Primary School Preparation
OVERVIEW
The Primary School Preparation (PSP) course at AIL has been developed in response to the growing number of young international students—particularly from countries such as China and Vietnam — entering the Australian education system at the primary level. Many of these students arrive with limited or no English proficiency and require immediate, structured support to transition successfully into mainstream education.
The PSP course provides an “on arrival” program that supports linguistic, academic, and social development over a structured period of 20 weeks, delivered in two 10-week phases. The first phase focuses on building basic interpersonal communication and early literacy skills, while the second phase introduces subject-specific English through a primary schoolstyle curriculum. Students will study English through content-based learning in areas such as Maths, Science, and Humanities.
Upon completion of the program, students will be more confident and capable of participating meaningfully in mainstream classes appropriate to their age group. Ongoing ESL support will remain available to those who need additional help, particularly students entering Grades 4, 5 and 6, ensuring no learner is left behind in their academic journey.
Established in 2012, Australian Institute of Language (AIL) is one of Australia’s most enduring providers of English language training and testing.
AIL is a
- Registered Training Organisation / CRICOS Provider
- Official IELTS Test Centre
- ETS Authorised TOEFL iBT Test Centre
- NEAS Quality Endorsed Centre
- NAATI Endorsed Training Provider
- AEAS Official Course Partner
AIL focuses on quality education and student satisfactions. With advanced teaching facilities, experienced teachers, and supportive staff, AIL has a clear goal in helping students improve English and quickly and smoothly adapt their future study life in Australia.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The PSP course aims to:
- Develop foundational English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Introduce students to academic language and concepts across core primary school subjects.
- Build essential study habits, such as following instructions, asking questions, and completing basic research tasks.
- Support social integration by promoting classroom routines, peer collaboration, and Australian school norms.
- Prepare students emotionally and socially for participation in a new cultural and educational environment.
COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
The course is delivered over 20 weeks and includes:
- Core English Language Skills (60%): Vocabulary, phonics, grammar, and conversation practice.
- Subject-based English (20%): Introduction to English used in Maths, Science, and Humanities.
- Classroom and Study Skills (10%): Note-taking, time management, basic presentation skills.
- Cultural Familiarisation and Social Skills (10%): School routines, teamwork, and understanding expectations in Australian classrooms.
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Course Name: Primary School Preparation (PSP)
CRICOS Course Code: 119397H
Level: PSP Level 1 / PSP Level 2
Entry requirements:
Entry to the Primary School Preparation (PSP) course is open to young international students who have received conditional or full acceptance into an Australian primary school. As entry to Australian schools is not dependent on standardised English testing for this age group, formal language requirements are not mandatory.
English Language Entry Requirements:
Nil formal requirement. Students are assessed internally on arrival using a placement assessment aligned to the Victorian Curriculum F-10. Students entering this course typically range from Level 2 to Level 4. While the course uses the licensed JPIC curriculum.
Academic Entry Requirements:
Students should have completed at least two years of primary schooling in their home country or overseas system.
Age: The course is designed for learners aged 9 to 12 years, typically entering Years 4, 5, or 6 of the Australian primary curricula.
Course duration: up to 20 weeks
Intake Dates: Every Monday
Class times:
Day classe: 09:00AM – 15:00PM
*Timetable subject to change
Minimum enrollment: 5 weeks
Delivery mode:
Face-to-Face, 25 hours/week (Monday to Friday)
Course Delivery Location:
Melbourne Intercultural Learning Centre-MILC
6 Spink St, Brighton VIC 3186
TIMETABLE
*The timetable is subject to change on a weekly basis, depending on the teaching plan and learning objectives.
