The “Inky” – Grade RRR to Grade R – is our special term used for boys in the Andrew Rattray Pre-Primary. There are about 80 boys in the Inky, with approximately 18-22 boys per class.
One of our objectives throughout the school is for children to learn respect: respect for themselves, their peers, the environment, and for God. This all begins in our happy, fun-filled Andrew Rattray Pre-Primary.
Meet the Inky Teachers
Derryn Odell is the HOD of the Foundation Phase. She is joined by seven other passionate and dedicated pre-primary teachers: Debbie Holmes, Caitlin Hull, Bonnie Kyle, Carol Ndlovu, Lee-Ann Holdsworth, Senzekile Mashini and Kathryn Purchase.
Space to Learn
Through Play
The Pre-Primary building is designed with busy little boys in mind. The indoor areas are spacious, and the creative area allows boys to experiment with different creative techniques, using their imaginations, vibrant colours and sensopathic experiences to stimulate learning. Boys bake twice a term; they delight in measuring and stirring to produce ‘yummy goodies’ to eat.
Our extensive garden area provides the boys with space to run freely, play soccer and cricket, enjoy mini putt-putt and use the bike track. They can develop their balancing and gross motor skills on the exciting jungle gym. The sandpit area allows boys to play outside, even on rainy days. Our new forest area, which is an extension of our playground, has proven to be our most popular play space. Boys spend their time there climbing trees, exploring, digging for treasures and building forts.
Play-based Learning is Paramount
We believe that boys need to learn through play. The opportunities and activities provided by our well-qualified and experienced staff encourage boys to discover, experiment and explore the world around them.
We use the Key to Learning programme, which bases its principles on the works of Vygotsky and enhances our belief in protecting childhood. All activities are practical and play-based, using discussions and interactions with peers and teachers as well as practical objects as the learning tools.
‘No-Toy Fridays’ are our favourite day of the week. Boys are encouraged to develop and invent games of their own without toys. It is always wonderful to watch as the boys’ imaginations come alive and play is enhanced by what they find in the natural environment.
To learn exactly how we develop Boys of Courage and Character, visit us at Cordies.
Highlights of an Inky Boy’s Week
- The boys are exposed to a wide variety of ‘rings’ by their teachers.
- Grade R boys have environmental lessons in our outdoor forest classroom every second week.
- All the Grade RR and Grade R boys enjoy the expertise of a specialist music teacher, dance and drama lessons, and guidance lessons from our Headmaster.
- All boys attend psychomotor lessons on a weekly basis facilitated by qualified staff. This is a programme which develops the boy’s social interactions as well as their wellbeing and is a favourite weekly activity.
- Sports Stars, a ball skills programme, and swimming happen in the appropriate terms.
- Puppet shows and staff dramas are put on for the boys by the staff twice a term and are thoroughly enjoyed by the boys.
- Our visit to the Cordwalles Chapel every Thursday is a highlight for the Gr R boys as they learn not only the relevant teachings of the Christian faith, but also the history of the Chapel.
- Boys are taken on many rewarding outings to exciting destinations, such as the Botanical Gardens, the SPCA, the Fire Station, the Museum, the Pet Shop, the Nest Retirement Home and many more.
- The boys are encouraged to do their bit for the wider community and we support different social responsibility projects each term.
- We also invite visitors to our school to enhance learning during our various themes.
Aftercare
The Andrew Rattray Pre-Primary is also the home of Aftercare (for Grade RRR – Grade 3 boys only), where the boys are able to relax, play, do crafts and bake with a qualified teacher and her assistants. Homework is done so that busy parents only need to listen to their boy read and check the homework book for what is in store for the next day.
The opportunities and activities provided by our experienced staff encourage boys to discover, experiment and explore the world around them.