Prep School

Grades 1-3 – An Age of Discovery

The Child

• eager to learn
• great capacity to enjoy life
• growing independence

The Needs

• guidance and encouragement
• exploration and discovery
• acceptance and friendship
• fun, enrichment and creativity

The Skills

• reading, phonics, writing, spelling
• basic mathematics
• confidence in communication and expression
• movement, art and music

The Foundation Phase is a happy, nurturing environment where learning is facilitated in an atmosphere of love, understanding and responsible freedom. In these early years emphasis is placed on all aspects relating to self – learning to live comfortably with others, learning to master one’s feelings and express them safely, gaining self-esteem and welcoming new experiences. The children are encouraged to make their own decisions and to solve problems creatively.

The focus is on active learning and participation. Children learn best when they are actively involved in doing, thinking and discovering rather than passively receiving information. The Foundation Phase provides a lively introduction to the basics, building firm foundations in the 3R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic. Small classes ensure that each child’s progress is individually monitored.

“We need to allow for education of the heart as well as the cerebral cortex”.
-  L Holdstock

Grade 4-7 – A lively learning ground

The Child

• enthusiastic, welcomes new experiences
• identifies strongly with the group
• expressive and communicative

The Needs

• to build self-esteem and confidence
• to be actively engaged in the learning process
• creative expression
• development of sporting ability

The Skills

• solving problems creatively
• examining concepts and attitudes
• working independently and co-operatively
• expression of own experience

With the basics firmly established, it is time to extend each child’s ability. The Intermediate Phase (Grades 4, 5 6 and 7) provides opportunity for exploration and growth. It is child-centred, and learning is seen as valuable and meaningful because it is based on experience and relevance. The core curriculum follows the prescribed syllabi of the Western Cape Education Department, a framework within which innovative and effective teaching methods make learning exciting.

“One looks back with appreciation to brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.”
- Carl Jung