AIM OF OUR PRE-PRIMARY PROGRAMME IS:

To provide the children with a nurturing and stimulating environment where, through differentiation, play, joyous exploration and movement the children progressively develop

  • a sense of self-worth and well-being.
  • a secure sense of belonging enabling them to work spontaneously, independently and confidently.
  • appropriate socialising skills enabling them to engage assertively yet respectfully and politely in a positive manner.
  • an awareness of right and wrong which has been internalised thus enabling them to make informed decisions about their behaviour.
  • physically with the emphasis on gross-motor, fine-motor and perceptual skills as the foundation for effective reading and writing.
  • sensory skills which will enable a greater awareness of self within the bigger world.
  • creative, inquiring minds which will enable them to think, reason and willingly explore, experiment and engage with new concepts.
  • free flowing language skills enabling the child to define, label, question, analyse, synthesise and compare experiences.

CURRICULUM

While the Mountain Cambridge Little School embraces the guidelines of the ISASA curriculum, we have opted to incorporate these guidelines as part of an emergent curriculum in order to ensure that we capture the imagination and curiosity of the children within our care. This type of approach ensures that the materials we present to the children cover the required skills, remain relevant, appeal to the child’s interest and can be adapted as required. This in turn ensures that the way we present information or ideas to the children remains dynamic, fresh and exciting and ensures their active participation.

The approach that is incorporated into the Pre-Primary is the Reggio Emilia approach. In the Reggio Emilia approach children are viewed as curious, competent, ambitious, creative and capable individuals who ultimately are in control of their own learning. They therefore require a nurturing, dynamic, enriched and supportive environment in which purposeful play takes place, and where the children are reconnected with nature and encouraged to explore and discover.

It is the educator’s role to nurture and guide the children, to listen to what they have to offer, include them in the decision making process and ultimately foster in the child, a love of nature and lifelong learning.

The educational cornerstones that our pre-school’s curriculum is based on are:

  1. Core development
  • Physical
  • Socio-emotional
  • Cognitive/Academic
  • Normative
  • Perceptual
  1. Miscellaneous
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Creative arts
  • Beginning knowledge

Grade 000 / Grade 00

Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education.  It values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential and this innate curiosity drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it.

Background
The Reggio Emilia Approach originated in the town (and surrounding areas) of Reggio Emilia in Italy because of the need to move towards progressive and cooperative early childhood education.

Fundamental Principles
– Children are capable of constructing their own learning
They are driven by their interests to understand and know more.  Children form an understanding of themselves and their place in the world through their interactions with others.  There is a strong focus on social collaboration, working in groups, where each child is an equal participant, having their thoughts and questions valued. The adult is not the giver of knowledge. Children search out the knowledge through their own investigations.

– Children are communicators
Communication is a process, a way of discovering things, asking questions, using language as play. Playing with sounds and rhythm and rhyme; delighting in the process of communicating. Children are encouraged to use language to investigate and explore, to reflect on their experiences. They are listened to with respect, believing that their questions and observations are an opportunity to learn and search together. It is a process, a continual process; a collaborative process rather than the child asking a question and the adult offering the answers. The search is undertaken together.

– The environment is the third teacher
The environment is recognised for its potential to inspire children. An environment filled with natural light, order and beauty. Every material is considered for its purpose, every corner is ever-evolving to encourage children to delve deeper and deeper into their interests. The space encourages collaboration, communication and exploration. The space respects children as capable by providing them with authentic materials & tools.

– The Teacher is a mentor and guide
Our role as teachers is to observe (our) children, listen to their questions and their stories, find what interests them and then provide them with opportunities to explore these interests further. Reggio Emilia takes a child-led project approach. The projects aren’t planned in advance, they emerge based on the child’s interests.

– An emphasis on documenting children’s thoughts 
There is an emphasis on carefully displaying and documenting children’s thoughts and progression of thinking; making their thoughts visible in many different ways: photographs, transcripts of children’s thoughts and explanations, visual representations (drawings, sculptures etc.) all designed to show the child’s learning process.

– The Hundred Languages of Children
The most well-known aspect of the Reggio Emilia Approach. The belief that children use many different ways to show their understanding and express their thoughts and creativity. A hundred different ways of thinking, of discovering, of learning. Through drawing and sculpting, through dance and movement, through painting and pretend play, through modeling and music, and that each one of these Hundred Languages must be valued and nurtured. They are all a part of the child, learning and play are not separated. The Reggio Emilia Approach emphasises hands-on discovery learning that allows the child to use all their senses and all their languages to learn.

