At first glance, learning about shaped in Prep might seem simple. Circles, squares, triangles and rectangles are familiar to young children, and identifying them can look like straightforward classroom fun. However, behind these engaging learning experiences lies an important foundational mathematics that will support students throughout their years of schooling and beyond.
Recently, Prep students at Holy Cross Primary School have been exploring 2D shapes through a range of hands-on learning experiences. Students have investigated the properties of shapes, including the number of sides and corners they have, whether lines are straight or curved, and how shapes can vary in size, orientation and colour. They have also been creating and continuing shape patterns, sorting shapes and using mathematical language to describe what they observe.
These activities form part of the Australian Curriculum's early years mathematics learning, which focuses on helping children develop strong spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, classification skills and mathematical communication. While the learning appears playful and interactive, students are developing critical thinking skills that will later support more complex mathematical concepts, including measurement, geometry, algebra and problem-solving.
"One of the most important aspects of early mathematics is helping children make connections between mathematical concepts and their everyday world," Holy Cross Principal, Simon Mahaffy says. "When children can recognise shapes in their environment and explain their thinking using mathematical language, they are developing important reasoning and communication skills that will serve them well throughout their education."
Students have extended their classroom investigations by searching for shapes around the school, identifying circles on clocks, rectangles on doors and windows, squares on floor tiles, and triangles in signs and displays. These real-world experiences help students understand that mathematics is everywhere and encourages them to see themselves as capable mathematicians.
At Holy Cross, learning experiences such as these are strengthened by our school's smaller size and close-knit community. Smaller year cohorts allows teachers to gain a deep understanding of each child's strengths, interests and learning needs. This enables highly personalised support and targeted teaching that helps every student build confidence and achieve success.
Our teachers know that every child develops at their own pace. Whether a student requires additional support, extension opportunities or simply encouragement to take the next step in their learning journey, Holy Cross will welcome two Prep classes in 2027, creating more opportunities for young learners to benefit from the nurturing and supportive environment that our school is known for.
As we work towards finalising applications for our 2027 Prep intake, we encourage families who are considering Holy Cross Primary School to contact our school office as soon as possible. We are also pleased to advise that enrolments for Prep 2028 are now open.
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions families make. At Holy Cross, we are proud to offer an education that combines academic excellence, personalised learning, strong pastoral care and a genuine sense of community.
Families interested in Prep to Year 6 for 2028 or Prep 2028 are encouraged to get in touch with our enrolments officer today to learn more about joining our Holy Cross family. Places for 2027 are filling quickly, and we would love to welcome you for a school tour to experience firsthand what makes our school such a special place to learn, grow and belong.