The Junior Prep phase is situated below the College Amphitheatre and has a history of its own. The oldest block of classrooms known as ‘The Cottage’ was home to the young Marist Brothers who once taught at the school. When the need for more classrooms became necessary the Brother’s residence became home to the Junior Prep.

St Henry’s places a strong emphasis on moral values, which ensures a happy, caring and nurturing educational environment for all. In the Junior Preparatory Phase, every child is happy, healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged to grow in our school. We encourage the children to become interested and motivated learners in the classroom. Each child has plenty of opportunities to develop as an individual, have fun whilst learning and at the same time be challenged in the classroom and beyond.

Developing Mathematical skills is fundamental in the Junior Prep Phase. The children learn through play and guided Mathematical activities such as exploring and investigating, doing and observing, talking and listening, and asking and answering questions.  Language across the curriculum and Time2Read phonics form the basis of the Literacy Programme. The Time2Read method includes the development of strong auditory skills and a knowledge of sound to symbol, which immediately gives meaning to the spelling and reading process. Two additional languages, isiZulu and Afrikaans are taught from Grades 1 to 3.  Thinking Maps are used to develop critical and creative thinking skills as well as to encourage reflective thinking – essential components of 21st Century education.

Computer skills are taught, and our specialist teacher uses developmentally appropriate technology which helps young children to grow and learn. In the JP Phase we use technology to explore new worlds and actively engage in fun and challenging activities. The children can learn about technology and technology tools and use them to play and solve problems while learning. Here, coding and robotics are included and are taught from Grade R to Grade 3. Coding is a basic literacy skill in the digital age, and it is important for children to understand and be able to work with the technology around them. Having children learn coding at a young age prepares them for the future. Coding helps children with communication, creativity, maths and writing skills.

The Lion’s Den Aftercare is situated at the Junior Primary Section of the school and at the end of the school day, the learners make their way down to the Aftercare area where the staff are waiting to greet the pupils. Those who attend extra-mural activities offered by the school will need to register with the staff on duty after their sporting or cultural codes are finished. The pupils are signed in when they arrive at Aftercare and must be signed out by the designated person/s collecting them. Children may not leave the Aftercare area without the permission of the staff.

The Lion’s Den Aftercare is a vibrant environment where the Junior Prep children are overseen by experienced caregivers. The children are given the opportunity to socialise and play after the school day in a relaxed and happy setting. They are assisted with homework and are encouraged to manage their time productively during the afternoon. Although homework is supervised, parents still need to check their child’s work so that they play a part in supporting their child. On Friday’s, craft and art related activities are planned for enjoyment and creativity.

The Lion’s Den offers aftercare on Mondays to Fridays from school closure until 17h00.

The compulsory, twice a week, co-curricular sporting programme includes cricket, tag rugby and hockey for our boys and tennis, netball and hockey for the girls. The children participate in matches in all these disciplines.  On the cultural side drama, arts and crafts and chess are offered. Private lessons for swimming, ball-skills and soccer are available on campus as well as Young Engineers and Experi-Buddies. The children are expected to participate in the extra mural programme. All the children participate in our annual sports day and swimming gala and are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of school life.