Academics

 

During these foundation years the main academic emphasis is on the acquisition of Reading, Writing and Mathematical skills. The development of verbal skills, listening skills, reasoning skills and memory play a vital role in the mastering of these skills. Much of the teaching is done through rich learning experiences that encourage a deeper understanding of the pupils’ own experiences and environment, whilst simultaneously making learning Literacy, Mathematics and Life Skills relevant and fun. St Peter’s strives for academic excellence and pupils are encouraged to achieve their potential in all areas of the academic curriculum whilst focusing on the skills of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and curiosity, which are all very important in the 21st century. 

The academic programme is supplemented by Learning Support Specialists who work collaboratively with teachers so that the academic programme can be accessed by as broad a spectrum of pupils as possible.

The following outcomes uderpin all curriculum development:

Critical thinking

Problem-solving skills – identify and solve problems, and make responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking.

Collaboration

Teamwork – work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Creativity

• Self-responsibility skills – organise and manage self and activities responsibly and effectively.
• Research skills – collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communication skills – communicate effectively using visual, symbolic and/or language skills in various modes.
• Technological and environmental literacy – use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
• Developing macrovision – demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Academic support

For those children who may experience developmental difficulties, St Peter’s has a multi-disciplinary team, consisting of an Educational Psychologist, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and Remedial Therapists, that is available to consult on any problem areas. The therapists offer assessments and therapy at the school. The advantage of this arrangement is that, with the permission of parents, teachers are able to liaise with therapists to ensure that the best possible classroom strategies are adopted for individual pupils.

Interactive technology

IT is a strategic imperative at St Peter’s and all pupils are exposed to creative and innovative tasks involving interactive whiteboards, iPads and computers. A blended learning programme, Mathletics, is used to add to Mathematics tought at the school. The licence fee for this programme, which can also be accessed at home, is charged to sundries on the school account.

St Peter’s Girls Prep School understands the value that technology can bring to enhance and enrich learning. We are also very aware of preparing our girls for the future world of work. In line with this philosophy, the school offers a comprehensive EdTech Programme comprising of several components. Digital Citizenship is the foundation of the EdTech curriculum as the school strives to empower girls to use technology in a respectful and responsible way. Girls are taught standard word processing and presentation skills and we pride ourselves in that fact that they learn to do this off three different platforms. This means that our girls can go to any Microsoft, Google or Apple high school and utilise these programmes with confidence. Coding and Robotics is a compulsory part of the school curriculum from Grade 0 to Grade 7. The girls learn to design and build applications using block code and they can see code in action through LEGO robotics. We believe in exposing our girls to new technologies, which means that they have access to AI, VR, AR and 3D printing. Finally, St Peter’s Girls Prep School believes that technology must be integrated into all aspects of learning and iPads are used, in the classrooms, in addition to the fully equipped computer labs. Our Grade 6s and Grade 7s are part of a Bring Your Own Device programme which allows them to take control of their learning through technology.

St Peter’s Girls Prep School prides itself in being a leader and front runner in the area of EdTech.