Sideshow Bob
Honorary Master
So, we have started visiting pre-schools around midrand and I thought this would be a good thread to note down some things we observed. This is not meant to criticism at all but just general observations. I will mention all of the pre-schools in same post to keep it neat and tidy. Not sure if this will help anyone? And if someone is doing the same exercise (anywhere in Johanneburg), perhaps you also can chip in by starting similar threads per area?
Masterminds Academy
Looks to me that reddam, reddford, beulieu, kyalami prep charge similar fees, on the higher scale. Down a bit are summerhill, nova pioneer and then cheapers ones are Curro ones.
Masterminds Academy
- Ratio of Child to minders/staff is approx 6 or 7 to 1
- Food is provided but lunch box is allowed as well
- Every day, one on one session with each kid is conducted (15 minutes) by minders/staff
- Swimming pool inside the house, instructor comes every Friday
- At times there is intermingling of ages (3-5), perhaps something similar found in montessory approach
- Medium sized house (approx 900m2) with 1 big room and 3 medium sized rooms, exceptionally clean rooms and kitchen.
- Visited on open day, crowd managed in a orderly manner. All visitors given sticker to identify themselves, taken around the school on a tour and ending in a presentation and Q & A session
- School up to grade 6 for now; plans are in place for grade 12 within next 3 years.
- Methodology singapore maths (up to certain grade - forgot) and cambridge curriculum thereafter.
- Elementary robotics from Grade 1
- Tuck shop available but parents can pre-pay & pre-order from menu but they encourage food from home.
- English primary mode of education with isiZulu compulsory and one of Sotho/Afrikaans as second language later on.
- Very close to highway but seemed quiet at time of visit (Saturday 9.30am)
- Huge swimming pool planned soon.
- Paperless approach when possible. Use of google forms for collaboration
- Teachers & headmistress (I think or she could be CEO - I had stepped out momentarily when she introduced herself) had great vibe.
- Started by Kenyan Christopher Khaemba and Nigerian Chinezi Chijioke.
- Visited unannounced as walk-ins are allowed
- Huge place inside with lots of play areas (slides, climb structures - you name it).
- Different age groups don't mix during play time or otherwise. (Safety of younger kids)
- Food is provided but lunchbox allowed. No pork & beef allowed (Religious reasons)
- Big play area with lots of fun stuff for kids
- Very enthusiastic staff
- Kids were having lekker jol together
- CAPS curriculum is followed
- Seems in great demand as there was no space for 3-4 or 4-5 for next year.
- Food is provided but lunchbox allowed. Kids that prefer no meat are given Fry's products.
- Went on Open day last year around Feb. Headmistress did the presentation herself. Impressive. Other staff was available to greet and answer questions later
- Surprisingly not many people attended open day. This was pre-covid lockdown time.
- Seems very spacious for kids to play with.
- Lot of effort seems to have gone to prepare a brochure.
- Most diversity I have ever seen so far and my guess is probably because they declare them selves as non-denominational. They do have some philosophical classes (about morals etc.)
- Fees - not the highest but holy kamoli they are high (7K for Stage 1 i.e. 000 and 16K for Grade 12)
- Went last year, around Feb.
- Booked over telephone and went there. We were the only ones that day so it was quite individual attention tour
- Headmistress was excellent. Took us to all around. Happy children and good chemistry between teacher & children.
- Only vegetarian food allowed in lunch boxes. Suits us but very strange considering SA demographic.
- Has cricket ground, tennis courts and very spacious.
- We know one teacher here and know that she is really very dedicated.
- Headmistress personal facebook indicates she is devoted to religion. Spotted the usual nut case remarks. To be fair, this doesn't seem to be reflected anywhere as otherwise school wouldn't be vegetarian lunch box only.
Looks to me that reddam, reddford, beulieu, kyalami prep charge similar fees, on the higher scale. Down a bit are summerhill, nova pioneer and then cheapers ones are Curro ones.
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All the whiteys drove in from centurion/joburg. But as I said anecdotal obsetvations only
