WPPS
Junior Prep

All About Junior Prep

The Junior Prep is a nurturing and vibrant part of WPPS, where formal learning begins within an environment that remains playful, engaging, and supportive. Our teaching philosophy encourages boys to explore, create, interact, and discover in a positive and stimulating setting.

Each Junior Prep class benefits from the invaluable support of a student teacher from our Future Teachers Academy, ensuring that every boy receives individual attention and guidance.

We continue to believe deeply in the importance of play. It is an integral part of the Junior Prep programme, as it is through play that boys learn not only social skills such as cooperation, sharing, and empathy, but also important life and learning skills including problem-solving, creativity, resilience, critical thinking, and communication. Play happens both in the classroom and outdoors, giving boys a balance of structure and freedom to learn in meaningful ways.

Although formal learning takes root in the Junior Prep, our heart is always to create learning opportunities that are fun, engaging, and inspiring. We want our boys to love coming to school, to love learning, and to grow into confident, curious, and enthusiastic learners.

A Message from the Head of Junior Prep

The importance of play is an integral part of the Junior Prep programme as this is a significant means by which boys learn their social skills. This takes place in the classroom as well as outside. The children start to formalise their play activities by initiating rules. When the boys are playing they are supervised by the teaching staff at all times. Boys are encouraged to seek assistance when needed.

- Laurelle Fry

Junior Prep Curriculum

Strong foundations for successful learning are laid in the Junior Prep years. Our goal is to equip boys with the ability to read with understanding, write effectively, think critically and creatively, problem-solve, and communicate with confidence. Learning in the Junior Prep is theme-based and integrated, ensuring that boys explore real, relevant, and engaging topics. The core curriculum subjects include Literacy, Mathematics, and Life Skills, with a strong emphasis on fostering a love for learning. Differentiated group teaching in Literacy and Mathematics ensures that each boy is met at his individual developmental stage. This personalised approach builds confidence, addresses learning needs, and provides extension where appropriate, allowing every child to thrive. While academics are important, we are equally committed to developing the whole child. We focus on building fundamental skills, both cognitive and emotional, to prepare boys to become well-rounded, confident, and capable individuals. Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programme develops each boy’s essential life skills, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The curriculum is further enriched by specialist teachers who inspire and extend learning.

Dedicated lessons in:

  • isiXhosa
  • Afrikaans
  • Music
  • Library
  • Drama
  • Physical Education
  • Art
We believe boys learn best when they are engaged, curious, and actively experiencing the world around them. In the Junior Prep, learning is dynamic, meaningful, and designed to instil a lifelong love of discovery.

Extracurricular

At WPPS, sport and cultural activities form an integral part of the all-round education of our Junior Prep boys. Our goal is to nurture a love of activity, develop foundational skills, and instil values such as teamwork, resilience, and good sportsmanship. The programme is carefully designed to ensure that every boy has the opportunity to explore, enjoy, and excel in a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.

In Grades 1 and 2, boys have two afternoons of compulsory sport integrated into their school day. During summer, they alternate between cricket and swimming, while in winter, they play hockey and rugby. These activities build on the core movement and coordination skills developed in Pre-Prep.

In Grade 3, the boys begin participating in matches against other schools across various disciplines. By this stage, they have developed a strong foundation of skills, confidence, and game understanding, and are ready to embrace friendly competition.

Alongside sport, we offer a tailored variety of creative and cultural extra-mural activities designed to provide a well-rounded experience. These programmes complement the academic and sporting curriculum, fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence.