Academic Approach – Foundation

Recent News

The Class of 2025 outperformed, inspired and redefined excellence! A letter from Head of School, Heather Goedeke

“What a privilege it is once again to write to our Herschel community at this significant moment inthe school year....

Celebrating the Power of Young Women in Sport! 🌟

Our 1st team water polo players have made us proud once again by clinching the title at the Brian Baker...

Academic Approach – Foundation

From Grade 1 to Grade 3, our girls are introduced to a three-year integrated learning programme where they are provided with a strong academic foundation in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

We have adapted the  Independent Examinations Board (IEB) curriculum to expose our girls to the concepts, skills, attitudes and values outlined in the curriculum. Girls are taught both Afrikaans and isiXhosa as a second and third language respectively.

Our Foundation Phase teachers create a warm and nurturing classroom environment to ensure all girls thrive and grow in confidence whilst being taught in small ability groups where they are extended and supported each step.

Children want the same things we want – to laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted.

Dr Seuss

It is within this micro-teaching setting that we are able to develop much-needed critical thinking skills. Heart Matters is a programme which helps our girls identify, understand and regulate their emotions – a vital skill necessary for lifelong success.

Many opportunities are given to girls to be challenged and enriched with the introduction of IT skills, Technology, an extensive Arts and Culture Programme as well as Life Orientation.
We are continuously adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of our girls and our rapidly changing world, and are committed to the continual pursuit of excellence.

Our Educational Programme consists of:

  • English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa
  • Mathematics
  • Life Orientation
  • Divinity
  • Arts & Culture
  • IT Skills
  • Thinking Skills
  • Physical Education
  • Heart Matters
  • Design and Technology (Grade 3 only)

Children must be taught HOW to think, not WHAT to think.

Margaret Mead

School Song

We are assembled here in love,
We are united, we care for one another.
The greatest lesson of all is the one
That teaches us to live together, together.

Refrain:
Everyone’s a spark and in the night
Together we make a light, a fire burning bright
Ad Dei Gloriam; Inkosi mayibongwe:
To the glory of our God: this is what we believe.

In times of trouble we support
Our fellows; we are taught to be there for our friends.
And all around us, there will be
That special unity, that binds us all together.

If we come back after many years,
We will think fondly of the things that we remember,
And the friends that we made then,
These will be friends forever, forever.

By Thandi Siebert, Head Girl 1993