Junior Preparatory - The First Stage in Primary Education

The Junior Prep Department comprises Grades 0 to 3, laying the foundation for the primary education of the boys. It is divided into eight classes – two for each Grade – with a maximum of 48 boys in each year. The class teachers teach the core curriculum, with specialist teachers for Music, Art, Drama, Design and Technology and Computers. The School has a computer in every classroom. Each boy is exposed to Afrikaans and Sepedi with French as an optional extra.

The Junior Department is a small, friendly, caring community where courtesy and self-discipline are nurtured and where each boy is given the opportunity to make the most of his individual talents. The development of character, as well as intellect, is a vital part of our philosophy for early childhood education. A wide range of extra-curricular activities supports high academic standards. Extended learning experiences are provided through camps, excursions and guest speakers.

WHPS is one of the top boarding schools in South Africa and our young boys develop independence - whilst having a lot of fun - in a very caring environment.

We believe in close contact and good communication with parents and value the support we receive from parents in the many facets of the School.

WHPS' aims are to provide the necessary experience and activities to help children develop fully. The School values independence, self-respect and self-motivation and the primary education curriculum provides children with the opportunities to develop these characteristics. Through a creative and practical approach to learning we aim to provide each child with the best possible elementary education within the context of a caring community.

The Junior Preparatory Department provides a broad-based, balanced curriculum with particular emphasis given to literacy and numeracy. Our boys are encouraged to use practical apparatus in problem solving and investigative situations. To this end we introduced an innovative Practical Maths Centre. This achieves a balance between practical application and more formal pencil and paper activities. We have our own schemes of work, with differentiation and extension programmes built in.

WHPS has a strong sporting tradition and the boys are introduced to this through ball skills, swimming, athletics, playball and mini-cricket and soccer. The School day runs from 07h40 to 12h30 - 13h30 with School lunch and aftercare offered as optional extras. A variety of clubs are offered in the aftercare centre.

The Junior Prep Department is managed by a Head of Department ably supported by dedicated teaching staff who strive to give the children a solid primary education foundation, which leads them through the demands of the Senior Prep and onto the challenges of High School.

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