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Junior Primary & ECD

A nurturing start that develops strong academic, social, emotional and physical foundations.

Overview

Strong Foundations for a Lifelong Journey

The earliest years of school shape how a child feels about learning. In Junior Primary and ECD we focus on confidence, curiosity and steady learning habits, in classrooms where children are known, encouraged and gently challenged.

Teachers work closely with families so that each child settles well, makes friends and builds the foundations for the years ahead.

Our Philosophy

Our Junior Primary Philosophy

Education is much like building a house. A strong foundation creates the basis for future success — everything built afterwards depends on the care taken at the start.

That is how we approach the early years: careful attention to reading, number, language, movement and social skills, so that later learning has something solid to rest on.

“If it is important to the child, it is important to us.”

Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Development

ECD at ISSA currently caters for Grade 00 to Grade R, preparing children for a confident start to Grade 1.

Skills and development

  • Life skills
  • Social interaction
  • Gross motor development
  • Fine motor development

Readiness

  • Emotional readiness
  • Social readiness
  • Physical readiness
  • Academic readiness

Settling in

  • Familiarity with the school
  • Routines and independence
  • Transition into Grade 1

Learning

Learning in Junior Primary

Three connected strands underpin daily learning in the Junior Primary classroom.

Literacy

  • Phonics and spelling
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Grammar

Numeracy

  • Number
  • Measurement
  • Time
  • Money
  • Shape
  • Data handling
  • Practical problem-solving

Life Skills

  • Inquiry
  • Investigation
  • Understanding the world
  • Communication
  • Practical projects

Sport

Sport in the Early Years

Junior Primary sport builds coordination, teamwork and enjoyment of movement.

Hockey
Netball
Soccer
Swimming

Culture

Culture and Co-curricular Programmes

Creative and active programmes that complement classroom learning.

Dance

Offered as part of the Junior Primary co-curricular programme.

Art

Offered as part of the Junior Primary co-curricular programme.

Fun Fitness

Offered as part of the Junior Primary co-curricular programme.

Learner Support

Learner Support

Busy Bee Club

  • Fine motor development
  • Social skills
  • Emotional regulation

Busy Bee Reading Club

  • Additional reading practice
  • Teacher guidance
  • Fluency
  • Reading confidence

Our Team

Meet Our Junior Primary Teachers

Meet the educators who guide and support learners throughout their Junior Primary journey.

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Events

Annual Events and Parent Involvement

Annual and recent events that bring learners, teachers and families together.

Valentine’s Day Cake Sale
Innovation Day
Letterland Day
Mini Olympics
Hot Chocolate and PJ Day
Slipper Day
Spelling Bee
Mother’s Day Picnic
Father’s Day Challenge
Easter Egg Hunt
Dates for each event are confirmed by the school each year and published under Events.

Start the Journey

Speak to us about Junior Primary and ECD places, daily routines and how we help new children settle.