Our Junior School environment consists of two phases:
Ages 6-9 and Ages 9-12
AGES 6-9
The years of moral development.
During this age, children begin to awaken to other humans and outer aspects of life. The emphasis is on self-discipline and building character, including manners, courtesy, and grace. It is also a period of learning fairness and it is therefore an excellent time to teach children rules of games. They are typically “black-and-white” thinkers, with little grey area.
There is now a very clear distinction between reality and fantasy. Their intellectual curiosity is limitless. Imagination, exploration, and research are very important. This is usually taught through five great stories or timelines which are loosely connected and broadly based, helping children to form a picture of their place in the universe.
Classes:
2 x Classes
Approximately 16 children per age group within the environment
Each directress is allotted a register group and specialises in one particular area – Maths, Language or Cultural subjects. In addition there is a dedicated reading teacher for this environment.
AGES 9-12
The years of critical thinking.
The 9-12 age group are discovering their own enormous potential. They are at the critical thinking stage of their lives and as a matter of course they critically examine and focus on all which is presented to them. They are naturally self-involved; intent on finding out about themselves and their own positive abilities, but also learning to overcome the difficulties presented in relating socially to others. The key element at this stage is focussing on the specific.
These students are able to grasp more abstract concepts and thus fewer hands-on materials are required. However, geometry concepts and terminology appear to fascinate these critical thinkers and much of the traditional junior high school syllabus is covered during these years.
They have already learnt how to research and now tend to become more involved with in-depth exploring of topics of interest, covered in the Five Great Stories and other key timelines. Individual and group projects are discussed, researched, completed, and then shared with others during presentations. To enhance this sensitive period of critical thinking, these presentations are evaluated by the group.
Moral development at this stage continues to be fostered with debates on moral issues. These children often act without thinking. Insisting that they take responsibility for their actions is necessary. Their tendency to be socially critical and verbally aggressive is an integrated part of their growth on their journey towards young adulthood.
Classes:
2 x Classes
Approximaely 16 Children per age group with a maximum of 50 in the environment
Each directress is allotted a register group and specializes in one particular area – Maths, Language or Cultural subjects.
PROGRAMMES:
The junior school programmes includes: Morning ring, followed by a three hour work cycle, involving Maths, English, Afrikaans and Cultural subjects. Cultural Subjects encompass all the government learning areas, but they are presented in an integrated and holistic manner.
The 6-9 cycle continues with Music, Art, Life Skills, Xhosa and Sport. The 9-12’s do Music, Art, Afrikaans, Life Orientation, Basic Computer Skills, Technology, and Sport.
Their work programmes are balanced with outings to places of interest. Drama is encouraged and all children take part in the annual play, as well as celebrating festival days. Children are encouraged to play chess and other board games in the class, when work is complete.
SPORTS & EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES:
Great emphasis is placed on ball skills at this age. The 6-9 groups’ playground is designed to encourage balance, large muscle co-ordination, and ball skills. The junior school sports concentrate on acquiring and developing various sporting skills and takes place during school hours. We encourage all kids to participate in school sports and to further their ball skills.
Additional extra murals include Music (piano, recorder, etc.), Mountain Biking, Chess, Computer Club and various other outsourced club activities.