An Exceptional Preparatory Education in Cape Town

At our Durbanville Preparatory School we believe in the importance of recognising each child as a unique individual and we provide an outstanding primary education in Cape Town to children from Grades 1 to 6. We are proud of the exceptionally high standards we maintain, whether in academics, cultural pursuits, or the wide variety of sports on offer.

Guided by professionals, our students participate in an astounding number of different activities - encouraged and supported by our committed team of educators and parents. As a school family we seek to learn from each other, celebrating our diversity as our strength.  We provide our students with the grounding and security they need to build confidence and self belief, while also encouraging them to dream beyond the confines of conventional expectations.

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Why Choose our Preparatory School in Durbanville, Cape Town?

We take a personalised approach to learning at our Preparatory School in Durbanville, tailoring the curriculum to meet the needs of our young and dynamic student body. We support and encourage our students to try new and challenging pursuits, seizing the many and varied opportunities that school life affords them. 

At our private Preparatory School our expert team of teaching staff are a dedicated and hardworking group of professionals, passionate about enabling the children they teach to reach their full potential, preparing students for the next stage of their academic journey and ensuring that they achieve success.

Our historic Chesterhouse campus near Cape Town boasts a wealth of well-resourced classrooms designed to foster engagement. Located in beautiful grounds with plenty of space to explore, students also benefit from access to the spectacular new state-of-the-art Clara Anna Fontein campus next door.

We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities designed to complement the core curriculum and develop our young students' personal and interpersonal skills. Children are encouraged to join regular group sports sessions, as well as to play in competitive teams, but our primary aim is for them to participate and experience a variety of sports.

Preparatory School Curriculum

At our Preparatory School in Durbanville, students study the Cambridge Primary Curriculum. Incorporating the very best of the English and South African educational systems, this internationally recognised course of study is a challenging, relevant, and engaging programme of primary education.

At the Junior Preparatory stage, the emphasis  is on the core subjects of  English, Mathematics, Science and our Global Perspectives course, which incorporates the development of Social Sciences. Music, Drama, Art, IT,  The Inspired Wellbeing programme, Physical Education, Bible Studies and Morals are taught from Grade 1, in addition to a wide range of extracurricular activities and games.

In our Senior Preparatory phase, the Cambridge International Primary curriculum continues to Grade 6, changing to the Cambridge International Lower Secondary from Grade 7. This curriculum phase is taught up to Grade 9. The Lower Secondary curriculum is the best preparation for high school academics, whether students decide to continue with the  Cambridge International curriculum or change courses to follow the IEB.

In our Senior Preparatory phase, the curriculum continues in the same subjects and disciplines. Afrikaans and French are the two second languages offered at the school and tuition in these begins in Grade 3 and Grade 5 respectively. The key emphasis remains on English, Mathematics and Science.

In Grade 5, children in our primary school begin with weekly Cycle Tests, which prepare them for the examinations that are written in Grade 5 and which continue on in College.

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Entrance Requirements

Students wishing to join our school in Durbanville are required to complete a Cognitive Abilities Test. This provides a comprehensive profile of a student's strengths and potential to assist with their best educational placement.

Durbanville Prep Schools to learn English

Languages at Preparatory Stage

As an English medium school, all lessons are taught in English. Second languages include Afrikaans, and French. Structured lessons in Afrikaans begin in Grade 3, while French is offered from Grade 5. All children start to explore the Afrikaans language from Grade 1.

Durbanville Primary School Campus

Facilities at our Durbanville Preparatory School

Children from Stage 1 to Grade 4 are taught in our Chesterhouse campus, a warm, welcoming environment with a modern twist.  Our main school building centres around the school hall, a large multipurpose interior space that hosts a variety of activities from school wide assemblies to parent presentations and indoor sport. 

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Our Preparatory School Teachers

The teachers at our Preparatory School in Durbanville can be characterised by their commitment to high standards, ensuring that each lesson is meticulously planned, innovative and engaging, inspiring students to achieve their full potential. Our teachers demonstrate empathy, and recognise and value the unique backgrounds, strengths, and challenges of each young learner. We offer personalised support and encouragement that cultivates a sense of belonging and motivation - a key foundation of our educational approach which ensures a solid platform for our students as they enter their high school years and beyond. 

