From the Principal

From the Principal of the Preparatory School

Epworth Preparatory has a long, highly successful history of educating children within a carefully researched, progressive, up-to-date and relevant curricula that are appropriate to their age, stage of development and individual strengths and needs. The resultant wide-ranging, exciting, rich and valuable learning experiences on offer are highly acclaimed by the Epworth broader communities.

Our highly professional and committed teachers demonstrate both passion and outstanding expertise in the interest of the happiness, education and general well-being of the children in their care.

Mr Reynard White
Principal, Epworth Preparatory School for Boys and Girls

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Epworth Preparatory School for boys and girls.

The Preparatory School Campus

Epworth is situated on a beautiful secure 15-hectare campus situated in Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Epworth boasts:

Sporting facilities:

6 All weather tennis courts
2 hockey / cricket / rugby / soccer fields
5 netball courts
10-lane, 25 metre swimming pool
Springboard diving facility
4 glass-backed squash courts
Gym Hall with sprung floor
Full cross-country course
An artificial hockey surface
2 Multi-Purpose Indoor Centres (with basketball, indoor hockey, netball and tennis courts)

Other facilities in the Preparatory School:

Bird Hide and Science Garden
Computer Centre
Smartboard Rooms
Universal Classrooms
Music Rooms
Learning Support Facilities
Media Centre
Assembly Room

The classrooms throughout the School are well equipped and fully networked.

And much more…

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Focus on the Pre-Primary

Epworth’s Preparatory School is co-educational (catering for boys and girls), as we believe that children of this age need to interact with each other for balanced social, emotional and intellectual development.

Grades RRR-R cater for girls and boys aged 3-6. These first steps along the pathway to education and life’s lessons are vital for children to learn to love learning, through having fun in a carefully researched, educationally sound way. We understand how play is a vital learning experience, enabling children to explore and develop with confidence within a safe, secure and caring environment.

Grade RRR and RR classes work together in small groups and are taught the basic concepts of numeracy, literacy and life skills, as well as emotional and physical development (fine and gross motor skills).

Our youngest pupils are introduced to life at the ‘big school’ through weekly computer, music and physical education lessons on the main campus as well as weekly assemblies and chapel services, ensuring a stress-free transition to Grade 1 when the time comes.

“Epworth has a unique feel to it. I have grown to think of it as less of a school and more like a second home.”
~ Grade 7 Epworth pupil

Academics in the Preparatory School

Classes at Epworth Preparatory are small, with between 15 to 24 pupils, allowing for individualised attention from our dedicated teachers. There are two classes per grade. Epworth Preparatory School pupils are exposed to a diverse range of educational experiences to enrich their early school days and extend their abilities. Information and communication technology, art, drama, music and physical education are all part of the daily programme. Problem-solving, individual thinking and creativity are encouraged. Feedback from high schools and even universities shows that our pupils have a high work ethic and are confident young adults with independent thinking and studying skills.

The academic programme in the Prep School consists of the following subjects:

English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Drama, Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology, Social Science and Natural Science.

“No matter the challenges, Epworth will help you to overcome them.”
~ Grade 7 Epworth pupil

Spiritual Life

Epworth is a Christian school with a proud Methodist ethos that welcomes others from all faiths and religions who are willing to share our values and way of life. Our religious heritage is central to Epworth, with the beautiful 50-year old chapel set fittingly in the centre of our grounds. Assemblies and other school gatherings begin with Bible readings and prayer. Scripture Union is offered to our Prep School pupils as part of the extra mural programme.

Epworth is not owned by the church. We are a Christian community with an affiliation to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The school is independently owned by a Trust, governed by a Board, and is operated through a management structure.

