Pre Prep - Recognising the Need for Preschool Education

Since its opening in 1923 WHPS, has filled a special place in the educational market place offering a high quality, balanced education backed by a strong ethos which expounds values such as good manners, self-discipline, self-esteem and respect for one's self, one's peers and one's environment.

This broad based approach to education has set generations of boys on the path to success and marked them with the special stamp of 'A WHPSian'. Part of WHPS' success has come from its ability to meet the needs of these generations of children and their families as society has changed and expectations have altered.

In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the importance of socialisation for younger children and the need for structured perceptual development to prepare for the demands of School. Economic pressures and families with two working parents have also seen these families wish to place their children in school earlier.

Although traditionally a boys only Preparatory School, WHPS has recognised the need to fill this niche and has risen to the challenge by opening the Waterkloof House Pre-Prep School. This new addition to the WHPS family sees the introduction of a Nursery School accepting boys and girls for a two-year period in the preschool classrooms before they move to Grade 0.

The Pre-Prep School embraces the values and ethos of WHPS offering a high quality pre-school education which is focused on preparing its pupils for school by developing emotional, perceptual, physical and spiritual maturity in a nurturing and values based environment.

The facilities and resources for which WHPS is renowned are available to the Nursery School, with music, drama, art, computers and sporting opportunities enhancing an already rich educational experience.

There will be an emphasis on gross and fine motor co-ordination and the newly upgraded premises allow the children room to develop in a secure and stimulating environment. A new junior swimming pool will allow all the children to become confident and able swimmers, an important life skill.

The Pre-Prep offers three options:

• Mornings only: 07h40 - 12h00
• Mornings only, plus lunch: 07h40 - 13h00
• Full day, including lunch and after care: 07h40 - 17h00

Although there will be no assessment of children entering the Pre-Prep School, children are expected to be toilet trained and no longer using bottles. There will be an assessment before entering Grade 0, although boys in the Pre-Prep School will be given a priority for entry to the main School. Only boys will be accepted to WHPS Grade 0.

The children will not be expected to wear school uniform or attend assemblies or house meetings. However, parents will be members of the WHPS Parents' Association.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."

Albert Einstein