Foundation Phase (Grade 00 to Grade 3)
Five hundred years ago, St Ignatius espoused the philosophy that the first seven years of a child's life was the most imperative to it's later spiritual and emotional well being. The Foundation Phase at Penryn recognises this and consequently the importance in creating the correct environment in which this development can take place maximally. The foundations for any successful schooling starts in this Phase.
Academics
A great deal of effort and time has been put into the development of a most up to date syllabus, based on the National Curriculum, for our young scholars. Physical, motor and perceptual development are all prerequisites for scholastic learning and the Foundation Phase has fully adopted the English system of THRASS (Teaching Handwriting Reading and Spelling Skills) where a multi-literacy and multi-sensory approach to teaching and learning is used. This incorporates rhythm, rhyme, movement and lots of fun in a structured learning environment. It is the fun time of experiential learning where many social, motor, perceptual and intellectual skills, which are essential to later success at school, are developed.
Team teaching is used in all the classes where scholars needing extra attention benefit from our experienced and well-trained Remedial teachers.
The cultural activities of the Foundation Phase curriculum include art, dance, movement and music.
All classes are taken on Educational trips each term with the Grade 3 classes spending a night away at the Kruger National Park.
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Teaching with THRASS
(Teaching Handwriting Reading And Spelling Skills)
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Grade 3's enjoying their
Kruger Park trip
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Spiritual
Penryn is a Christian with strong links to the Methodist Church and as such places much importance on worship and Christian values. All classes have Religious Instruction as a compulsory subject on the curriculum. The school chaplain who is a Methodist minister regularly takes chapel services for the Foundation Phase.
Support Services
There is a strong system of support for any scholar struggling academically, with Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy available at school during the mornings. We have a fully trained Remedial Therapist and three other fully trained remedial teachers on the staff. Small groups allow individual attention to be given to the scholars with any sort of learning barrier.
The Foundation Phase at Penryn is a very happy part of the school and allows the scholars to grow fully in confidence and ability enabling them to move very easily into the Primary Phase at the end of Grade Three.
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Learners enjoying art
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Story-time at Teddy Bear's Picnic
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