.jpg)
The Foundation Phase (Grade 0 - 3)...
…where the process of learning is as important as the content taught,
concentrating on Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills.
Mrs Barbara Heymann - Deputy Head, Foundation Phase
Literacy
Grades 1, 2 and 3 mainly use the Ginn, New Way and Oxford Reading Tree as home and group readers. Our ‘Reading Mothers’ programme is most successful in helping the girls to increase their oral reading time. On average, the Foundation Phase children read about 148 home readers a year.
The teachers endeavour to:
- make reading a real experience that flows from page to people, from school to home and back again
- expose the girls to many different types of reading styles and uses for reading
- allow pupils to interact with peers and experience the content of books in many different ways
- teach reading methodology (punctuation, fluency, expression, comprehension, vocabulary) in an interesting and meaningful way
Our rich, real and relevant themes intertwine reading, listening, speaking and written work and include all three modalities, namely, visual, auditory and kinaesthetic.
Numeracy
The Singapore Mathematics programme is used throughout the Foundation Phase.
-
It is a comprehensive programme that caters for the needs of all learners. - It has been created by skilled educators and is based on sound pedagogical principals.
- This programme involves the use of the ‘concrete abstract’ model in presenting mathematical concepts and skills as well as in solving mathematical problems.
- The focus is on the use of activities so that the girls actively reflect and reconstruct what they have learnt, making Mathematics realistic and purposeful.
- As an extension programme we have introduced Mathletics. This is a computer-generated programme that extends the girls in an enjoyable but highly beneficial way.
Life Skills
Life Skills is integrated within and across all the other learning areas. Values and attitudes are included. Outings and visits reinforce Life Skills activities.
-
Natural Sciences - Social Sciences (history and geography)
- Arts
- Culture (music and dance)
- Life Orientation (physical activities)
Special events specific to the Foundation Phase
- Spotlight Assembly where every girl is seen as an individual and recognized for her special talents
-
Eisteddfod - Grade 0 Sundowner Picnic
- Grandparents’ Tea
- Mothers’ Blessing Service
- Fathers’ Chapel Service
- Dads’ and Daughters’ Braai
- Moms and Daughters ‘Fashion Show’
- Ballet concerts
- Drumming workshops
-
Participation in the St John’s Choir Festival - Brownies and Teddies
- Informal music concerts
- Nativity play
Homework
Homework is introduced in Grade 0, but formal daily homework commences in Grade One. This consists of reading, spelling and/or numeracy. Homework is written in the homework diary which also serves as a form of communication between teacher and parent. The girls are expected to complete and have their homework signed daily.
Assessment and reports
The girls’ progress throughout the year is not formally assessed. It is monitored through continuous assessment. Reports are issued at the end of every term. Our reports are skills based and reflect each pupil’s attitude to work and values evident through her behaviour.
Projects and performance tasks
The girls are encouraged to do independent research work, but the planning and carrying out of project work is done at school.
A number of projects are done in groups and, although some pupils prefer to work alone, group work is an essential skill needed today.
Spiritual
St Andrew’s spiritual life is based on Christian principals. The Foundation Phase girls attend one chapel service a week and at least one formal service a term.
To see some of the exciting activities and content covered in each section in the Foundation Phase, please click on the specific grade below.
