Academics, sport & culture

Academics in the Junior Preparatory School

St Benedict’s Junior Preparatory School is a vibrant and stimulating environment which ensures that young boys between the ages of 4 and 9 are given the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge that will build a solid foundation for their learning path.

Boys begin this journey in Grade 00 where numeracy, literacy and socio-emotional skills are developed. Play and hands-on authentic experiences ensures that all boys are continually guided to reach their full potential.

Grade 1 is such an exciting year as boys experience the wonder and magic of learning to read. The Junior Prep phase ends in Grade 3 when they have gained all the skills necessary to learn to read.

Academic Programme

Academic programme

The academic programme is based on the National Curriculum (CAPS) and integrated with the ACTIVE curriculum.

The Niche Programme comes alive at the Junior Preparatory with activities like woodwork, rebound, nature club and many more, grabbing the attention of our boys.

Well Qualified Staff

Well-qualified staff

Our staff are well-qualified to meet the educational and emotional requirements of boys; and ongoing professional development ensures that our teachers are current and innovative.

St Benedict's College

Academic support

An academic support teacher, intern teachers and small group teaching sessions provide a platform to aid and assist all learners. Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy services are available on site.

Learning is centered on three main learning areas:

Literacy

Literacy focuses on learning vital communication skills in both the written and spoken form.

Numeracy

Numeracy equips boys with mathematical knowledge and skills necessary to identify and solve problems; and manipulate numbers in different ways.

Life skills

Life skills centres on the holistic development of the boys. It promotes social, emotional, physical and spiritual development. Technology, sport, music and art form part of this component.

The Niche Programme

Boys have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a special interest for a double period in a ten day cycle. The niche activities are facilitated by staff who have a passion in that particular area, and boys are free to choose from 20 niches in the College. These range from motor mechanics, to woodwork and Masterchef.

Sport in the Junior Preparatory School

Sport is an integral part of the boys’ holistic development as it fosters not only physical development and participation in games, but also character-building qualities such as sportsmanship, discipline, respect, perseverance, teamwork and commitment. We are proud of the high quality of our sporting facilities and coaching staff who are specialised in meeting the developmental needs of Junior Prep boys.

Participation and fun

The focus of the JP Sports Programme is on participation and fun while building developmental and sporting skills. The weekly PE classes are geared to develop fundamental motor skills and the technical skills required for specific sports, such as cricket, soccer, hockey, rugby, athletics and basketball. All boys participate in our swimming  programme in the heated pool.

Extra-mural sports

The extra-mural programme exposes boys to a variety of seasonal sports where they learn the skills, strategies and rules of the game and an understanding of sportsmanship and teamwork. Friendly fixtures are played against other schools where the focus is on participation and enjoyment. Teams are rotated so that all boys get an opportunity to play and no team selection takes place at this level.

Building house spirit

We place a high value on building house spirit and regular inter-house events are held to achieve this. The annual inter-house athletics day is always a highlight, with every boy participating in a variety of events to earn points for the coveted house trophy.

Culture in the Junior Preparatory School

Cultural activities are integrated into the daily school programme, as well as being offered as extra-mural activities. Concerts and cultural evenings are held to showcase the various talents of our boys and our choir of over fifty boys performs at various festivals and school functions.

Music and culture

Music and culture

All students attend music and culture classes where activities include singing, percussion, movement and drama, and theme related art activities.

Afternoon culture clubs

Afternoon culture clubs

All boys are encouraged to join the afternoon Culture Clubs where percussion, recorder, choir, chess, art, Brainiaks, computers, Adventure and Nature are on offer.

Private lessons

Private lessons

Karate, speech and drama are offered privately on the school premises. To nurture your son’s musical abilities a variety of music extra lessons are offered at Bennies.

Join the Bennies Family

Join the Bennies Family