OUR PRE-PRIMARY PROGRAMME OFFERS:

  • English & Mathematics
  • Co-curricular & Theme based learning
  • Learner-centred/creative teaching strategies
  • “Whole brain approach”
  • Manners4Minors
  • Playball

The children are encouraged to experiment with a wide selection of educational and creative equipment which includes indoor and outdoor experiences, the discovery of technology, books and freedom of fantasy play.

The curriculum is wide and varied, encompassing foundation skills in English, Mathematics and Life Orientation.

The curriculum includes:

English

In the Pre-Primary the emphasis is placed on the spoken language and the development of pre-reading and writing skills.  During discussions and other activities prominence is given to the development of fluency, pronunciation, sentence construction and the expansion of vocabulary and comprehension skills. Auditory and visual perceptual skills as well as fine-motor skills, the fundamental underlying skills for effective reading and writing, are developed daily by means of music, dramatisation, perceptual, creative and movement activities. Phonics is taught at an auditory level with the emphasis on beginning and ending sounds of words.

Mathematics

eracy programme covers all aspects of Mathematics with the emphasis on number concepts especially numbers 1 – 10, their quantities and numerical symbols. It also includes the concepts of space and shapes, patterns, measurement and data handling. Students are introduced to a variety of concepts through concrete “hands on” graded activities using the Numicon programme.

Beginning Knowledge

A “whole-brain” approach is used to teach Beginning Knowledge which includes Natural Science, Social Science, EMS, Arts and Culture. Beginning Knowledge is integrated throughout the curriculum and in the daily programme.

Arts & Culture

The art programme gives the children an opportunity to express themselves according to their own level of ability and to encourage creativity in drawing, painting and craft.

The cultural programme includes:

  • Visual Arts
  • Dance, singing and music movement
  • Puppet Shows
  • Drama: Assists in development of confidence, good speech, clarity of communication, imagination and free expression

Library

The Pre-Primary class room has its own dedicated “cave” area/ library area for the development of awareness of books and incidental reading. Story telling is of importance for language and pre-reading skill development.

The Pre-Primary has a number of cave/corner areas to support ‘learning through play’. These corners are varied from time to time and may include a ‘learning through play’: fantasy corner, block corner, kitchen corner, woodwork corner, library (books & puzzles), writing corner, make-up corner, car corner, shop corner a stage and a light table.

  1. Personal Development Programme/Life Orientation

The ‘Manners4Minors’curriculum for the Pre-Primary forms part of our junior Personal Development Programme. “Manners4Minors” is included in the weekly programme and is a programme designed specifically for 3 to 6 year olds, aimed at introducing them to the benefits of having good manners and displaying universally acceptable social skills.

Through interactive role play, props, puppets and interesting environments together with positive reinforcement, peer encouragement and a carefully designed curriculum, we aim to stimulate an interest in the manners that will extend beyond the school walls and will have an impact on every aspect of our children’s lives.

The curriculum includes lessons on bullying, party etiquette, road safety, telephone skills, table manners, bossiness, good sportsmanship, personal safety, the magic words, healthy eating, the importance of telling the truth, bedtime procedure, money skills, we cannot afford it, whining and nagging, divorce, the importance of grandparents, pet care, physical differences and introductory skills.  Lessons are accompanied with worksheets, poems and/or sing-a-long songs.

The challenge for many parents is to get their children to realise the benefits of such refined behaviour! This is where Manners4Minors can help. Manners4Minors have succeeded in producing a product that will enrich the lives of children who participate in the programme and, without doubt, change some children’s lives forever.

 

  1. Culture & Sport

The culture & sport curriculum forms an essential part of our school programme. We will present an end of the year concert with our Pre-Primary learners, to create a platform for all our students to enable them to express themselves in a creative way using different genres.

Sport:

  • Playball (cost inclusive): Playball classes are held once a week during school time. These classes provide assistance in gross and fine-motor coordination as well as general sports skills.
  1. Environment & community
  • The Pre-Primary is involved in the collecting items and decorating boxes for the Santa Shoebox Project.
  • Partners with the Mountain Cambridge School’s support of Skeerpoort Primary, Ennis Thabong Primary, Lesedi House, CANSA & Hartbeespoort Animal Welfare Society, Ten Rooms school, Santa Shoebox project.

