Academics

Junior School – Traditional

Working within the Marist ethos encourages us to evaluate our values continually. We are always proud of our academic achievers, but we are as proud of all the children who reach their full potential. We are very excited when our teams win their matches, but what is also important is how we win those matches or how we deal with defeat.  Everyone is talented in some way and we feel it is important that children are assisted to nurture these talents and to share them with one another. We encourage children to participate fully in all that is available and to do everything to the best of their ability – be it a project, getting involved in the junior Marimba band, swimming in the gala or getting a dance routine right. Our aim is that this involvement, coupled with our comprehensive life skills programme, will result in the children being able to enjoy their school life to the fullest and assist them to face the future with confidence.

Foundation Phase

The Foundation Phase consists of Grades 1, 2 and 3. At SJMC Junior School we offer both Mainstream and Montessori education in this section of the school.  Although the weekly routine differs in Mainstream and Montessori, all children participate in:

  • Literacy – English as a home language, Afrikaans as first additional language and conversational Xhosa.
  • Numeracy
  • Life skills
  • Religion Education
  • Physical Education (which includes swimming)
  • Computers
  • Library
  • Art
  • Class music

Intermediate and Senior Phase

The Intermediate Phase consists of Grades 4, 5 and 6.
Grade 7 is part of the Senior Phase and children are prepared for the demands of the Senior School curriculum. Both Mainstream and Montessori education are offered in this section of the school. However, the children should have started Montessori education in Pre-Primary.

A typical week in the Intermediate and Senior Phase can  include:

  • Languages – English as a home language, Afrikaans as first additional language and conversational Xhosa.
  • In Grade 7, children choose either Afrikaans or Xhosa as their first additional language
  • Mathematics
  • Religious Education
  • Computer lessons
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Life Skills (which includes Physical Education)
  • Arts and Culture (which includes class music, dance, art and drama)
  • Technology (which includes computer lessons and media guidance).

The Learner Representative Council (LRC) meets twice a term to raise and discuss issues of concern to the Junior School learners. 

Education support

An Education Support Teacher and an Occupational Therapist are available on the campus.

An Education Support Team (EST) assists teachers who have children in their classes who are experiencing difficulties with their school work.

Aftercare / Homework Club

    • Aftercare is available for Grade 1 from 13:15 and for Grade 2 & 3 from 14:00 – 17:30, with formal homework supervision for Grades 1, 2 and 3.
    • Intermediate Phase Homework Club includes a structured programme from 15:30 to 17:30.

Music

  • Foundation Phase and Intermediate Phase Choir
  • Private tuition – piano, recorder, clarinet, guitar, violin, keyboard, drums etc.
  • Class Music lessons