|
Period |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
Period 1 |
9:00 – 10:00 |
English – Listening 1 |
Diagnostic test Numbers & Addresses |
|
Period 2 |
10:00 – 11:00 |
English – Reading 1 |
Diagnostic test & Course outline |
|
|
11:00 – 11:10 |
Recess |
|
|
Period 3 |
11:10 – 12:10 |
English – Writing 1 |
Diagnostic test Verbs for sentences |
|
|
12:10 – 13:00 |
Lunch |
|
|
Period 4 |
13:00 – 14:00 |
English for Mathematics 1 |
Decimals I |
|
Period 5 |
14:00 – 15:00 |
English – Speaking 1 |
Self-introduction |
|
Period |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
Period 1 |
9:00 – 10:00 |
English – Listening 2 |
Yes & No (Topic: What I like/dislike) |
|
Period 2 |
10:00 – 11:00 |
English – Reading 2 |
What good readers do – overview Finding key words I |
|
|
11:00 – 11:10 |
Recess |
|
|
Period 3 |
11:10 – 12:10 |
English for Science 1 |
Our body I |
|
|
12:10 – 13:00 |
Lunch |
|
|
Period 4 |
13:00 – 14:00 |
English – Writing 2 |
Identify adjectives in a sentence |
|
Period 5 |
14:00 – 15:00 |
English for Mathematics 2 |
Decimals II |
|
Period |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
Period 1 |
9:00 – 10:00 |
English – Speaking 2 |
Describe a picture I (The use of Ws + Hs) |
|
Period 2 |
10:00 – 11:00 |
English – Listening 3 |
Yes & No (Topic: Does he agree with her?) |
|
|
11:00 – 11:10 |
Recess |
|
|
Period 3 |
11:10 – 12:10 |
English – Listening 3 |
|
|
|
12:10 – 13:00 |
Lunch |
|
|
Period 4 |
13:00 – 14:00 |
English for Humanities |
What makes a government? |
|
Period 5 |
14:00 – 15:00 |
English – Reading 3 |
What good readers do – overview |
|
Period |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
Period 1 |
9:00 – 10:00 |
English – Speaking 3 |
Describe a picture II |
|
Period 2 |
10:00 – 11:00 |
English – Reading 4 |
Guided reading exercise |
|
|
11:00 – 11:10 |
Recess |
|
|
Period 3 |
11:10 – 12:10 |
English – Writing 4 |
Diagnostic test Conjunctions |
|
|
12:10 – 13:00 |
Lunch |
|
|
Period 4 |
13:00 – 14:00 |
English for Science 2 |
Our Body II |
|
Period 5 |
14:00 – 15:00 |
English – Reading 5: |
Vocabulary Extension - VOCAB diary |
|
Period |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
Period 1 |
9:00 – 10:00 |
English – Writing 5 |
Grammar Extension Quiz: Conjunctions |
|
Period 2 |
10:00 – 11:00 |
English – Writing 6 |
Grammar Extension Writing review |
|
|
11:00 – 11:10 |
Recess |
|
|
Period 3 |
11:10 – 12:10 |
Australian Studies |
Uluru |
|
|
12:10 – 13:00 |
Lunch |
|
|
Period 4 |
13:00 – 14:00 |
Sports |
Footy |
|
Period 5 |
14:00 – 15:00 |
Weekly Unit Assessment |
Unit 1 formative assessment |
FEATURES
Six Reasons that Parents Choose AIL
High-quality Teaching
Safe and Secure Learning Environment
Wide Variety of After-school Activities
Supervised After-school Academic Support
Holistic Approach
Direct and Smooth Transition
FEES
*promotional fees may be applicable from time to time. Please contact us for further information. Tuition fees can be subject to change.
>>Fee, charge and refund policy
ON CAMPUS BOARDING
The AIL MILC Campus offers a safe, comfortable, and enriching boarding experience for our students. Conveniently located in Melbourne’s beautiful Bayside area, just a two-minute walk from Gardenvale Station and close to tram and bus routes, MILC provides exceptional convenience and accessibility.
The campus accommodates 46 students, with separate dormitory floors for boys and girls. A dedicated on-site kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, offering a balanced menu that blends traditional Asian cuisine with modern Australian dishes — ensuring our boarding students enjoy nutritious, high-quality meals with plenty of variety.
To ensure students’ safety and wellbeing, MILC provides 24/7 care and supervision, with an on-site building manager and resident carers who live on campus.
