THE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMME
This is an important stage of a child’s development as it is in line with preparations for bigger challenges upon graduation from pre-school. The children will be equipped with the necessary skills in all areas of development. Great focus is put into their emotional well-being as well as academic success. White Lodge’s nurturing environment allows each child to develop at his / her own pace.
However, at this stage it becomes important that they acquire the basic skills required for the next school placement. Thus, the children are given a PGIS (Proposed Goals for Individual Student) educational plan with age-appropriate goals set in all learning areas. The portfolios will reflect and monitor the main areas of development based on the White Lodge curriculum.
Jolly Phonics
The Jolly Phonics programme is completed with the introduction of levels four to seven. In addition to the letters of the alphabet, all forty-two main sounds of the English language are also taught.
Jolly Grammar
This is introduced as an extension to the Phonics programme. It introduces the rudiments of grammar, teaches spelling systematically, and improves vocabulary and comprehension. The Jolly workbooks, spelling books and a journal for creative writing are used to complement both these programmes.
GINN Reading
Children are introduced to levels two to four before graduating from Kindergarten. Keen readers are known to have completed right up to level six, which is equivalent to the reading abilities of an eight year old! At this stage, the programme incorporates speaking and listening skills, phonics, spelling skills, comprehension, prediction and additional reading. GINN workbooks are introduced at this level.
Growing with Mathematics
Children complete the grade one series of the Growing with Math programme, which covers concepts like sorting, matching, addition, subtraction, patterning etc. as well as counting up to 100. Many hands-on and concrete learning opportunities are provided to enhance the implementation of the Math programme. Topics one to twenty-four of the Growing with Mathematics programme are completed at the Kindergarten.
Pre-Primary Preparation Programme
A special Pre-Primary Preparation programme is put in place from July to December each year for all students graduating from Kindergarten to a local school. They will be given an opportunity to experience similar teaching styles. Their independence as well as social skills will be reinforced. This is necessary to ensure a smooth and successful transition to the local school.
