Preparatory School · Grade 1–6 · Ages 6–12

Curious minds, ready for anything.

Our Preparatory School provides a warm, positive environment where learners explore the world, develop their character and reach their full potential.

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St Francis Preparatory School
Welcome to our Preparatory School

Where thinking skills meet a love of learning

At St Francis Preparatory, every child is known by name. We offer a warm, structured environment where learners in Grade 1 to 6 build strong academic foundations, grow in confidence and develop the kind of character that stays with them long after school.

Our qualified educators follow the national CAPS curriculum and bring it to life through thinking skills, digital learning and hands-on experiences. We put equal focus on excellence in the classroom, on the sports field and on stage.

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Our Approach

Built for the way children think

01

Thinking skills first

Critical, analytical and creative thinking sit at the heart of everything we teach, preparing learners well for a rapidly changing world.

02

National CAPS curriculum

We follow the national CAPS curriculum, setting strong academic foundations and preparing every learner for High School and beyond.

03

Qualified educators

Dedicated teachers who know each child by name, shaping lessons to challenge, support and bring out the best in every learner.

04

Digital learning

From amaKhodi coding to LEGO Mechanics, technology and innovation are woven through the curriculum from Grade 1 onwards.

05

Well-rounded

Academic excellence alongside sport, culture and outdoor learning helps every child discover and build on their own strengths.

06

Part of one school

A natural bridge from our Preschool through to High School, with one shared community, one set of values and one ethos.

Inside the classroom

Building strong foundations, grade by grade

We follow the national CAPS curriculum across two phases, building depth and breadth from Grade 1 to 6.

01

Foundation Phase

Grade 1 – 3

Languages

English (Home Language) and Afrikaans (First Additional Language), building reading, writing and oral communication from Grade 1.

Mathematics

Numeracy, patterns and problem-solving through hands-on, practical learning.

Life Skills

Personal, social and physical development, incorporating creative arts, movement and sport.

Computing & Coding

Computer literacy and the amaKhodi coding programme, introducing digital thinking from an early age.

02

Intermediate Phase

Grade 4 – 6

Languages

English (Home Language) and Afrikaans (First Additional Language), deepening communication and literacy skills.

Mathematics

Expanding into algebra, geometry, fractions and data handling.

Natural Sciences & Technology

Inquiry-based science and practical technology projects that build curiosity and analytical thinking.

Social Sciences

History and Geography explored through South African and world contexts.

Life Skills

Personal development, creative arts and physical education.

EMS & Computing

Economic and management sciences alongside digital literacy and coding.

Intervention classes are available by invitation to learners who need additional support, conducted during break times by dedicated educators.

Extra murals

More to explore after the bell

Our extra mural programme gives every learner the chance to discover new interests, build friendships and develop beyond the classroom.

Book Club

Reading, discussion and a love of stories that build vocabulary, comprehension and a lifelong reading habit.

Science Club

Hands-on experiments and inquiry-based activities that turn curiosity into a genuine love of discovery.

Arts & performance

Drama, music, movement and choir combined: building confidence, creativity and a joy of being on stage.

Crafts & design

Creative making through crafts, pottery and 3D design projects that develop fine motor skills and imagination.

Chess

Strategic thinking, patience and problem-solving in a structured, competitive and highly rewarding format.

Cooking

Practical life skills, nutrition awareness and the joy of making something from scratch in a fun, guided setting.

Activities vary by phase. Foundation Phase activities (Grade 1 to 3) run on a rotational basis. Some activities are available to Intermediate Phase learners (Grade 4 to 6) only. Please ask us for more detail when you book a visit.

St Francis Preparatory sport and culture
Beyond the classroom

Sport, culture & community

Life at St Francis extends well beyond the classroom. Our learners take part in a full programme of sport, cultural events and community outreach that builds character, confidence and a genuine sense of belonging.

Sport

Athletics Soccer Netball Hockey Tennis Chess Cross Country

Culture

Choir Eisteddfod Debate Art club School concert Conquesta Olympiad Outreach Programme
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Aftercare

Our afternoon programme runs Monday to Friday until 18:00, with homework supervision, computer class, arts and culture, structured physical activities and lunch included in the fees.

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The journey ahead

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