GENERAL GUIDELINES PERTAINING TO THE PRE-PRIMARY

  • The Pre–Primary children are to be personally handed over to the educator in the mornings and fetched from the educator unless arrangements have been made to make use of the aftercare facilities or the bus drop off service.
  • The Educator must be informed if a child is to make use of the aftercare facilities or school transport system after the completion of the relevant documentation.
  • If a child is to go home with somebody other than their parent the educator must be informed as no child in the Pre-Primary will be handed over to an unidentified person.
  • The children are to wear old clothes to school as sand, water and other messy activities are included in the daily programme. It is advisable to pack in an extra set of clothes.
  • The children must be protected from the harmful effects of the sun by providing them with a hat and additional sunscreen. It is advisable to smear sunscreen on your child before school each morning.
  • The children must be provided with a healthy snack and additional water. Limit items containing refined sugars, high GIs, colourants and preservatives. Whole wheat bread, fresh fruit, raw vegetables, nuts, raisins, cheese or yoghurt are far healthier options. No sweets are allowed except on Mondays when the children are allowed to buy tuck. Please limit the spending money to R10.
  • A healty lunch consisting of an early snack and a plated meal can be ordered from The GAP as an alternative.
  • To avoid tears and frustration toys are not allowed at school and will be taken away until home time.
  • To prevent the spreading of diseases an ill child is not allowed at school. The children will be monitored during the day and if it is noticed that a child is ill he/she will be sent home to receive the necessary care.
  • We have a “no medication” policy and therefore if your child needs medication please administer it before and after school.

Each child’s birthday is celebrated by means of a special birthday ring on the child’s birthday. The birthday child can supply a cupcake per child in the Pre-Primary. No party packs are allowed.

 

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION: GRADE 000-00

  • The child must be fully toilet trained.
  • The child must turn three before the 31st of December in the year prior to entering the Pre-Primary.
  • Children must be able to feed themselves.
  • No baby bottles/dummies are allowed at school.

SCHOOL HOURS

PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL:

BUNNIES

MONDAY-FRIDAY 08:00 – 12:30

GIRAFFES

MONDAY-FRIDAY 08:00 – 13:00

Waiting class available until 14:00

Teachers’ Consultation hours: (when not involved in extra mural activities)

Monday – Thursday:         13:00 – 14:00

2020 MCS CALENDAR

Term 1

Start: Wednesday 15th January

Close: Thursday 9th April (11:00 closing time)

Half Term: Close Thursday 27th February

Return Tuesday 3rd March

Public Holidays:  Saturday 21st March (Human Rights Day)

Term 2

Start:  Wednesday 6th May

Close: Friday 31st July

Half Term: Close Friday 26th June

Return Monday 6th July

Public Holidays:  Monday 15th June (Closed)

Tuesday 16th June (Youth day)

Term 3

Start:  Tuesday 1st September

Close: Friday 4th December

Half Term: Close Thursday 15th October

Return Tuesday 20th October

Public Holiday:    Thursday 24th September (Heritage Day)

SCHOOL FEES 2020

LEVEL ANNUALLY

 

 TERMLY x 3

Jan/May/Sept

 MONTHLY x 10

Jan – Oct
Grade 000* R 31 070 R 10 355 R 3 185
Grade 00* R 41 645 R 13 880 R 4 270

*Gr 000 to Gr 1 tuition fees include Playball & Manners4Minors fees

 

The following discounts apply:                              

5% Sibling Discount for 2nd child and 10% Sibling Discount for 3rd child

7% Discount if Fees are paid annually in advance before 30th November

5% Discount if Fees are paid annually in advance before 31st January

 

 

LEVEL 7% Discount

Before 30th November

 5% Discount

Before 31st January
Gr 000 R 28 830 R 29 515
Gr 00 R 38 730 R 39 560

Additional costs:

Non-Refundable Acceptance Fee

Primary School                                       R 3,500.00 – Once off Per Registration

High School                                               R 5 000.00 – Once off Per Registration

Pre-Primary – Grade 7: Annual Registration Fee                           R 1 100

Pre-Primary – Grade 7: Classroom Resource Fee                           R 1 400

Grade R – Grade 7 – Computer Levy                                                     R     800

Subtotal:  R  3 300 

               

Please note:

School fees are compulsory and are payable strictly in advance. The following methods of payment are available:

  1. Annual tuition fees paid in full by the end of November for the following year: discounted by 7%
  2. Annual tuition fees paid in full on the 31st  January: discounted by 5%
  3. Monthly tuition fees: due and payable on the first of every month over a 10 month period (Jan – Oct).
  4. Termly tuition fees: due and payable on the first day of January, May and September.
  5. A full term’s notice, in writing, or the equivalent fee in lieu thereof is required prior to the withdrawal of a pupil.
  6. All tours, school excursions and theatre outings are payable when advised of the event.
  7. The above School Fees EXCLUDE Cambridge external exams, some text books, stationery packs and private extra-murals. (The Cambridge External Exam Fees are quoted in £’s and are payable on exam registration at the rate of exchange.)

