The possibility of a new grading system for Prep students has drawn a mixed reaction from parents.

The scale would see kids as young as four given grades from A to E as part of a move towards a national curriculum.

Libby Armstrong reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

A, B, Cs and now Ds and Es are what could in store for prep students.

Parents are outraged at the thought their four- and five-year-old children could be labelled at such a crucial point in their lives, arguing there is nothing wrong with the existing system.

Mother one: “They don’t have the pressures of academic learning on top of that so they get a really good start, they think school’s a good place, not a high pressure place.”

Mother two: “I’m actually really glad that they’re not graded, I think prep is a really great way to be introduced to the schooling system.”

Queensland teachers currently don’t grade Prep students, instead allowing them to develop at their own pace.

Mother two: “And he is wanting to learn and wanting to read and so the teacher’s not stopping that, but if a child is just ready to just play and socialise and that sort of thing then she’s fine with that too.”

The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority intends on providing advice to assist teachers in a standardised marking scheme.

While no final decision has been made, Queensland Education Minister Geoff Wilson says a grading scale will not be happening.

Queensland Education Minister Geoff Wilson says a grading scale will not be happening.

Geoff Wilson, Education Minister: “Queensland does not label prep students with letters A to E and we don’t intend to.”

Early childhood experts say there is no need for a grading system in Queensland as it will put too much pressure on a developing child.

Sue Grieshaber, Early Childhood Expert: “I don’t think we need an A to E system and in my understanding of the situation it’s up to Queensland to decide whether an A to E system is used.”

Parents say there’s plenty of time for children to grow up.

Mother two: “Just let them be kids and let them enjoy themselves.”

Libby Armstrong, QUT News