The Junior Primary builds on the initial foundation laid by the Pre-Primary and provides the necessary bridge to the Senior Phase of Cordwalles. It is a happy, exciting place; a perfect boy-centred environment for a boy to forge his “Foundation for Life”.
We focus on growing boys’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills. We help them develop a positive self-esteem and explore creative ideas through relevant activities to create an ideal learning environment for young boys.
Teachers Who Understand Boys
The Junior Primary is headed by Derryn Odell and a capable, experienced and committed team of teachers: Wendy Fryer Dudley and Derryn Odell in Grade 1, Kristy Burt and Dorrianne Julius in Grade 2, and Kim Nero and Hayley Tweedale in Grade 3.
Our teachers provide a caring and nurturing environment for their young charges. Boys are extended, developed and given a sound academic, social and emotional foundation before moving into the Senior Primary phase of the school. We encourage our boys to harness their individuality to become the best they can be.
Space to Learn Through Movement
The Centenary Junior Primary building is home to six classrooms situated around a beautiful central grass quad. The classrooms are big, modern, light and airy; the perfect setting for learning. The dedicated Reading Room is also well-used. Every Junior Primary classroom is equipped with computers, an interactive Smartboard and iPad access. This technology is an integral part of many lessons, especially for group work.
Outside, our sandpit and exciting jungle gym are also popular with the boys at break time. Other points of interest are the vegetable and plant boxes in the quad. Tables and umbrellas provide outdoor learning spaces for small groups.
The Curriculum
Boys in the Junior Primary begin to work cooperatively with their peers and develop their language skills as they communicate their ideas and learn tolerance and acceptance in group situations. Additional languages, isiZulu and Afrikaans, are introduced from Grade 1.
Cordwalles has adopted the NumberSense programme as the core approach to teaching Numeracy. All Junior Primary classes make use of the Matific programme for homework to support the concepts which are covered in the classroom.
Each class attends weekly hour-long IT lessons led by our specialist IT teacher. During these lessons, the boys learn the fundamentals of working with specific programmes and hone the most necessary skills, all in relation to their classroom themes and skills checklist.
Creating Magic Moments
Boys learn best when they are actively, physically involved. The Environmental Classroom in the Cordwalles forest is just the place! Each week, one of the Junior Primary grades goes down into the forest with Sam Hubble, a passionate, knowledgeable advocator of outdoor education. During these lessons, as well as on ‘whole grade, whole day’ days, the boys learn outdoor skills and all about the environment and the fauna and flora of the area.
Boys go on regular outings and excursions, where they benefit from new experiences and being gently pushed ‘out of their comfort zones’ to build their confidence in a way suited to their age and stage.
These ‘Magic Moments’ make school a memorable and exciting place, where friendships are shared, and boys’ strengths and passions are identified and enhanced.
To learn how we develop Boys of Courage and Character, visit us at Cordies.
Junior Primary Sport
We offer a variety of sports here at Cordies, such as rugby, cricket, hockey, soccer and swimming. We are fortunate to have world-class sporting facilities and dedicated coaches who have a keen interest in improving the abilities of each and every boy.
Grade 1 and 2 boys have sports practice two days a week. The emphasis is on enjoyment, participation and good sportsmanship. Our Grade 3 boys take part in a fuller sports programme with longer sports practices and the opportunity to enjoy the challenge of matches against opponents from other schools.
Culture in Cordies JP
The Grade 3 boys put on an annual production with the help of our drama specialist and teachers. This is always a highlight of their Junior Primary years and something they look forward to with excitement and anticipation. Great fun is had by all, with colourful costumes and much music and singing being the order of the occasion!
Specialist teachers offer art, drama, music, ukulele, guitar and violin lessons. These lessons expose our boys to a wide range of cultural pursuits, allowing them to identify their skills, interests and passions early on and develop their areas of personal excellence.
Enriching Experiences
At Cordwalles, we are intent on providing a balanced, dynamic curriculum.
Our boys attend assemblies and a chapel service each week, where we emphasise Christian values and sound morals. Every class participates in a specific Outreach project of their choice, and the whole school is involved in numerous ongoing Outreach activities.
Family Fun
Once a year, the Junior Primary boys share a very special time with their Mums and Dads during either a “Mums and Sons” or a “Dads and Lads” event. Through a variety of activities on the campus, parents and their sons get the chance to benefit from vital one-on-one bonding together.
Grandparents’ Day is one of the happiest days in the calendar. It means so much to our boys to host their grandparents for a morning of entertainment and to show off their school and their world!