Lower Primary
The Lower Primary Phase lays a solid foundation on which to build confident, successful and enthusiastic
learners, equipped for the demands of an ever changing world.
Curriculum
Literacy – our goal is to teach scholars to read, write effectively, think critically and creatively, as well as communicate clearly. These skills are required for the 21st century.
Numeracy – we use concrete apparatus before requiring our scholars to work on an abstract level. This consolidates concepts, equips children with skills and builds the confidence to think logically and find solutions to number problems.
Additional languages – research shows that learning a second language improves critical-thinking, listening skills, memory and creativity. We offer Afrikaans 2nd Language, French Foreign Language and German Foreign Language. Scholars are required to learn one of these languages.
Technology – while technology is part of a young child’s life, perceptual, motor, social and cognitive skills need developing first. During this phase, ICT (Integrated Communication Technology) is taught as a tool for learning an additional skill set and technology is used to consolidate work covered in the classroom.
Physical Education – our programme focuses on developing gross motor skills (as a key component of cognitive development) and the building of confidence. Swimming forms part of the curriculum for Gr 1 and Gr 2 and is intended to make our children water safe, as well as teach breathing and swimming techniques.
Non-promotional subjects – our specialist teachers present Music, Art, Drama, Public Speaking and Chess, which can be taken as a class activity or with a skilled coach as an optional extra activity.
Curricular Subjects and Programmes
- English 1st language
- Afrikaans 2nd language / German Foreign Language / French Foreign Language
- Mathematics
- Environmental Studies
- Religious & Moral Education
- Physical Education
- Swimming Gr 1 – Gr 2
- Music
- Art
- Drama
- Public Speaking
- Library
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
- Chess
Learner Support
Our Learner Support programme caters for scholars who have been referred by their class teachers. It provides tools to capitalise on a child’s strengths, in order to reach their potential. At times, we refer to specialists outside of the school to build the necessary “scaffolding”. We have an occupational therapist who works in their private capacity during the school morning to assist scholars who have been assessed with learning difficulties.
Outings
Excursions are an essential part of the curriculum and offer a practical experience of the world around us. Age appropriate outdoor experiences make sure that learning is relevant and fun.
Extracurricular Activities
We believe that structured physical programmes play an important role in emotional, intellectual and social development. Many activities are offered as optional extra activities that parents can enrol their children in.
Sport
The compulsory sport programme assists our scholars in learning sport skills and the values of a healthy
lifestyle from an early age. The Lower Primary Phase caters for, enhances and incorporates all ability levels.
PE and sport are a catalyst for cognitive development, teamwork, self-discipline, perseverance and
socialising, which is integral to a healthy body and mind.
The sports programme offers a range of team games for boys and girls. On the sports field, despite being a small school, we compete exceptionally well against our local schools. We have a strong family ethos and work in close partnership with parents to ensure that our children are happy.
St Paul’s Primary School offers the following sport:
- Athletics (summer months only)
- Hockey
- Cricket
- Tennis
Sport offered by Private Coaches. These are optional extras:
- Soccer
- Olympic Kids
- Kiddie Sport
- Sport Play Box
- Karate
- Mountain Biking
- Golf
Culture and Academics
In addition to the cultural programmes offered during the school day, the school provides a platform for
valuable private extra-curricular activities. These are optional extras:
- Lego Robotics
- Little Medical School
- Drama
- Yoga
- Dance Mouse
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