Prep Academics

Prep School Curriculum

Introduction Bridge House Prep School is committed to providing a stimulating and relevant learning experience which forms a solid foundation for the further progress of all the children who pass through it. It is both engaging and innovative and seeks to meet the needs of all children. Languages - Bridge House is an English-medium school, however approximately 25% of our pupils have Afrikaans as a home language. We teach English First Language to all pupils and offer a choice between advanced or standard grade Afrikaans from Grade 3. This enables both Afrikaans and English speakers to study the language at Higher Grade level in the college. We have many children joining the school from other countries who speak foreign languages who adapt fairly quickly to English.

Academic Programme - Classes are always specifically structured as mixed-ability groups. There are two classes per grade. The school runs on a well developed timetable which is appropriate for prep children and completely independent of the college. It is divided into three phases: -Pre-Primary (Grade 00 and Grade 00) -Junior Primary (Grade 1 ? 3) -Senior Primary (Grade 4 to 7)

At Pre Primary level the curriculum is aimed at developing children who will be ready to face the challenges of Grade 1 competently. Perceptual games and activities, development of motor skills, awareness of social skills and the broadening of experiences at this level all contribute towards the development of school ready children.

Junior and Senior Primary phases present formal schooling situations from the basics of reading and writing to the development of a wide range of competencies, understandings and skills. Subjects studied up to Grade 6 are: -English and Afrikaans -Mathematics -Integrated Studies (Science; Biology; History and Geography)

In Grade 7 Social Sciences namely History and Geography, and Natural Sciences namely Science and Biology are taught instead of Integrated Studies. In Grade 6 and 7 there is also exposure to Design and Technology as well as Economic Management Sciences.

Specialist Taught Subjects
All prep children participate in the following extra subjects which are facilitated by specialist teachers: Music Education ? Instrumental work begins with orff instruments, continues with all pupils learning how to play recorder before moving on to ensemble work with a wide range of instruments including marimbas.
Drama Education ? Theoretical and practical in nature. Much opportunity is given for expression in this discipline. Assemblies in the Senior Primary focus on these activities. This subject has played an important part in the development of confidence in the children throughout the school. Art Education ? Theoretical and practical in nature. Focus on skills, techniques and a range of mediums.
Information Technology ? All pupils from Grade 00 to Grade 7 make use of our state of the art Information Technology Centre. In addition to this we are able to offer more computer access in the library as well as a computer cluster room for senior prep children.
Physical Education ? All pupils participate in physical education at an appropriate level beginning with music and movement and basic gross motor skills right through to skilled co-ordination and specific sport skills.

Extramural Programme - Participation in the programme is compulsory from Grade 1 to Grade 7. We believe strongly that physical well being is an important part of growing up well. The sports programme is organised within the school day, and in the afternoon. Trips and Outings - All classes go on outings to places of interest. These trips form part of the educational curriculum. Camps are also conducted from Grade 2 or 3 onwards. These allow for the development of independence and group spirit.

Special Needs, Individual Learning Programmes and Inclusive Education - Bridge House is a school which welcomes children with special needs. As such it is necessary in some cases to allow children to follow individual learning programmes which are specially structured to suit their needs. Such programmes are normally monitored by our Educational Support Unit.