meet the diverse needs of all students. In addition to classroom level differentiation, we offer research-based interventions that provide skill-based support to develop key literacy and numeracy skills for identified students. These programs are run by a team of dedicated and experienced specialist teachers and education assistants. Identification for these programs uses a range of data points and class teacher observations. Our interventions typically are offered over two terms as children learn best alongside their peers with quality teaching practice. 

Our STRETCH program celebrates the gifts, talents and passions of our students within a flexible and inclusive framework whereby students are extended and enriched through quality differentiated learning and teaching experiences. The Gifted and Talented Coordinator, class teachers and specialist staff work with identified students to develop and implement learning sprints that challenge and inspire personalised learning in and outside of the classroom. Additionally, selected students are given opportunities to take part in a range of academic competitions and co-curricular programs such as the Australian Mathematics Competition, da Vinci Decathlon, Maths Olympiads and International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). 

Click here for information regarding the Preparatory School Specialist Curriculum.

The Guildford Grammar School Co-Curricular Program allows students to further develop and extend themselves in an array of areas beyond the classroom. The Co-Curricular program provides students with practical, hands-on, and meaningful experiences that develop their skill set, exhibit their non-academic abilities, and provide a pathway to explore these opportunities whilst complementing their curricular program.  

Clubs  
Guildford Grammar Preparatory School offers a broad range of before and after school clubs, allowing students the opportunity to adapt their learning through play and discover new strengths and talents. Clubs are offered year-round, in addition to our music ensembles. 

The Prep Club brochure can be located via the Guildford Grammar School website: https://www.ggs.wa.edu.au/opportunities/co-curricular/. 

Registration for clubs is completed via the pupil login on SOCS during week 7 of each term. Students who start with us mid-way through the term or at the beginning of the year will still have the opportunity to join clubs when they commence.  

If you have any queries regarding Prep Clubs or the sign-up process, please contact co-curricular@ggs.wa.edu.au. 

Speech and Drama
Speech and Drama is a fun and dynamic course offered to all students from Years 4-6. Through Speech and Drama, students will develop an array of communication and performance skills including confidence, creativity, correct speech, critical thinking, comprehension and an expanded vocabulary. This toolkit of skills has benefits that reach far beyond the classroom and will allow students to navigate interpersonal situations including presentation, performances public speaking opportunities, job interviews and social interactions.

Lessons consist of active and energetic drama games, poetry and prose performances, script work, improvisation and group devised drama. A practically based elocution component develops a speaking manner that is articulate, clear and confident.  Speech and Drama lessons offer a range of performance opportunities, such as participation in the Perth Speech and Drama Festival and the Australian Music Examinations Board exams.

Sport  
Students are expected to be involved in the sporting life of the school which is a separate program to the Physical Education program.  

Year 4 Sport 
This program operates in a lightning carnival format with short periods of instruction (6-8 training sessions) leading up to the carnival for each particular sport. This program utilises the expertise of former students as well as external and Senior School student coaches to prepare for the carnivals and provide a sample of each JPSSA sport.  

Students will also get the opportunity to perform and compete on an individual level during targeted swimming, athletics and cross-country running carnivals. 

Year 5 and 6 Sport 
Students in Year 5 and 6 select a summer and winter sport in which to participate. Teams train on Tuesday before school and play matches on Thursdays after lunch.  

Summer Sports  

• Basketball  
• Cricket  
• Physical Recreation   
• Tennis  
• Volleyball  
• Water Polo  

Winter Sports  

• Football  
• Hockey  
• Netball  
• Rugby  
• Soccer  

Equestrian is also offered in Terms 2-4. 

Students will also get the opportunity to perform and compete on an individual level during targeted swimming, athletics and cross-country running carnivals.  

Whole school representative teams are entered in the following competitions and sports:  

• JPSSA Athletics, Swimming and Cross Country – traditional format carnivals for Years 4-6, with strong focus on competition  
• IPSHA Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country – inclusive and staged carnivals for Year 3-6, with a strong focus on participation. 

Other annual competitions include:  

• SSWA Triathlon  
• IPSHA Golf  

The Outdoor Learning Program at Guildford Grammar School provides experiences in nature for all students from Year 1 to Year 9. The program uses the outdoors to provide a rich learning environment that affords students many opportunities for self-development and transformation of knowledge. Outdoor Learning at Guildford Grammar School employs Experiential Learning theories and practices to connect learners whilst promoting our personal connections to nature and our rich cultural histories.  

At Guildford Grammar School, we enhance our learning through a variety of outdoor experiences, ranging from single-day activities to multi-night journeys. We engage in diverse modalities such as canoeing, bushwalking, climbing, abseiling, and many other outdoor recreational activities, all designed to support our learning objectives. 

There are many well published reasons for participating in Outdoor Learning Programs, some of which include, strengthening self-determination, self-confidence, and positive self-image in accordance with lifelong participation in the natural environment. Appreciating differences and supporting diversity in our understanding of the world we live and to encourage meaningful lifelong relationships with our peers. Also, we participate in Outdoor Learning to provide a sense of place, of community, recognising the value of our connection’s past, present and future. Furthermore, we participate to foster positive relationships with the natural world which provides for our rich and sustainable ongoing lives.  

The Outdoor Learning Program uses several outdoor centres and natural camping locations in Southwest Western Australia, including venues such as, Forest Edge Recreation Camp, Camp Quaranup, Boshack Outback and Point Walter Recreation Camp. We also partner with key outdoor providers, including Outdoor Discoveries, The Outdoor Education Group, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Educated by Nature.  

Click here for general information regarding the Preparatory School.

Administration Reception  
(08) 9377 9296 (8.00am – 4.00pm)  
Preparatory.schooladmin@ggs.wa.edu.au 
Please contact Preparatory Reception if:  

• Your child is away from school or going to be late.  
• If you have a query or concern (you will be directed to the relevant staff member).  
• You want to contact a teacher.  

Absentee Line  
9377 2550  
preparatory.absentees@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Head of Preparatory School  
Ms Katie Petchell
via: EA Mrs Lynda Humphreys  
(08) 9377 9293  
lynda.humphreys@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Deputy Head of Preparatory School (Senior Primary)  
Mr David Taylor
(08) 9377 9295  
david.taylor@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Deputy Head of Preparatory School (Junior Primary)  
Mrs Joanne MacLachlan  
(08) 9377 9289 
Joanne.maclachlan@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Directory of Teaching and Learning  (K-Y6) 
Mrs Rebecca Duncan  
(08) 9377 9523 
Rebecca.duncan@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Out of School Hours Care 
Out of School Care Coordinator  
(08) 9377 9290  
Oshc.coordinator@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Music
Administration Officer Music and Arts  
Mrs Kaye Timms  
(08) 9377 9280  

Clubs
Director of Co-curricular and Experiential Learning  
Ms Janine Finnie  
(08) 9377 9235  

Clothing Shop
Clothing Shop Manager
Mrs Alison Tucker  
(08) 9377 9209  
Clothing.shop@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Medical Nurse Manager 
Sister Vicki Bellinge   
 (08) 9377 9211 
Medical.centre@ggs.wa.edu.au 

Admissions (Enrolment Enquiries)  
Head of Admissions  
9377 9222  
registrar@ggs.wa.edu.au