“Our school has a variety of things which the children can choose from, other than academics.”
~ Grade 7 Epworth pupil

Sport

Our focus on offering children a diversity of options to explore so that they can discover their strengths and choices for themselves extends to the playing fields and courts. Our teachers and coaches are accomplished at guiding the younger pupils through a range of sports on our many facilities that include six all-weather tennis courts; two hockey/cricket/rugby/soccer fields; five netball courts; four glass-backed squash courts; a gym hall with sprung floor; an artificial hockey surface; a ten-lane, 25m swimming pool and springboard diving facility; a full cross-country course, and a multi-purpose indoor centre with basketball, indoor hockey, netball and tennis courts.

Through having fun, pupils come to discover where their sporting skills lie. Traditionally “for boys” games such as cricket, soccer and rugby are also played at Epworth, so our male pupils can be assured that they won’t be at a disadvantage when they progress to high school.

“We win some, we lose some, we win together, we lose together.”
~ Grade 7 Epworth pupil

Cultural Life

At Epworth, cultural education begins in the Pre-Primary school. The Visual and Performing Arts are an integral feature of our life, with Drama, Art and Music being explored under the guidance of specialist teachers.

All pupils from Grade RRR upwards participate in Epworth’s dramatic productions, which are of a very high standard. The School’s visual art is showcased primarily through an annual art exhibition that represents work from every pupil. This exhibition illustrates the artistic progression of pupils from Grade RRR to Grade 7.

Our two accomplished choirs, our Marimba Band and our Prep Ensemble perform variously at school concerts, assemblies and for chapel services. They also participate in interschool events on and off campus. Music is encouraged through a comprehensive instrumental music programme in which all Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupils learn how to play the recorder, all Grade 3 pupils have violin lessons, and all Grade 4 pupils have clarinet lessons. Individual tuition is also offered in voice, piano, cello, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar and drums.

2019 Cultural Programme

“Opportunities to learn new things.”
~ Grade 7 Epworth pupil

Community engagement

We believe that exposure to the real world is vital for children to develop a wider understanding of different ways of life and an appreciation of privilege. Epworth encourages community service and even our younger pupils are involved in various social responsibility projects, which include organisations that support children, the elderly, animals and health care.

Environmental awareness is promoted at the school – we have a bird hide and science garden – and we are proud to be part of the Eco-Schools programme that aims to bring environmental awareness into our schools. Epworth is one of the first educational institutions in the country to be awarded an International Eco-Schools flag for our support of environmental projects.

View some of our Social Responsibility Projects

“The Epworth community is always there to help, whatever the case.”
~ Grade 7 Epworth pupil

Beyond the classroom

At Epworth, learning extends well beyond the boundaries of the classroom. We believe in providing a schooling experience that not only enables pupils to excel academically, but also provides them with a toolbox of holistic experiences and skills, preparing them for lifelong learning and personal fulfilment. Outings, usually theme-related, are arranged to places of local interest for Prep School pupils to further learning and awareness. Older pupils may attend longer excursions during field trips. There is a strong focus on incorporating the environment, nature and the outdoors in many of these experiences. Some of the popular day excursions include visits to Roselands, an environmental and education centre; Maywood farm and Butterflies for Africa. Longer trips to Durban, areas on the KZN north coast and Hella Hella are much anticipated outings for the older set.

Pre-Primary pupils enjoy an annual outing to the KZN Botanical Gardens which is designed to be a fun day out with their peers as well as an educational experience. Each term, the Pre-Primary also hosts a variety of groups or organisations, such as the Pietermaritzburg Fire Department, Educate and Fascinate, Puppet World and Talking Drums.

“At Epworth we learn to work together and to work hard. People encourage you.”
~ Grade 7 Epworth pupil

Aftercare

Aftercare for younger pupils is available after standard school hours (07h55 – 12h00 for Grade RRR and R; 07h55 – 12h20 for Grade 1 and 2; 07h55 – 14h00 for Grade 3 to 7). Experienced staff members continue the fun and stimulating activities that the children experience in the classroom in a safe, familiar and secure post-school environment. Lunch at an extra cost is available for all pupils on request.