Whippets
Recognising the need for Preschool Education
Whippets
Although traditionally a boys’ 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, fondly known as Whippets.
This new addition to the WHPS family sees the introduction of a preschool accepting boys and girls for a two-year period in the preschool classrooms before they move to Grade 0. Whippets embraces the values and ethos of WHPS, offering a high quality preschool education which is focussed on preparing the boys and girls for school. We have two Grade 000 classes (children turn four during this year) and three Grade 00 classes (children turn five during this year).
Our mission at Whippets includes the following:
- To assist your child to reach their potential, by guiding their stages of development.
- We provide areas for exploration, quiet time, reading, construction and creativity.
- We strive to build independence and self-confidence in each pre-schooler.
- Your child will be encouraged to work both individually with their teacher, and as part of a team with their peers.
- We encourage the Whippets children to celebrate their differences.
- We observe each child objectively.
- We instill values and good manners.
- The children are not bound by the classroom environment for their learning.
- We encourage the children to interact with their peers, in a positive way.
- Your child will feel secure and protected in the Pre-Prep surroundings.
- We create a happy pre-school environment with a combination of structured activities, free play and creative lessons.
ACADEMICS
We incorporate the Early Childhood Development (ECD) curriculum in our teaching. It focuses on traditional academics (literacy, numeracy and life skills) and includes additional knowledge and skills to prepare children for the Foundation Phase. Our approach to teaching is theme based and the learners are exposed to the following areas of learning:
- Social and Emotional Development: This area of learning focuses on assisting the child to mature emotionally, developing a sense of self-worth. The child will learn to be more independent and able to take responsibility for him or herself.
- Cognitive and Perceptual Development: The ability to think and problem solve, to see similarities and differences, to sequence and to recognize forms and shapes.
- Physical Development: This learning area is divided into two components: fine motor and gross motor development. Fine motor development focuses on the small muscles required for manipulating small objects and tools. Gross motor development refers to the activities that strengthen the development of large muscles, to facilitate balance, co-ordination and core strength.
- Language: The development of language and literacy skills. Listening and speaking skills are developed.
- Numeracy: We focus on the development of the understanding of number and mathematical concepts. It incorporates patterns, time, measurement and shapes.
- Knowledge and Skills: This area broadens a child’s knowledge of the world and develops age appropriate life skills.
- Creative Arts: This learning area encompasses the performing arts, such as music, movement, drama and visual arts. Your child will be encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that promote creativity, imagination and originality.
MUSIC AND DRAMA
The facilities and resources, for which WHPS is renowned, are available to the Pre-Prep, with music, drama, art, tablets and sporting opportunities enhancing an already rich educational experience. Whippets Music and Drama lessons are included in the Pre-Prep curriculum.
The boys and girls (Grade 000 and 00) enjoy a weekly Whippets Music lesson as well as a weekly Whippets Drama lesson with the specialist Music and Drama teachers at WHPS.
The boys and girls are given the opportunity to grow in confidence through their performance at the Annual Grandparents Day as well as their Annual Whippets Concert.
CLASS SWIMMING, PLAYBALL AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There is 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.
Class Swimming
A junior swimming pool will allow the children to become confident and able swimmers, an important life skill. During the Spring and the Summer terms each class participates in a Class Swimming Lesson with their class teacher.
Playball
Playball is offered once a week as part of the curriculum and is included in the school fees. Children will work through a serious of age-appropriate skills throughout the year.
Extra-Curricular Activities
These activities are provided by approved private companies, that operate on the school premises. They are not included in the school fees and are an optional extra.
Time & Daily Programme
School Hours
07:00 – 12:00 Mornings
12:00 – 12:30 Lunch time
12:30 – 14:00 Extra-Curricular Activities
13:30 – 17:00 After Care
Pupils may be dropped off from 07:00 as teachers will only be available for supervision from this time. Please note that in order for us to run a happy and well-functioning Pre-Prep, it is essential that parents be punctual about dropping off and collecting their children. Classes will begin promptly at 08:00. Parents are requested to drop their children before this time as arriving late is disruptive to teaching time. Pupils who remain at School for an afternoon activity may have lunch and be collected thereafter.
The cost of After Care may be found on the Fee Schedule. Afternoon, extra-curricular activities are charged as an extra and are payable directly by the parent to the relevant parties.
Provisional Daily Programme
| 07:00 to 08:00 | Supervised / free play |
| 08:00 to 08:15 | Morning ring / register and theme discussion |
| 08:15 to 09:55 | Teacher-directed activities |
| 09:55 to 10:00 | Toilet and snack routine |
| 10:00 to 10:45 | Outside play |
| 10:45 to 11:00 | Hand washing and toilet routine |
| 11:00 to 11:30 | Teacher directed activities |
| 11:30 to 12:00 | Tidy up and story time |
| 12:00 to 12:30 | ·- Lunch for all children (lunch boxes / school lunch / Lema Café lunch)
·- End of School day – collect from 12:30 |
| 12:30 to 14:00 | Extra-Curricula Activities (if applicable) |
| 13:30 to 17:00 | After care (if applicable) |
A weekly lesson of drama, music, Playball, fun swimming (in summer) and baking is included in the daily programme, these are included in the school fees.
