Preparatory School

Welcome to the Prep School at St George’s Grammar. We are a section of the school which currently caters for about 280 boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years old in Grades 1 to 6. Our buildings occupy the same picturesque campus as our Middle and Senior schools, but we are housed in a building quite separate from those schools.
Our children are given a firm grounding in those basic skills that are vital for all round development. In addition, every opportunity is taken to extend all children.
In keeping with our belief that every child has special abilities, we place strong emphasis in encouraging children’s emotional intelligence and cognitive skills. We do this by following and extending the New Curriculum Statement as set out by the Department of Education. A policy of continuous assessment is followed instead of examinations. The Curriculum is extended through project work, group work and excursions.
Our philosophy is that every child has special needs at some stage or another. We therefore have a Support Department that ensures that every child benefits from the support services offered at the school.
We lay stress on academic, social and emotional support from Grade R to Grade 6. Close links are encouraged between educators, parents and learners.
An outdoor education program is in place whereby Grades 4, 5 and 6 each have a three-day camp every year. Our pupils also go on regular outings of educational interest. Educational theatre productions and visiting speakers are invited to address the learners from time to time.

LANGUAGES
All three the major languages spoken in the Western Cape are offered at St George’s. In addition to this we have a Multilingual lesson. This is a time where the Xhosa teacher and the class teacher speak all three languages in the same lesson in different and relevant contexts. We then celebrate the diversity of our languages by having a Multilingual day every two years! This day alternates with our Science Expo.

MUSIC AND ART
St George’s Cathedral Choir is well known in Cape Town and abroad. Every boy has the opportunity of joining this choir at a young age and will then receive a small concession on school fees as a chorister. We also have a Junior Choir and a Senior Choir. Private tuition is offered in piano, violin, recorder, guitar and marimbas.   Percussion, music, movement and music appreciation lessons are part of the Curriculum in the Prep School.   We have a vibrant art department which offers all forms of Visual Art as well as aspects of Art History and Appreciation.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Computer lessons are offered from Grades R to 6. In the Junior Primary the focus is familiarizing our children to the world of computers through experience and training. From Grade 3 up our children follow a graded curriculum that develops skills in email, word processing, basic spreadsheets, Internet research and the presentation of information prepared by them for a specific audience.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All our children are expected to participate in an least two such activities a week. These can be of a sporting or cultural nature. Sports offered include Cricket, Swimming, Hockey, Soccer, Squash, Tennis, Table Tennis, Cross-Country, Athletics and Badminton. Other activities on offer include Art Club, Drama, Chess and Dance. From Grade R to Grade 2 children have an opportunity to participate in optional extras in the afternoon, such as Mini-tennis, Playball, Gymnastics, Judo, Fun and Dance and Kids Clay.

HOMEWORK SUPERVISION
Homework supervision is offered to children who remain at school for co-curricular activities. This takes place from 4pm to 5 pm on Mondays to Thursdays under careful supervision and guidance of the teaching staff.

AN INVITATION TO PARENTS
Staff are always most willing to make themselves available to see parents to discuss any concerns and worries that may arise. Parents and children who do not know our school are invited to meet staff and children and to view our facilities. It would be a great pleasure to welcome you on such a visit.

OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Prep School has an extensive Outreach Program which links in with the whole schools association with Round Square. Part of this program includes assisting a less privileged school near us, St Michaels School, as well as participating in fundraising and outreach initiatives to assist Sydney Cottage, which cares for Aids orphans. During the year we collect cans, Easter eggs, warm clothing and money to assist a variety of organizations.

HEALTH NUTRITION AND FITNESS
The Prep School are  undertaking a Health, Nutrition and Fitness initiative. We have a Fitness Track which comprises a 1km walking track with four stations of exercises, around the edge of our school field. This track aims to improve the physical fitness of our children, thereby filtering through to other aspects of their life at school including attention and focus.
We also have a clinical nutritionist who consults, advises and educates us on healthy eating and nutrition choices. She is helping us transform our Tuckshop into a healthy eating environment. We are a Fit and Healthy School.