Extracurricular Activities for Preparatory Students

We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, designed to enhance our core curriculum and support students to develop into well-rounded individuals. Throughout the year, sports are a key part of life at our school and students have the opportunity to practice together, as well as the chance to play in competitive teams. Although we encourage and coach students to reach their full potential, our primary aim is for them to enjoy and participate in a wide variety of sports, developing teamwork and leadership skills that will serve them well in life beyond school. Activities include soccer, rugby, cricket, hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, cross-country, karate, golf, and mountain biking. 

Sports Students at Primary Schools of Durbanville

Preparatory School Sports Programme

Our Preparatory School Sports Programme boasts a diverse selection of team and individual sports, thoughtfully tailored to cater to the varied interests of our young learners. Supported by exceptional facilities at both our prep school and college campuses, we provide an enriching and comprehensive sports curriculum for our students. 

With a focus on nurturing a spirit of healthy competition and sportsmanship, our teams actively participate in various local leagues, ensuring that our students have the opportunity to engage in weekly matches, honing their skills and fostering a sense of teamwork. In addition to local engagements, our sports programme also offers preparatory students the chance to take part in local sports tours, enabling them to gain exposure to a broader sporting landscape and to forge connections with peers. 

Sports currently on offer include: 

  • Swimming 
  • Cricket 
  • Softball 
  • Tennis 
  • Hockey 
  • Netball 
  • Soccer 
  • Rugby 
  • Water Polo 
  • Chess 
  • Mountain Biking 
  • Cross Country
Learn Musical Instrument at Preparatory School near me in Durbanville

Performing and Expressive Arts

Our Performing and Expressive Arts Department is a busy and vibrant community, providing an opportunity for students to develop confidence and nurture their artistic and creative talents. We offer individual tuition in recorder, flute, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, keyboard, piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, drums and voice. We have two choirs and a Marimba Band. Children can also join the Drama Club, and can choose to do Contemporary Dance as part of the school curriculum. The Reddam House Dance Academy offers Ballet, Hip Hop and Modern Dance to examination level as part of our extra-curricular programme. Preparatory students have the opportunity to showcase their talents through solo and ensemble concerts, dance showcases and drama performances throughout the year.

Students at our Preparatory School have the wonderful opportunity to engage in weekly music classes. These classes serve as an excellent foundation for building their musical skills and fostering a love of the arts. Whether it's learning to sing, play instruments, or understand the fundamentals of music theory, these classes lay the groundwork for a lifelong appreciation of music. 

In addition to regular music classes, preparatory students also have the option to take private instrument lessons. This allows them to explore their individual musical interests and talents, honing their skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. Private lessons provide a more personalised approach to music education, ensuring that students can progress at their own pace. 

One of the highlights of our Arts programme is that two of our termly concerts are held in the CAF auditorium on the High School side. These concerts offer students the opportunity to showcase their musical talents on a larger stage with exciting lighting and designs. Performing in front of a bigger audience enhances their self-confidence and stage presence, making each concert a memorable and enriching experience.

A unique tradition at our school is the Grade 1 students' participation in the valedictory service each year. They come together to send off the matric students with a heartfelt musical performance. This not only instils a sense of community and belonging but also gives them a goal to aspire to throughout their academic journey. It is a moment of celebration when they themselves eventually reach matric, marking a significant milestone in their educational path.

For students in Grade 1 to Grade 4, joining the JP choir is encouraged, providing them with an early introduction to the joys of choral singing. In Grade 4, students are presented with the opportunity to join the SP Choir, where they collaborate with Grade 5 and Grade 6 students. These choir experiences foster teamwork, cooperation, and a sense of camaraderie as they work towards harmonious performances. 

Another exciting musical opportunity at our Durbanville Preparatory School is the Senior Preparatory Marimba Band. Preparatory students in the senior primary years have the chance to join this vibrant ensemble, where they can explore the unique and rhythmic world of marimba music. The Senior Preparatory Marimba Band not only teaches students to play this traditional African instrument but also introduces them to a rich cultural heritage. Through rehearsals and performances, students not only develop musical skills but also a deep appreciation for the diversity and beauty of world music. Being part of the Senior Preparatory Marimba Band is a wonderful way for students to connect with the roots of African music while celebrating unity in diversity and experiencing the joy of playing music together.

Contact Us Today

Learn more about how we can how we can help your child to build the foundations for a fulfilling and successful future at our warm and welcoming Durbanville Preparatory School.

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