BANK DETAILS

The Mountain Cottage School

Account Number: 1469021153

Bank: Nedbank Brits

Branch Code: 187646

NB! Proof of payment to: accounts@themcs.co.za

Reference on Payment: Oldest child in MCS’s  name and surname

CODE OF CONDUCT

As children of this age are only starting to internalize norms and values behaviour is regulated immediately by discussing the misdemeanour with the child and when deemed necessary by placing the child on “ time out ” for an appropriate length of time. If the behaviour of the child is of such a nature that it is deemed beyond the acceptable norm for this age group the parents will be notified and a plan of action implemented.

PRIVATE EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES (SUBJECT TO DEMAND)

We also provide some private extra mural activities which are paid by the parents directly to the provider:

Horse Worx (Equitherapy)

Ingrid Enthoven – 073 880 3845

Mini Golf

Jaco Liebenberg – 078 200 3493

Tiny Tutus Ballet

Liza Marie du Plessis – 071 871 9169

H2O swim school

Jayson Kurs – 082 494 6856

RSD (Rugby Skills & Development)

Philip van Coller – 082 404 9735

Little Lab Coats

René – 082 727 5123

Mechanics & Robotics

Tracey Grant – 081 791 3275

MonkeyNastix

Lizelle Bezuidenhout – 083 557 0607

Kiddi Boppers

Karen Mason – 083 653 4880

AFTERCARE

Smarties Aftercare, located next to the school, offers delicious cooked meals, supervised homework, playground activities and sports, in a home-from-home environment.

Natliegh 076 701 7072

Juniors 12h15 – 17h30

Seniors 13h30 – 17h30

 

Sherpa Kids, located on the school premises, offers various aftercare and holiday programme packages.

Liza Yssel 084 500 4485

MCS Baby and Toddler School

Megan Janse van Rensburg 076 903 4126

THE GAP – Student café

The Gap provides a variety of healthy food choices which are nourishing, well-presented and fresh. The delivery of such remains a priority for the School and forms part of our school’s ‘healthy body, healthy mind” philosophy. The Gap provides healthy, home-style meals daily for the students, in addition to the standard snacks and refreshments on offer.

 

Hours: 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Meal orders may be placed in advance and special dietary needs can be catered for.

Cecile Ehlers – 082 961 4809 / cehlers@gmail.com

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The school gates will be closed from 8:15 to 12:30 daily, with access gained by ringing the bell.

The school is under CCTV surveillance and security guards will be on duty.

TRANSPORT

MCS makes use of a number of private bus transport providers. This privatisation means that learners are being transported in larger, safer buses. These drivers provide a service in the local suburbs.

All bus users should be respectful to their drivers and obey the rules of the bus. As this is a private service to assist parents all bus fees must be paid monthly in advance directly to the bus drivers. Casual trips can also be arranged with the drivers. Every learner who uses this service must sign a bus indemnity form.

 

Daniel Molobi- 073 067 3318

Ango Mthimkule – 072 289 7011

Refilwe Modisane – 078 631 6507

Dominic Konaite – 071 304 9400

Eva Konaite – 072 590 0271

Celia – 084 646 1668

STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

MRS CAROLINA VAN HEERDEN Executive Head carolina@themcs.co.za

MR GRANT TAYLOR Finances gtaylor@themcs.co.za

MRS SANDY KUISIS Headmistress Pre-Primary skuisis@themcs.co.za

MRS CASSANDRA WHITE Reception / Enrolments 063 482 6822 reception@themcs.co.za

MS MARY-ANNE PINGO Reception 078 392 5857 admin@themcs.co.za

MRS CHANTAL VLOK Administration 078 933 6486 / chantal@themcs.co.za

MRS JASMINE GRAVETT Bursar 071 021 1725 accounts@themcs.co.za