Young Pilbara residents take first steps to school

More than 40 little heads were full of fresh knowledge last week as Millars Well Primary School welcomed a new batch of Year 1 students.

With excitement, enthusiasm and just a few tears, the eager learners were guided through their first educational steps by devoted teachers Tash Burnside and Breigh Pearson.

Six-year-old Jae Grabenhofer said he liked Year 1 because he was able to spend time with his older brother during breaks.

"My brother is going to high school next year," he said.

"I like school because I get to play on the big playground with him. I also like science because we get to play with fish eggs … I like learning numbers too because we get to count - my favourite number is 1000."

His teacher, Mrs Burnside, has been teaching for four years and previously worked with Year 3 students. She said teaching Year 1s was a learning curve for her.

"Everything for this age group needs to be modelled, so there is not much writing on worksheets or that sort of thing - it's all about getting the concepts into their heads," Mrs Burnside said.

"These kids are amazing though, very independent already. They are definitely ready for school, a very capable group of kids, happy and excited, and can't wait to get started.

Mrs Burnside said she had more boys in her class than girls.

"Boys tend to be more boisterous so you've got to keep the lid on them, whereas the girls are already perfect little angels, eager to please," she said. "I do like teaching the boys though, its good fun."

Next door to Mrs Burnside's room is a split class comprising of Year 1 and Year 2 students.

Teacher Ms Pearson has worked at Millars Well for six years and said the school provided a lovely learning environment. "The whole school also does mental maths every morning, which is awesome, the kid's maths is so much better," she said.

"This is the first time I've taught a split class, and it's not too difficult, it's just about teaching to ability and focusing on each child's individual needs."