Academics

St George’s Preparatory is an independent Curro Select school in central Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), that provides high-quality education for learners from Grade R to Grade 7. Our dedicated teachers, well-rounded approach, small class sizes, enhanced curriculum and affordable school fees empower learners with 21st-century skills and knowledge to grow into high-performing, self-confident individuals. While we adopt the latest research in providing a well-rounded education, we balance innovation with well-established, effective teaching methods. Our school philosophy is based on Christian values (ethics and morals) and we believe in tackling life with kindness, integrity and strong family values.

We also have a nursery school, click here to view St George's Pre-Preparatory.

Junior Preparatory phase: Grade R to Grade 3 

We accommodate Grade R learners in our Pre-Preparatory school to give them more time to mature emotionally before joining older learners in the Junior Preparatory phase. However, as Grade R is governed by the Department of Basic Education, information on Grade R is provided here.  

With dedicated teachers and small class sizes, this phase starts by providing the emotional and intellectual foundation required to handle the formal learning that starts in Grade 1. We then gradually develop learners’ skills and knowledge in basic areas such as language (comprehension, speaking and listening), mathematics (counting and understanding numbers), and creative problem-solving in an environment in which they enjoy being. Learners are introduced to project-based learning and gain 21st-century skills through subjects such as computer skills, music, art, drama and isiXhosa as a conversational language. As part of our affordable school fees, they further benefit from a specialised Singapore Mathematics programme, which has a far more practical approach through discovery and the use of concrete apparatus. 

We provide school readiness for Grade R learners 

As Grade R learners are housed in our Pre-Preparatory building, we create several opportunities for them to grow comfortable among their future peers and environment. As part of our affordable school fees, learners are gradually introduced to the Junior Preparatory phase during the year and, during the fourth term, learners meet their teacher and even spend time in their new classroom without their current teacher. 

Here are some of the ways in which we prepare them: 

• Grade 1 learners and teachers bring over their workbooks to show what the work would entail. 
• Grade R learners visit their future classrooms on arranged dates and participate in light-hearted academic and play-based activities. 
• The phases attend one another’s assemblies and market days. 

In addition, our Grade R learners get speech, hearing and eye-screening tests, as well as a school-readiness assessment to ensure they are ready for Grade 1. 

Senior Preparatory phase: Grade 4 to Grade 7 

In these grades, learners are led into more abstract thought and independent work. Our small class sizes and dedicated teachers prepare them for high school by teaching them how to apply the 21st-century skills and concepts they have learned. As a Curro Select school, we also promote creativity and critical thinking by encouraging children to make their own choices within well-established boundaries.  

See which subjects we offer on our fact sheet (see Downloads). 

Exchange programme with the UK 

Learners in Grade 7 have the opportunity to spend two weeks at an independent school in the UK – chosen from those listed on Tes International School Awards – while we accommodate one of the host school’s learners. In addition, our exchange learners visit the schools and families of the learners their own parents have hosted. One of our teachers accompanies them during this time, for their safety. 

We provide learning support 

At St George’s Preparatory, we support children who face difficulties with their learning in the classroom. This can vary, from specific areas of difficulty such as reading, phonics and comprehension to ADD and ADHD, and language and reasoning challenges such as dyslexia (difficulty in reading, writing and spelling) and dyscalculia (math difficulties). 

Our aim is to focus on early intervention, so that each learner’s individual needs can be addressed and supported. As a Curro Select school, our on-site team consists of two learning-support therapists, an occupational therapist, speech therapist and paediatric physiotherapist. Furthermore, learners who need more assistance than can be provided during school hours are referred to our preferred educational psychologist. As part of our Christian values (ethics and morals), we take great care to ensure that learners feel loved and supported while receiving intervention at our learning-support department. 

St George’s Preparatory activities 

Sports and cultural activities  

As a Curro Select school, we believe that sports and cultural activities play an important role in promoting friendship, team-awareness and self-confidence, in addition to physical well-being. While healthy competition is encouraged, the enjoyment of the game is not compromised. These activities are generally included in our affordable school fees, unless otherwise indicated. Our extramural activities, which are offered by private tutors/coaches at an additional cost, include activities presented by specialised institutions such as St George’s Tennis Academy and Shannae Erens Ballet Studio.