Kirstenhof Primary has a warm and nurturing Foundation Phase Department. We have four Grade R, 1, 2 and 3 classes led by experienced and passionate teachers who are deeply committed to early learning.

In Grade 1, learners participate in “Building Blocks” twice a week. These are structured lessons in small groups which create opportunities for learning through practical experiences.

Our curriculum is CAPS (Curriculum Assessments Policy Statements) based. Learning happens through innovative, creative and dynamic approaches and is integrated in meaningful ways.

In each Grade, the teachers work very closely together. Grade planning sessions occur weekly for collaboration. Our Foundation Phase teachers receive regular in-service training and proactively follow developments in education.

Foundation Phase learners receive specialist teaching for Art, Music, Library, General Sports and Swimming. Grade three learners participate in Thinking Skills and Chrome book lessons weekly. We are fortunate to have 2 interns per Grade to assist the teachers in the classrooms. The interns also assist with small group and individualised teaching.

OUR READING PROGRAMME

At Kirstenhof Primary we use the Time2Read programme as a holistic, whole-phase approach to learning how to read. It is a comprehensive, structured, integrated and multisensory phonemic approach to learning to read.

Reading, spelling (phonics) and writing are taught in tandem and are an effective way to ‘crack the reading code’ in a systematic and explicit way.

Our focus is on reading for meaning and for our children to fully comprehend what they are reading. Growing fluent readers is important to us.

Each learner is placed onto an Individual Reading Programme (IRP). Learners progress through reading levels according to their reading ability, fluency and comprehension skills. These readers expose our children to Jolly Phonics readers and a wide variety of different books.

Group Guided reading allows for scaffolded, teacher supported learning according to each child’s individual progress.

Reading and Mathematics are taught in small groups. This helps learners to work and learn according to their ability and to receive more individual attention.

OUR RESOURCE CENTRE

The Resource Centre functions as a well-equipped, organised storage and support facility, providing teachers with access to updated books, teaching apparatus, and educational games. New and exciting additions are added yearly. 

OUTINGS

Each grade goes on at least two outings a year which are related and relevant to what is being learnt in the classroom.

EXTRA SUPPORT

Kirstenhof Primary offers Learning support and Mini-School support for learners who may need extra input to assist with their learning. We also have a Speech and Language Therapist, an Occupational Therapist and a Counsellor available for learners requiring specialist support.

Kirstenhof Primary has an extensive extra-mural programme which consists of sporting and cultural opportunities, which provide enrichment and extension activities.