Academics
The school promotes a happy, participative environment where every child feels at home and is able to achieve success.
The academic day starts at 07h45 with a short chapel service or prayer assembly. The day is divided into nine 30 minute periods and ends at 14h00, Monday - Wednesday and 13h30 and 13h00 on Thursday and Friday respectively, with two breaks.
The key word in the academic programme is preparatory, where St Peter’s endeavours to prepare girls to fit successfully into their high schools and the world beyond.
English
Mathematics
Afrikaans
Natural Sciences
Zulu
Social Sciences
Information Technology
Economic Management Science ( Grade 5 - 6 )
Art and Technology
Music
Thinking Skills
Life Orientation/ Life Skills
Physical Education
Divinity
Drama
In all academic programmes, the girls are encouraged to become independent, critical thinkers and problem solvers. Focus is also placed on the development of effective communication skills, both written and oral.
Homework is assigned is assigned approximately as follows (Monday to Thursday)
Grade 4: 30 minutes a day
Grade 5: 35 minutes a day
Grade 6 : 40 minutes a day
There are supervised sessions conducted in the library in the afternoons until 16h00 to assist pupils with homework.
Class sizes:
There are approximately 26 girls per class. Classes are regularly divided into smaller groups for the key subjects of English and Mathematics to ensure optimal learning and improve the teacher/ pupil ratio
Assessment is carried out throughout the year and is done through a variety of formal and informal means.
Standardised tests are conducted on a regular basis and formal examinations are written at the end of the year by Grade 6 girls. Projects, oral assessments and practical work also form part of the assessment record.
Reports on each pupil’s progress are issued at the end of each term and parent consultations are held at the end of the first and second terms.
Parents are welcome to approach any of the teachers should they have concerns about their daughters or if they wish to discuss any matters. If a problem is not resolved please contact the Head of Academics or the Headmistress.
“Town and Around”
This game is played by Grade 6 girls.
It is a simulation of the “real world”, involving “professional” role play, planning, financial transactions, co-operative ventures, matters of civic interest, design model building, record keeping, management, the practical consideration of “green” issues and the development of a sense of social responsibility.
There are ample opportunities for leadership development, creativity and innovative expression.
Grade 4: Mrs J Breckle; Ms I Broberg
Grade 5: Mrs M Aspeling; Mrs C Linnell
Grade 6: Mrs R Baisch; Mrs P van Gass; Ms J Mtshweni
Maths: Mr A Blackhurst
Afrikaans: Mrs B Viljoen
Zulu: Mrs T Kizito
Library: Mrs J Hugo, Miss S Garner
Music: Mrs M Schmitt
Information Technology: Mrs L Pace
Physical Education: Mrs P Cound, Mrs C Eggett, Ms T Mashabela
Art and Technology: Mr N Jansen van Vuuren
Every child learns at their own pace and enrichment and academic support programmes are followed.
Enrichment exposes all girls to outside interests. Examples include visits from drama groups, guest speakers, demonstrations and excursions. Science weeks and library weeks are celebrated and Maths enrichment programmes are run.
In the Thinking Skills programme, girls are taught specific skills in a weekly lesson. The curriculum is based on the thinking of Edward de Bono, Toni Noble and Prof. Matthew Lipman, among others, and includes a wide range of strategies and tools to enable girls to engage in Higher Order Thinking.
Teachers work collaboratively within the classroom and pupils are divided into smaller groups so that every child has maximum exposure to the curriculum.
The IT department consists of a centre of 30 computers and a separate research area of 10 computers. Each computer runs on Windows XP professional and is linked to the internet and a printer. Every girl form Grade 4 - 6 receives 60 minutes of IT tuition per week. Focus is placed on the programmes of MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Research using the internet is doneunder supervision. The computer programmes: Mathletics and Readers are Leaders in English and Afrikaans, are available for the girls to use to develop their skills.
Cultural Programme
The girls follow a cultural programme during the academic day which includes art, technology, drama and music. Additional cultural activities are offered to the various grades as part of the extra-mural programme. These include a variety of clubs or hobbies and vary depending on the age of the girls. All girls are encouraged to participate in the drama productions for their age group.
Library
The library is a bright and comfortable room, with areas for reference, research and recreational reading. A television and video are available for viewing of educational material. A promethean board is used for interactive board lessons.
Beyond St Peter’s
St Peter’s maintains contact with a number of top independent schools in the UK and USA, including Collegiate School in Manhattan, Dulwich College Prep, Kings College, Prestfelde and others. Visits are encouraged for academic staff and the exchange of teaching material, curricula and tests is ongoing.
The programme was developed from a similar one at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, aimed at developing individuals, preparing them for leadership roles at school, at home and in the community.
Pupils are awarded points at four different levels: Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Keys.
Areas where points are earned include:
Academics: presentation of work, effort, attitude, work ethic
Sport/Extra Murals: participation, attitude, dress, conduct, effort, attendance
Presentation: personal appearance, attendance at functions, tidiness
Conduct: conduct in and out of classroom, values (honesty, respect, courtesy, self-discipline, responsibility, tolerance, initiative, loyalty)
Service: community projects, marketing, functions/events, leadership
Scholarships
Pupils are invited to write scholarship exams for all ISASA senior schools. Open, Closed and Exhibition schoarships for Academics, Music and Sport are awarded to St Peter's pupils annually