Senior Prep – Grade 4 to Grade 7

‘Boys are found everywhere – on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around or jumping to. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them, adults ignore them and Heaven protects them. A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.’

At the end of Grade 3, the Junior Prep girls move on to the Diocesan School for Girls and the boys move to what is know as ‘Top Prep’. St Andrew’s Prep offers a broad and innovative curriculum which caters for the individual needs of pupils of different aptitudes, yet ever mindful of the need of independence and self-motivation in pupils.

The school is fortunate to be able to call on many experts in the broader Grahamstown community, strengthening the curriculum and pupil interest. Senior boys are prepared fully for the Independent Schools’ Common Entrance Exams and the majority of them proceed to St Andrew’s College.

In small classes, pupils tackle a broad range of primary school subjects, with strong emphasis on language skills, including isiXhosa and Afrikaans. Computers are used to enhance the teaching programme and pupils are given a sound introduction to information technology from the Junior Preparatory level. Well qualified staff are able to identify children with potential learning problems and those with special talents. Problems are addressed by our Academic Support teacher and pupils are able to reach their potential and develop strong self-esteem before they go to senior school.
     
Boarders and day boys are divided into houses and all school activities are run along House lines. Academic subjects are Mathematics, English, Afrikaans, Integrated studies, Science, Social Science, Natural Sciences, French (Grade 7s) and isiXhosa. Each Grade receives Music, Art and Computer lessons. Afrikaans may be taken on first language level. Various study skills and techniques are taught in the small classes of mixed ability.

Academically talented boys in Grade 7 are prepared for and write the St Andrew’s College scholarship examinations, winning on average three scholarships per year. External examinations such as Olympiads are written to ensure that the academic level remains of a high standard. 

PACE: 

A brief description as to the origins of the name PACE;

(PASE: Primary and Secondary Education/def: one step in walking, marching or running = one school) 

PACE is the forum responsible for ensuring a smooth transition for Grade 7 Prep and DSG Junior pupils into their next, or GET, phase of schooling – effectively serving the Middle School need. PACE steering members (representatives from all three campuses) meet termly to ensure that there is commonality in curricula, teaching methodology and strategic planning as well as sustained communication between all departments pertinent to Grades 7, 8 and 9. Through this conduit all spheres of school life – academic, skills and social development and extra curricular – are carefully monitored with the aim of creating a cohesive unit which will benefit both pupils and staff alike.

PACE Mission Statement

General:  

Each pupil is taught his value as an individual and care is taken to create a positive self image, regardless of academic prowess and pupils complete self-assessment forms at the end of each term. These accompany detailed reports to parents. Each learner’s progress is monitored by assessments half-way through and at the end of the term where staff discuss the progress of every individual.

The library is the hub of the pupils’ academic lives. They are encouraged to do research using either the printed or electronic media. Great importance is attached to the quality of reading at Prep. Parents are encouraged to donate a book to the library on their child’s birthday, ensuring that new books always come in. The library opens after breakfast and stays open until the senior boys go to bed.

Individual music, choir, ensembles and marimba bands, art and drama all feature high on the list of priorities at Prep.

Music plays an important part in the school life and the music block with its well equipped practice and teaching rooms is always abuzz with happy noise. Apart from class and school singing, individual music tuition forms part of the curriculum, with even the youngest being taught in any instrument of their choice. Class music offers children a variety of experience including recorder and marimba playing. Each term is ended by a concert, where pupils gain invaluable experience in performing in front of an audience. Pupils may participate in Trinity Music examinations.

The choir performs regularly and presents a concert each term, sometimes combining with the DSG Junior Choir.  The choir also leads the singing at Sunday family services.

The school is well-known for its Marimba Band which is often invited to play at opening ceremonies or functions in the community. In addition to the Band, there are several Marimba groups in the afternoons. These are very popular and well supported. Drum and guitar tuition in small groups is also offered.

The Junior Prep Pupils all take part in a delightful musical pantomime at the end of the year while at the Senior Prep the Grade 7 boys present a musical in the second term.

At Senior Prep, Art lessons, taught by a specialist teacher, take place in the spacious art room is a favourite place where boys experiment in a variety of media. The pottery studio is a creative factory where every boy turns out utility as well as art objects.

Each term all pupils participate in the school drawing contest and peers vote for the best art works in each class and in the school. The standard of art is reflected in the high number of awards won at the Bathurst show and other local shows. Since 1988, Prep has hosted the Children’s Arts Festival as part of the National Arts Festival. Children from schools countrywide join Prep in July for this annual celebration of the arts - the biggest of its kind on the Continent. Prep pupils have first option to participate in this magical programme filled with music, arts, crafts, workshops, shows, friendship and fun. This unique festival puts Prep in the forefront of arts education in South Africa.