Reception numbers on the rise
Schools
Catholic schools across South Australia are continuing to see an increase in the number of students enrolling in mid-year Reception.
The mid-year Reception enrolment option gives children who turn five on or before October 31 the chance to begin school in Term 3. These students then spend 18 months in Reception before progressing to Year 1.
This July saw the number of students starting in a Term 3 Reception class reach 1815 – an increase of more than 10 per cent on last year’s number and more than a 250 per cent increase from 2018 when Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) strengthened this intake stream across Catholic schools.
Since 2021 the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS) has waived fees for the first two terms of Reception for mid-year intake students in Diocesan schools, in recognition of the impact of rising living costs.
CESA data shows children who have undertaken six terms of Reception have consistently outperformed their peers in both the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test and Year 3 NAPLAN.
Neil McGoran, CESA executive director, said he was thrilled with the increased number of mid-year Reception students.
“It is really encouraging to see continued growth in enrolment numbers for our mid-year Reception intake,” Dr McGoran said.
“We are seeing positive academic and social benefits for those students who are spending an additional six months in a Reception class.”
Meaghan Andrews, mother of twins Jasmin and Abigail who are mid-year Reception students at Emmaus Catholic School said she valued the chance for her daughters to begin their schooling journey in a mid-year Reception class.
“The first few weeks have been so encouraging. They come home full of stories and excitement and I’ve already noticed real growth in their learning and confidence,” she said.
“The work they bring home including drawings and early writing shows just how much they’re absorbing and enjoying the experience. I believe that completing six terms of Reception will give them a strong foundation for the future.”
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