PRE-PRIMARY APPROACH

Just imagine your child starting their life journey with the best possible advantage through an incredible early-learning educational experience.  Individualism and a focus on the child is core to our teaching, where we adopt a ‘learning through play’ methodology.  Our great educators create a caring and nurturing environment which provides a safe space for your child to grow. This early learning centre provides a solid, age-appropriate base for your child to start their formal education.

The Pre-Primary curriculum is skills-based, guaranteeing that all aspects of a child’s development are explored, developed and mastered, including:

  • Literacy and language
  • Numeracy
  • Social and Emotional development
  • Physical development: both fine motor and gross motor
  • Perceptual development
  • Design and technology: introduction to computer literacy and coding
  • Creative development: Art, Music, Percussion, Rhythmic Movement, Singing and Drama/Fantasy play

All the children’s development is continuously monitored, and with a well-developed Educational Support Unit at the school, early intervention and support are available. Extensive reporting, both verbal and written, to parents takes place termly. In addition, children are screened for learning readiness before they enter Grade 1.

ADMISSIONS

Admission to Bridge House Pre-School is given on the basis of an interview with the Head and is subject to space availability.

PRE-PRIMARY PHASES

The Pre-Primary classes are housed in a custom-built, spacious, light and bright facility with wide verandahs which double as extra learning and play spaces. Large outside play areas have various outdoor equipment which allows for incredible freedom and opportunities for play. The Playschool groups have their own designated outside play area, subtly separated from the older children.

The Pre-Primary department at Bridge House has classes for 2 to 6 year-old children:

  • Grade 0 classes            (5 and 6 year-olds)
  • Grade 00 classes         (4 and 5 year-olds)
  • Grade 000 classes       (3 and 4 year-olds)
  • Playschool group         (2 and 3 year-olds)

The Pre-Primary School follows the Bridge House School Terms.

PRE-PRIMARY
PLAYSCHOOL
EXTRAMURAL
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

We follow a thematic approach and believe in a holistic, integrated approach to learning where through play, discovery and problem-solving, the children grow and develop. Being part of the greater school environment affords the children the privilege of being exposed to the many extra activities and facilities that Bridge House offers. Pupils have specialist teachers for activities such as Music and Ball Skills (including KinderKinetics) and they even visit the Learning Commons to listen to stories and use the library facilities.
Small classes enhance the learning process. Each class has a well qualified teacher supported by teacher assistants with ECD training, ensuring a favourable adult to child ratio as they engage with Jolly Phonics, Number Sense, Six Bricks and even Blue Bot coding, over and above their guided perceptual and creative activities. The warm, nurturing environment allows children to develop at their own pace and emphasis is placed on developing self-esteem and a healthy self-image.
The Pre-Primary day starts at 08h00, and the educational programme ends at 13h00.

Aftercare
We offer aftercare services from Monday – Thursday from 14h00 – 16h00 and until 14h00 on a Friday.

Dining
Lunch is offered daily by Feedem to the Pre-primary classrooms. View the order form, menu and other relevant files below if you would like your child to have a warm lunch. Feedem reserves the right to change the menus if necessary, depending on what fresh produce is available. Please note that the menus have been checked and approved by a registered dietician.

MENU’S AND OPTIONS

Research shows that children are most successful in both school and adult life when provided with a strong foundation in their formative years. At Bridge House Playschool, we aim to provide the best possible building blocks for your child’s development. We strive to create confident, competent individuals who are receptive to the learning environment and so thrive in their ensuing steps on the education journey. We provide a safe, nurturing environment so that each child feels cared for, accepted and so is able to excel. 

Our Playschool classes for children 2-3 and 3-4 year-olds are housed in the spacious, Pre-Primary building. The classrooms are bright, light, and well-equipped with wide verandas and a big, fenced grass play area that accommodates various play stations and a shaded sandpit. 

The Playschool follows a curriculum that is in accordance with best practices for Early Childhood Development, and emphasis is on learning through play. A holistic, thematic approach to learning includes structured play activities to promote language and cognitive development, social interaction, sensory stimulation, gross and fine motor skills and creativity, including art, music, dance and fantasy play. Having a favourable adult to child ratio with a teacher per group and multiple assistants and specialists facilitates our approach.

The Playschool day is from 08h00 to 13h00. Lunch and nap time follows for those who stay until 14h00. 

Aftercare
We offer aftercare services from Monday – Thursday from 14h00 – 16h00 and until 14h00 on a Friday.

Dining
Lunch is offered daily by Feedem to the Pre-primary classrooms. View the order form, menu and other relevant files below if you would like your child to have a warm lunch. Feedem reserves the right to change the menus if necessary, depending on what fresh produce is available. Please note that the menus have been checked and approved by a registered dietician.
Pre-Primary – weekly menu

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We offer aftercare services from Monday – Thursday from 14h00 – 16h00 and until 14h00 on a Friday.

EXTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:

  • Swimming (terms 1 & 4 only)
  • Tennis
  • Karate
  • Ballet
  • Golf
  • Dance Mouse
  • Clay play

For information about the extracurricular music programme please download this pdf:

EXTRACURRICULAR MUSIC

Our Educational Support Unit includes a Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist, both of whom are available for consultation should the Pre-Primary Department suggest observation or intervention.

Research has shown that early intervention can reduce the impact and ultimately mitigate difficulties. 

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