Foundation Phase
Grade R to Grade 3
Foundation Phase
The Foundation Phase is the very first chapter of a child’s formal education and ultimately lays the foundation for future success. Just as a tree needs a strong foundation to grow, so do our precious children.
Although this is just the start of one’s schooling career, to a child this step is often seen as going to “big” school and while exciting, it can also be daunting as it’s unknown and different. It is owing to this, that at Shangri-La Academy, our first and foremost priority is to ensure that each child feels safe and secure and that we create a happy home-away-from-home environment. By creating the ideal environment, each child is then able to thrive and flourish as they are able to focus and concentrate in class.
The emphasis of the Foundation Phase is to ensure the academic development of each child as well as enabling their physical, mental and emotional growth.
Key focus areas addressed in the Foundation Phase include:
- A sound understanding of reading, writing, speaking and mathematics, providing a solid base to build upon
- Cultivate a passion for life-long learning and a positive work ethic
- Development of cognitive thinking and judgement
- Understanding of appropriate social standards and interactions as well as moral values
- Awareness and understanding of others and appreciation of other cultures and beliefs
- Appreciation of the environment, our beautiful country and the world
A variety of Extra-Curricular Activities are offered at the Academy, which aid in developing a young child’s gross motor skills, coordination and creativity etc.
Extra-Curricular Activities on offer in the Foundation Phase include:
- Athletics (comprising of both field and track events)
- Tee-Ball
- Netball
- Golf
- Soccer (6 a-side and 11 a-side soccer)
- Cross-Country
- Soccer Starz
- Dancing
- Mini-Cricket
- Wiggle and Jam
- Cultural Club
- Pottery
- Choir
- Speech Competitions
- Eisteddfod (English and Afrikaans categories)
Throughout the Academy a strong focus is placed on learning and self-discovery and our Media Centre provides the perfect environment for this, as children can enjoy reading a variety of novels which stimulate their imaginations and curiosity. Research has proven time and time again that there are numerous benefits derived from reading, which include increased general knowledge and overall interests in various subjects, improved and better vocabulary and correct use of grammar etc.
Our resident Librarian is always happy to assist and suggest books which will ignite a child’s passion for reading. A weekly highlight for many children is Story Time, where they get to enjoy listening to a story being read to them.
To ensure our Media Centre remains relevant, brand-new books are continuously purchased and added to our already well-stocked library. In addition, once a year, we invite the Travelling Bookshop to visit and showcase their latest publications, which the children can then purchase at discounted prices.
Aftercare facilities are available for the Foundation Phase as well as the Senior Preparatory School, Monday to Friday from 13h00 to 17h30, during the school terms, as well as from 07h30 to 17h30 during school holidays.
Children attending Aftercare are provided with lunch daily and dedicated time is allocated for supervised homework and studying.
Aftercare programme:
- 13h00 – 14h00 Lunchtime
- 14h00 – 15h00 Supervised homework and study classes
- 15h00 – 15h15 Refreshments
- 15h15 – 17h30 Supervised play
Please note that there are no homework or study classes on Fridays and that the Aftercare facilities close during the December break.
The greatest investment we as parents can make, is to provide our children with a first-class education and therefore it is vital that you experience your child’s schooling environment. Owing to this, we invite you to book a guided tour to view our Academy first-hand. To book a tour, contact our Admissions Office on +27 (0) 11 391 – 1419 or +27 (0) 11 972 – 8327.
We encourage prospective parents to enrol their children as soon as possible, owing to limited space. If there is no available space, your child’s name will be added to the existing waiting lists and prospective parents will be notified should a place become available.
To inquire about space availability for a particular grade, simply contact our Admissions Office on +27 (0) 11 391 – 1419 or +27 (0) 11 972 – 8327 or alternatively,
