Tree Tops extended into the Junior Primary phase in 2004 and now offers complete Foundation Phase education: Grade R to Grade 3.

Click here for a application form (an Adobe Acrobat PDF document). Or phone us on +27 31 201-7305 and we will fax one to you.

• A sense of community – ‘a village school in the city’
• Teachers who know about the development of young children and see Junior Primary Education as part of a continuum of early childhood development
• Small co-educational classes (maximum 20 pupils)
• A uniform made for work and play, designed largely in denim to be casual and functional
• A strong emphasis on delivering the core curriculum (Numeracy, Literacy and Life Skills) in the most interactive, child-friendly and stimulating way possible
• An extended day (through to 1.30 or 2.00pm) which encompasses an intramural sports programme aimed at developing individual potential while improving each child’s physical competences and sense of self
• Weekly Technology lessons and ‘workshops’ taught by a qualified technology teacher
• A natural garden setting, where buildings are of ‘home-like’ rather than institutional proportions
• A strong environmental ethos, with regular learning experiences in the ‘countryside’
• A relaxed caring atmosphere with an emphasis on personal rights and responsibilities

‘Learning Programme’ content is selected to form a relevant foundation for life-long learning, critical thinking, problem-solving and transference of skills, knowledge and experience.

The values and principles articulated in Tree Tops School’s Mission Statement are considered and incorporated eg respect for self, others and the environment, tolerance, a sense of community, knowledge and appreciation of the natural world.

Programmes are designed and developed that

• develop knowledge, skills, values and attitudes in a child-centred and interactive manner
• take cognisance of past and present research on child development
• ensure different types of learning styles and intelligences are catered for
• are based in a relevant context
• equip children to cope successfully with the next grade and with life itself

The educational programmes for Grade 1 to Grade 3 are based on the RNCS guidelines for the Foundation Phase, in terms of the Learning Outcomes and Assessment Standards required in the three main Learning Areas of Literacy, Numeracy and Life Orientation.

These programmes form the core curriculum although, at Tree Tops, certain learning experiences are developed well beyond the required Assessment Standards viz:

• Natural Science, with a particular emphasis on environmental issues
• Design and Technology
• Values Development
• Diversity and Tolerance

Modes of programme delivery at Tree Tops include –

• class work
• group work
• individual tasks
• vertical grouping
• project work
• workshops
• field trips
• visiting speakers
• audio/visual media ie OHP,DVD & video
• utilizing various media, such as written text, recorded text, relevant computer programmes
• drama, art, music
• sporting activities

During programme delivery, teachers seek to identify childrens’ strengths and weaknesses, to allow for extension or additional support, as required.
Programme delivery integrates the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes contained in the various Learning Areas (Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills) so learning is not experienced in a fragmented fashion.

Teachers take cognizance of different learning styles (visual, auditory, tactile and kinaesthetic) and utilize a variety of approaches to ensure maximum understanding.

Teachers also seek to identify different types of intelligence and to support learners’ growth in these spheres.

Learning takes place in a relaxed, happy and emotionally supportive environment, where risk-taking is encouraged and ‘fear of failure’ consciously mediated against.

There is a strong accent on, and appreciation of, the natural world at Tree Tops and our environmental awareness forms an integral part of the ethos of the school. In contrast to this, Technology as a subject looks at the man-made world. It does, however, explore the impact of technology on the environment and encourages responsibility. Through Technology Education children are encouraged to ask “why?” and to understand the world around them. (They love exploring simple everyday objects, something like a tin opener, and understanding how they work.)  Technology is about human responses to needs and combines knowledge, skills and resources in problem-solving exercises - the value of Technology Education goes far beyond just ‘making things’ and the focus is on problem-solving, rather than just the product.

Through the ‘technological process’ a range of skills is learnt and practised. Products are designed, planned and then evaluated as possible solutions to presented problems. Group work is used in almost every Technology lesson, which creates wonderful opportunities for communication and co-operation throughout the process. (It is fascinating to see how creative and inventive young children are in their problem-solving!) Critical thinking and analytical skills are also developed through evaluating both existing products and those that the children themselves have made. During this process children are learning through discovery – the way in which we have always aimed to teach at Tree Tops. These valuable life-skills stay with the children long after the product has been made!

With the emphasis on group work and sharing of ideas, as well as open-ended questioning, Technology is a hugely exciting and rewarding subject for both teacher and learner. 

There are very few teachers in South Africa trained in Technology as a specialist subject. Debi Wells, our Technology teacher, is currently completing her Advanced Certificate in Technology Education.

Comfort and practicality are features of the Tree Tops’ Junior Primary uniform.

Denim pinafores or unisex denim shorts, worn with a short-sleeved denim shirt or t-shirt, are worn in warm weather, while tracksuits for both boys and girls provide warmth on cool or cold days.
Footwear includes any suitable shoe or sandal in either black or brown. Children are encouraged to remove their shoes during the school day, if this makes them feel more comfortable. Sports’ kit includes a white t-shirt, worn with green ‘quantec’ shorts, white sports shoes and white socks. A plain black Speedo costume is worn with a green cap for swimming.

Junior Primary children have regulation school and sports bags, as well as ‘cooler bags’ in which to keep their lunch.