The Pre-primary and Foundation Phase at Victoria Primary School caters for girls from Grade 00 to Grade 3.
Our teaching team consists of 10 class teachers and 4 interns (student teachers) we also boast specialist teachers for isiXhosa and music. Together, our dynamic staff are a good blend of youthful energy and well-earned experience. Our teachers are lifelong learners who choose to continuously develop their knowledge and skills for the benefit of the children whom they teach.
In our classrooms we ensure that learning is developmentally appropriate and CAPS compliant. Our aim is to allow as much time for discovery and practical learning as possible. We endeavor to facilitate the holistic growth of each child, ensuring that their emotional, social, physical, intellectual, creative and musical development is nurtured in equal measures.
We recognise that our children are all unique and that some may require increased physical, emotional or academic support in order to reach their potential. We enjoy a partnership with specialized therapists who offer Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Speech and Language support and intervention at our school, where necessary. We also have the support of a clinical psychologist when our children require social or emotional counseling.
In addition to the academic aspects of the curriculum, our girls participate in singing, percussion, dance, art and IT lessons as well as a varied sporting programme. Gross motor and physical skills are essential for successful classroom learning and all our girls participate in our PhysiFun Programme on a weekly basis, this programme is run by a biokineticist. Our Grade 1 to 3 girls also enjoy a weekly tennis lesson with a professional coach. During the winter months they learn to play hockey and netball and during the summer months all girls including the Pre-primary attend swimming lessons in our school swimming pool. We pride ourselves in having designed a varied and exciting integrated school day that offers our girls many valuable experiences.
In the Foundation Phase our aim is for each girl to learn and grow at her own pace and according to appropriate developmental milestones. The importance of perceptual development as an essential precursor to formal learning is strategically and systematically highlighted in the Pre-Primary, where girls are provided with ample opportunity to learn through independent exploration and play. In Grade 1 we gently transition our girls to a more formal classroom environment. While learning in Grade 1 to 3, remains child-centered and concrete, it is carefully balanced with tasks that consolidate skills learnt and encourage our girls to develop their organisational skills and work with increasing independence.
We place a high value on books and reading at Victoria Primary School. In the Pre-Primary a good foundation for phonological awareness is laid so that when they reach Grade 1, our girls are ready to learn to read. We are very privileged to have a well-resourced reading scheme which allows each child sufficient time to develop their reading skills at every level. There is a wide variety of reading material available which includes both fictional and non-fictional texts covering diverse topics. We encourage shared and independent reading in our classrooms and our bookshelves are well stocked with books that all our girls can identify with and relate to. Books are also routinely sent home so that the process of learning to read can be practiced and supported at home too.
We follow the NumberSense Programme which ensures that each child is able to grow and develop her understanding of all aspects of Mathematics at her own pace. Mathematics learning is facilitated, supported and developed through problem solving, experiential learning and the use of concrete apparatus. All Mathematics learning and teaching occurs in small groups allowing each child the optimum opportunity to interact with her teacher and engage in activities.
At First Additional Language level, we teach isiXhosa from Grades R to 3 and Afrikaans from Grades 1 to 3. The girls are encouraged to be multilingual and to show respect for different languages and cultures. Social communication with each other in different languages is welcomed and encouraged.
Life Skills covers a variety of topics which are personally relevant, informative and of interest to the girls. Wherever possible outings are arranged to enhance classroom learning.
In 2022 we introduced the Think Equal programme into the Grade R routine. Think Equal is a global initiative designed to teach social and emotional learning in the early years. The programme sets out to ensure positive life outcomes for all children. They learn to value all human beings and lead healthy relationships.
Our girls leave the Foundation Phase confident in their knowledge and abilities and most importantly, happy!
