GRADE 5

Grade 5 is the second year of the senior primary phase. Here boys have the opportunity to consolidate the foundation already laid down in previous grades. Boys are now expected to be more responsible and organised with regards their academic, sporting, as well as the cultural programme.

This is the first year that the boys are streamed according to their Mathematical and English language abilities. Top achievers are placed in an A-stream class with the remaining learners being divided into two equal mixed-ability classes. This helps to extend the boys who work quickly and grasp new concepts easily. In the mixed-ability classes, areas of difficulties are identified and the pace of teaching adjusted accordingly. Further assistance is given separately to smaller groups of boys requiring remedial instruction by the learning support department. All learners complete the same curriculum and tests are standardised.

Boys enjoy an overnight excursion to Tala game Reserve, with the primary focus being team-building and bonding. Boys learn about the wildlife in the area and enjoy a night game drive.

Various outside presenters deliver talks of relevance during the year. The responsible use of social media and dealing with bullies are some of the important issues discussed.

Boys explore ancient civilizations, culminating in a day of competing in ancient games and fashioning their own sarcophagus and mummy from clay.

GRADE 6

Grade 6 sees the boys entering the senior part of the school and is a definite gear up from the previous grades. As such, the boys are expected to set the tone for the younger boys, displaying good leadership and mentorship.

Grade 6 is the first year that the boys write formal exams, these being at half – year and at the end of the year. Their academic records are of vital importance this year, as they are used in applying for high schools of their choice.

GRADE 7

In the Information to New Parents booklet, the headmaster states that, ‘Durban Prep is a Life Experience. There is always a buzz – things happening because the school has so much to offer.’ We are a busy school and Grade 7 is the year where our school motto comes to the fore, ‘From small beginnings, better fortune follows.’ Grade 7 is the pinnacle of your son’s primary schooling years. He must make the most of it.

In Grade 7 we aim to:

• Develop a positive self-image amongst the boys. It is very important for each boy to be informed and to be proud of himself and his school.
• Develop the leadership potential in each pupil. We develop role models for the rest of the school to follow through our Prep Pal leadership programme, House, Sport, Cultural and School captaincy and our leadership programme.
• Create a network of friends and bonds.

This is achieved through the Prep Pal programme; grade and class activities including the very poular Grade 7 Market Day; grade excursions and through our ‘Blokes’ days. In short we aim to make each boy’s Grade 7 year his most memorable and enjoyable year at school.

SENIOR PRIMARY STAFF

The move into Senior Primary is a significant one as we introduce a range of specialist subjects and begin to prepare the boys for high school. Our skilled and experienced class and specialist teachers guide and support our boys through their last years of primary school. Below is a list of our grade teachers

Deputy Head / Senior Primary Phase Leader
Ross Bedford