Grade 1-3
The Grade 1-3 curriculum presents a diverse, stimulating academic timetable and introduces our young students to the more formal aspects of classroom tuition. Over and above the prescribed subjects of Literacy and Numeracy, and Life Skills, our students are exposed to the joys of Afrikaans, IsiZulu, Creative and Musical Arts, Physical Education and STEAM – all within sound, environmentally conscious surroundings. The curriculum features:
- Literacy – Time2Read (language of instruction is English)
- Numeracy – NumberSense
- Afrikaans – Time2Read (First Additional Language)
- IsiZulu (First Additional Language)
- Life Skills
- STEAM and Technology
- SCOPE IT – Coding & Robotics
- Creative and Musical Arts
- Physical Education
Making reading an art form
Unlike walking or talking, reading is not a natural skill our brains are wired to do. Rather, it is a learned process that requires explicit instruction. One common pitfall in early reading is the over-reliance on visual memory – children may start by memorising the shape of words rather than understanding how sounds and letters work together.
At Woodlands we extensively employ Time2Read, a programme that addresses this issue by ensuring that children engage the brain’s sound-processing centre, located in the temporal lobe, to build strong phonological awareness. This method helps children decode words, rather than guess them based on appearance.
Research indicates that to successfully complete high school (matriculate), a learner typically needs a working vocabulary of around 6 000 words. However, our visual memory capacity is limited – usually peaking between 2 000 and 3 000 words – which clearly shows the importance of a more sustainable, phonics-based approach to reading instruction.
This is why we have seen such meaningful progress with Time2Read. Our staff are well-trained and implement the programme effectively, helping our learners build an extensive vocabulary and strong reading foundation, setting them up for long-term success on their academic journey.Time2Read has also released Afrikaans resources for First Additional Language which our Afrikaans specialist utilises with excellent results.
Making sense of Mathematics
The NumberSense programme transforms the way Mathematics is taught by focusing on conceptual understanding rather than rote learning. Many of us remember being taught step-by-step procedures at school – often with little explanation – and being expected to memorise methods that did not always make sense.
NumberSense breaks down these barriers. It uses a spiral curriculum, meaning key mathematical concepts are revisited repeatedly over time, on each occasion at a deeper level. This allows children’s brains the chance to process information gradually, making it more likely that true understanding will take root, even if the concept was not fully grasped the first time around.
The programme also encourages learners to identify patterns and to work with numbers mentally and creatively, in ways that make sense to them. This personalised approach not only builds number fluency but also develops confidence and flexibility in mathematical thinking. As a result, our students are more confident, engaged, and better equipped to tackle mathematical challenges with understanding – not just memorisation.
Making learning memorable
For learning to be truly memorable, it must be engaging, meaningful, and fun. At our school, we believe that when children feel connected, curious, and supported, deeper learning takes place. Our teachers use a variety of strategies to create vibrant, joyful classrooms where exploration and discovery are encouraged. We strive to meet each child where they are on their learning journey, recognising their unique strengths and challenges. Through intentional teaching, targeted support, and programmes like Time2Read and NumberSense, we provide opportunities for every learner to thrive. Our goal is to cultivate confident, capable students who love learning – and who carry that love with them throughout life.
Well-designed and spacious classrooms are resourced with appropriate teaching aids including Smartboards, projectors and soundbars. Hands-on learning is promoted and encouraged, with the focus on “thinking out of the box” skills, lateral thinking and active participation in all areas with the assistance of leading-edge technologies. The academic bar is raised high and students are constantly challenged to attain this and even reach beyond.
Teachers employ rotations as a means of working with smaller groups of children, allowing for more one-on-one attention and opportunities for teachers to observe misconceptions and correct them sooner rather than later. This methodology also provides the platform to accommodate those who need the extra stimulation.
Teacher Interns are also on hand to work with students who require a little extra one-on-one time, as well as for stretching those who grasp the concepts with ease.
Downtime for our students exposes them to the sheer enjoyment and appreciation of nature in the form of our beautiful wetland ecosystem. At any given time during break, students can be seen checking on the progress of our resident Egyptian Geese and their fluffy goslings, saving a crab or chick or enjoying the shade under the willows.
Our dedicated academic staff are committed to each student as an individual, and their kind and caring manner ensures a smooth, planned and comfortable transition between Phases.
