Grade R

 

The Honeybadgers is our most complex learning environment with a ratio of 1 Directress to 10 children. Children in this environment independently follow  longer, more complex work cycles. They are focussing on developing the skills needed to complete their own activities and projects according to their individual interests and needs. This is the environment in which children reinforce and consolidate the skills and attitudes needed for Primary School.

Daily programme

  • 8.00am – 8.30am – Child drop-off (children can be dropped off at 7.30a.m by prior arrangement)

  • 8.00a.m -11.30am – Montessori Preschool Curriculum

  • 11.30pm-12.30pm – Free, spontaneous play, songs, movement, storytelling and reading books

  • 12.30pm -1.00pm – Child collection

 Strict COVID-19 control policies are in place. With the cooperation of our staff and our parents, we strive to keep everyone safe. Read more about our COVID-19 policy here.

Montessori and Grade R

Grade R or Grade 0 is a formulation created by the Department of Basic Education to refer to the year which precedes Grade 1 in the formal, compulsory schooling sector. In this year, five- and six-year-old children are taught specific skills and concepts deemed necessary for Grade 1 learning. These skills are valued by some educators as indicators of readiness for formal learning.

The Montessori approach is based on an understanding of human development that supports the learning and growth of children in a different way. In common with other developmental approaches to early learning, Montessori sees a distinct difference between the first phase of childhood and the second, which begins with the Grade 1 year. Montessori schools therefore align learning experiences to the developmental stages of the child, rather than to pre-defined skills demanded by a curriculum. The Montessori programme is aimed at preparing the child for life, not just for their first year of formal schooling.

 

“Children are ready for Grade 1 once they have reached the appropriate level of development, assessed holistically and individually rather than in accordance with a timeline of required competencies.”

- Maria Montessori