I was thrilled to see four of our senior students larger than life on the front page and inside pages of the Daily Telegraph today. I was contacted yesterday to give my thoughts on retention rate and choice among schools and was pleased to report that our retention through to Year 6 is very high. Parents’ satisfaction with Coogee Prep as the right choice of Primary school once boys move on to Secondary School is also very high. Being approached by the Telegraph and given the opportunity to further reflect and respond to their questions, made me very aware of what we do and how we do it to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for all boys.
We have always maintained the fact that Coogee Prep boys get to choose their High Schools, and this is still very true today. In fact, High Schools often choose Coogee Prep boys as demonstrated in the Scholarships awarded. This year alone, 3 of our Year Six boys have been offered Scholarships to The Scots College and Waverley College. Academic excellence has also been recognised by the acceptance of another Year 6 boy into the Newman Selective Gifted and Talented Program at Marcellin College. We could not be more proud of them and all of Year 6 boys as they make the transition from Year 6 to the high schools of their choosing.
A current Year 7 boy (CPS Class of 2018) who attended our recent Old Boys’ Induction informed us only last week that he was ‘streets ahead’ of many other boys in Year 7, thanks to the hard work and preparation he undertook in Year 6. He made a point of making sure we knew how well he had done.
The Primary years are crucial for future success and the making of a well- rounded young man. It is seven years of incredible growth and diverse learning, and we pride ourselves at Coogee Prep on making the best of those seven years for each child. From Kindergarten to Year 6, milestones are met, and achievements celebrated, where each boy has the opportunity to mature and the beginnings of true leadership flourish.
The continuity of seven years in a secure and supportive environment is critical in this pathway to future schooling. We thank you for your partnership over seven years and for making Coogee Prep your choice.
John Dicks
