Junior Prep is composed of learners in Grades R to Three.
Curriculum Overview
Carlswald House Preparatory School is a proud member of Cambridge Assessment International Education – A Cambridge International School
Our Junior Prep programme is holistic and covers a wide range of subjects including;
- Mathematics
- English Home Language
- isiZulu (First Additional Language)
- Afrikaans (First Additional Language)
- Science
- Global Perspectives
- Physical Education
- Music
- Art
- Information Technology & Coding
English
English is split into the following lessons: Phonics (reading and spelling), handwriting and writing.
PHONICS – What is it?
Phonics is a way of teaching children how to read and write. It helps children hear, identify and use different sounds that distinguish one word from another in the English language. Written language can be compared to a code, so knowing the sounds of individual letters and how those letters sound when they’re combined will help children decode words as they read.
English is split into the following areas: Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. In Grade R and 1, the children learn to read and spell through the TIME2READ phonics programme, whilst Grade 2 and 3 develop these skills further through the use of THRASS (Teaching Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills). English is a key learning area as it integrates through all learning areas and plays a big role in how successful your child is during the day.
Mathematics
Our Mathematics curriculum is thorough and focuses on teaching the children to understand as opposed to rote learning. Learning with the support of practical, hands-on resources is crucial in the Junior Preparatory in order to embed the foundational understanding that they will build upon as they move up the school. Problem solving is a crucial skill that the children are encouraged to develop. Although this is encouraged throughout the curriculum, it has a heavy impact during Mathematics lessons.
Science
Our children are taught Science from a Grade R level through fun engaging lessons that include hands-on experiments. Scientific skills such as making predictions, collecting and recording data, making observations and conclusions are all taught from a young age.
First Additional Languages
A First Additional Language (referred to as FAL) is a learning area included in the curriculum as a second language that the children learn. This is a language the children are less fluent in than their home language, but they will reach a stage at which they are comfortable to speak, read and write this first additional language.
We live in a multilingual world, where connections are now more important than ever and it is vital that we empower our children with the opportunity to explore the languages of our country. Learning another language has been proven to significantly benefit an individual. According to Middlebury Language schools, here are some of the benefits of learning a second language:
- It improves your memory
- Enhances your ability to multitask
- Improves your performance in other academic areas
At CHP, isiZulu and Afrikaans are taught as First Additional Languages.
All children from Grade 1-4 learn both Afrikaans and isiZulu as First Additional Languages. At the end of Grade 4, the children are asked to choose one of these languages to specialise in for Grade 5 – 7.
Technology
Each grade in the Junior Prep has their own bank of iPads that are dedicated to them. iPads are used as a learning tool inside and outside the classroom to add an engaging, fun element to the learning. They are not used to replace practical resources. The children take part in weekly Information Technology (IT) lessons with a dedicated teacher where they enjoy learning different aspects of technology and developing basic coding skills, using hands-on coding equipment such as BeeBots and Spheros.
Music
Each class visits the music room weekly for a fun and engaging lesson with Ms. Friedmann. In the music classroom, children are encouraged to build their confidence, develop social skills, practice patience, and inspire their creativity through the medium of music. They have a vast selection of musical resources and instruments at their disposal.
Art
Our Grade 1s visit Miss Simpson in the art room weekly for an opportunity to explore their creativity through the medium of art. Children are encouraged to develop fine motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking and inventiveness whilst letting their artistic juices flow. During these lessons, the children learn about famous artists, explore different artistic styles and forms, and use different mediums to create personal masterpieces.
Thinking Skills
Thinking Maps, Thinking Hats and Blooms Taxonomy Flowers are used in the Junior Prep as tools to help the children visualize their thinking. These are introduced at Grade R and are perfected from Grade 1-3.
Global Perspectives
The children complete a half-termly global perspectives project with their class. Global Perspectives lessons focus on developing specific skills through topics that involve South Africa as well as the rest of the world. The following skills are developed during these lessons:
- Research
- Analysis
- Evaluation
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Reflection
Physical Education
Research has shown that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Maintaining a level of physical fitness and a balanced diet during their time at school, will prove hugely beneficial to a child’s physical and mental health.
Each grade takes part in 90-minute physical education lessons each week. These lessons make up part of your child’s holistic education and focus on improving the following skills:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Speed
- Spatial Awareness
- Strength
- Core
- Athletics
- Aerobic/Anaerobic
- Plyometrics
Alongside the physical elements, the children are also taught the importance of nutrition and the physiology of PE during these times.