Established in 1931, Preshil is Australia’s oldest progressive school. Nestled across two campuses in Kew, Preshil is coeducational, secular and entirely independent. A deliberately small school, Preshil welcomes children from three years of age into the Kindergarten right through to the completion of their secondary education in Year 12.
A confident sense of self-worth is integral to our vision of success for every child, with students supported to challenge ideas, think critically, make ethical judgements and set their own goals. At our core remains an unshakeable commitment to encourage all children to set and achieve their own goals, and to be respected as individuals in their own right. Preshil is committed to nurturing and challenging our children in an atmosphere that inspires creativity and independent thinking in all areas of life.
The relationships between students and their teachers are sincere, respectful and focused on achieving outstanding learning outcomes, trust and a genuine regard for individuality. The Preshil approach to schooling is not competitive, and uses neither the fear of failure nor the threat of punishment to motivate children. Whilst remaining academically rigorous, we continue as a school that places genuine, respectful relationships at the centre of its operations.
The belief that education should prepare students to be active, engaged and open-minded contributors to their communities (both local and global) has led to Preshil implementing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes school-wide, providing a continuum of education. The IB philosophy perfectly aligns with Preshil’s focus on intellectual challenge, inquiry and conceptually-driven learning.
In the Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten – Grade 6), the IB challenges children to become active participants in their own education, respecting their agency, nurturing their strengths and encouraging creativity. Through an inquiry-led curriculum, children explore local and global issues through the lenses of different subjects, imbuing them with the confidence to question and think critically and creatively about the world around them
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) encourages the development of Year 7-10 students as active, compassionate and lifelong learners. The MYP facilitates an intellectually vibrant curriculum that respects and supports the individual learner. The Programme emphasises authentic challenge and creativity where students are motivated to identify and make connections between traditional subjects and the tangible world.
The Diploma Programme (DP) is a globally-recognised alternative to the state-based Year 12 certificates and prepares students to meet tertiary study and their chosen career paths with the maturity and depth of understanding required to flourish. The DP liberates students from a rigid, competitive curriculum; it respects the needs of the whole person, celebrating independent learning and individual choice.
Preshil graduates have the courage to question, embrace their individuality and are responsible and dynamic global citizens.
