Foundation Phase (Gr 1-3)
Foundation Phase (Gr 1-3)
The Foundation Phase at Lantern School comprises Grades 1 to 3, with instruction offered in both English and Afrikaans. Teaching and learning are guided by the requirements of the Gauteng Department of Education as well as the policies of Lantern School.
Grondslagfase (Gr 1-3)
Die Grondslagfase by Lanternskool bestaan uit Grade 1 tot 3, met onderrig wat in beide Engels en Afrikaans aangebied word. Onderrig en leer word gerig deur die vereistes van die Gautengse Departement van Onderwys, sowel as die beleid van Lanternskool.
School Hours
- Start: 07:30
- Dismissal: Monday–Thursday: 13:30 and Fridays: 13:00
Because the Foundation Phase ends half an hour earlier than the rest of the school, learners who do not go home immediately remain in waiting classes until collection.
Skoolure
- Begin: 07:30
- Eindig: Maandae–Donderdae: 13:30 en Vryda3: 13:00
Omdat die Grondslagfase ’n halfuur vroeër as die res van die skool eindig, bly leerders wat nie onmiddellik huis toe gaan nie in wagklasse totdat hulle afgehaal word.
Timetable and Learning Areas
Daily lessons include:
- Home Language (English and Afrikaans)
- Mathematics
- First Additional Language (English and Afrikaans)
- Life Skills
The allocation of time to each subject is flexible and depends on:
- The pace of the class
- The specific needs of individual learners
- Therapy schedules (speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, learning support and/or psychotherapy.
Educators apply professional discretion to balance these elements effectively.
Rooster en Leerareas
Daaglikse lesse sluit die volgende in:
- Huistaal (Engels en Afrikaans)
- Wiskunde
- Eerste Addisionele Taal (Engels en Afrikaans)
- Lewensvaardighede
Die tydsindeling vir elke vak is buigsaam en hang af van:
- Die tempo van die klas.
- Die spesifieke behoeftes van individuele leerders.
- Terapie-roosters (spraakterapie, arbeids terapie, leerondersteuning en/of psigoterapie).
Opvoeders gebruik professionele diskresie om hierdie elemente doeltreffend te balanseer.
Therapy
Learners identified for therapy are withdrawn from class at scheduled times, either individually or in small groups, to attend speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, or learning support.
- If therapists’ schedules are full, learners may be placed on a waiting list.
- Learners are expected to complete therapy-related homework as assigned.
Consistent cooperation from both learners and parents is essential. Lack of cooperation may result in discontinuation of therapy.
Terapie
Leerders wat vir terapie geïdentifiseer word, word op geskeduleerde tye uit die klas geneem, individueel of in klein groepe, om spraak-taalterapie, arbeidsterapie, psigoterapie of leerondersteuning by te woon.
- Indien terapeute se roosters vol is, kan leerders op ’n waglys geplaas word.
- Daar word van leerders veerwag om huiswerk wat deur terapeute gegee word, te voltooi.
Konsekwente samewerking van beide ouers en leerders is noodsaaklik. ’n Gebrek aan samewerking kan lei tot die beëindiging van terapie.
Homework
Homework is assigned daily (including Fridays) to reinforce classroom learning and practice essential skills. Tasks may include:
- Mathematics
- Life Skills
- Languages
Parents are encouraged to partner with educators by supporting their children in completing homework, as this collaboration strengthens learning outcomes. The amount of homework is determined at the discretion of each educator.
Huiswerk
Huiswerk word daagliks (ook op Vrydae) gegee om klasonderrig te versterk en noodsaaklike vaardighede te oefen. Take kan insluit:
- Wiskunde
- Lewensvaardighede
- Tale
Ouers word aangemoedig om saam met opvoeders te werk deur hul kinders met huiswerk te ondersteun, aangesien hierdie vennootskap leeruitkomste versterk. Die hoeveelheid huiswerk word deur die opvoeder bepaal.
Foundation Phase Activities
Equine-Assisted Therapy (Grade 1)
Our Grade 1 learners participate in weekly horse riding sessions through Horse Worx Westrand, guided by qualified and experienced instructors. These sessions form part of an equine-assisted therapy program designed to support children with learning challenges in a unique and engaging way. Horse riding offers a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. It helps develop essential motor skills such as balance, coordination and posture, while also enhancing focus, cognitive function, and core strength. Beyond the physical, the calming nature of interacting with horses fosters emotional regulation, builds confidence, and encourages social connection. Through carefully designed riding activities, learners also experience improvements in sensory processing. Targeted activities performed while on horseback supports the development of visual processing, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness. These sessions not only help children overcome fears and build trust but also provide a safe and nurturing environment for growth and self-discovery.
Arts and Crafts (Grade 1-3)
We offer arts and crafts for selected learners from Grade 1 to 3 as a fun and creative outlet. The arts and crafts program provides learners with a supportive space to grow their creativity, build confidence, and take pride in creating something uniquely their own. The program is run by Joanne Rossouw and the committee for each grade group over a period of 3 weeks. Previous workshops have included beading, finger painting, soap making and origami.
Junior Christian Get Together (Grade 1-3)
The Junior Christian Get Together is a weekly highlight for our Foundation Phase learners at Lantern School. Every Tuesday during second break, learners gather in the school hall to sing praise and worship songs, listen to inspiring stories that teach Christian values, and enjoy meaningful activities such as games, crafts and group discussions. It’s a wonderful opportunity for learners to grow in their faith, build relationships, and experience the love and joy of being part of a caring Christian Community.
Ball Skills (Grade 1-3)
In ball skills the learners are taught basic skills that help set the foundation for any sport. Each Grade works on different levels of the skills throughout they year. Please note that there is no additional cost. 80% attendance is required to ensure your child receives a certificate at the end of the year.
Computers (Grade 3)
In computer classes, learners are provided with basic skills needed to operate a laptop, which they use to play educational games, e.g. mathematics, matching, sorting and typing. Classes take place once a week throughout the year at no additional cost. 80% attendance is required, to ensure your child receives a certificate at the end of the year.
Swimming (Grade 2)
Our swimming programme gives learners the opportunity to gain essential water safety and swimming skills in a fun, structured, and supportive environment. We make use of a professional external swimming service, ensuring high-quality instruction and a safe learning space. Each group consists of approximately 12–16 learners and is led by qualified swimming teachers, with additional swimming assistants ensuring that every child feels safe and supported. Lessons run for about 30 minutes and focus on helping learners become confident in and around water while developing basic swimming techniques. Learning to swim is one of the most important life skills a child can acquire—it not only reduces the risk of drowning, but also builds strength, coordination, and a lifelong love for physical activity. The mission of this programme is to empower young minds by nurturing confidence, resilience, and the essential life skills needed to thrive both in the pool and beyond.