Students can relax and socialise in a range of recreational areas, including spaces for watching movies, reading, playing table tennis or pool, and enjoying board and card games. In addition, AIL organises a variety of extracurricular activities during the week and Saturday excursions, giving students opportunities to explore Melbourne’s rich culture, attractions, and community life.
DOWNLOADS
FAQs – Primary School Preparation Course (PSP)
The AIL Primary School Preparation (PSP) course (CRICOS 119397H) helps international students aged 9–12 build English skills, classroom readiness and confidence before entering an Australian primary school.
- What is the AIL Primary School Preparation (PSP) course?
The AIL Primary School Preparation (PSP) course is designed for younger students to build English skills and get ready to enter an Australian primary school. It focuses on improving English, classroom readiness and confidence.
- Who is the PSP course for?
PSP generally suits students aged 9–12, including international or newly arrived students, and any child who needs to strengthen their English before entering a mainstream primary school.
- Do I need an AEAS or other English test result to enrol in PSP?
No. Tests such as AEAS are not a compulsory entry requirement for AIL’s PSP course. Students usually sit AIL’s internal English placement or diagnostic assessment on enrolment to determine their level and class. External tests like AEAS may be used by some schools or parents for school applications, but are not required for PSP. More on AEAS: https://aeas.com.au
- What does the PSP course cover?
PSP covers: English skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary); classroom communication and participation; study habits and learning strategies; social interaction and confidence-building; and an introduction to the Victorian Curriculum (F-10: https://f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au).
- How is PSP different from the government Newly Arrived Program?
AIL’s PSP is designed specifically for 9–12 year-olds and offers small classes; teaching suited to younger learners; rich classroom activities and excursions; a focus not only on language but on school readiness; and support for behaviour, routines and soft skills.
- How long is the PSP course?
AIL’s PSP is arranged flexibly according to the student’s English level, usually 5–20 weeks. Students are assessed regularly to track progress and ensure a smooth transition into a mainstream school.
- How many students are in a PSP class?
PSP uses small classes, usually 5–10 students, so each student receives close attention and personalised support.
- What qualifications do AIL’s PSP teachers have?
All AIL PSP teachers hold Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registration or equivalent, with experience teaching younger primary-age students in Australia and supporting EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners. More on VIT: https://www.vit.vic.edu.au
- What pathways are available after completing PSP?
After PSP, students can continue into a mainstream Australian primary school. Many Victorian private schools accept international students. For government schools that accept international students, see: https://www.study.vic.gov.au/en/international-student-program/schools-and-programs/find-a-school
- Is PSP compulsory before entering a mainstream school?
No, it is not compulsory. However, some Victorian private schools strongly recommend that primary-age international students complete 5–10 weeks of PSP before joining mainstream classes, especially those with limited English, unfamiliarity with Australian classrooms, or who need more transition support. Final admission depends on each school’s own assessment and requirements.
- Where is the AIL PSP course taught?
AIL currently offers PSP at the Brighton campus (MILC Campus). AIL plans to offer PSP at the Box Hill campus in the second half of 2026.
- Does AIL help with school applications and visas?
AIL maintains good relationships with many Victorian public and private schools and conducts regular school visits. AIL can offer general guidance based on a student’s situation, location and parents’ preferences, but AIL is not an education agent and does not process school applications, nor does it provide visa advice. Student visa checklist: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/web-evidentiary-tool
- When can students start the PSP course?
AIL’s PSP uses a weekly rolling intake, so students can usually start on any Monday, subject to availability.
- Does PSP include extracurricular or cultural activities?
Yes. Students can join after-class activities, excursions and school events to enrich their English learning and build social connections.
- Does AIL provide onsite accommodation for PSP students?
AIL does not currently provide onsite accommodation for PSP students. Under current rules, boarding generally applies only to students over 12, so most primary-age students live with a parent or legal guardian. Guardian visa (subclass 590): https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-590 ; welfare arrangements for students under 18: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/welfare-arrangements-students-under-18
