King Williams Town

Oakhill Prep forms part of the greater Oakhill School campus. Surrounded by nature and impressive estuary views at every turn, the campus is a wholesome and happy space where we strive to give each child the best possible education in the broadest sense of the word.

We need to allow for education of the heart as well as the cerebral cortex.

– L Holdstock

The Foundation Phase (Grades 1, 2 and 3) is a happy, nurturing environment where learning is facilitated in an atmosphere of love, understanding and responsible freedom. In these early years emphasis is placed on all aspects relating to self – learning to live comfortably with others, learning to master one’s feelings and express them safely, gaining self-esteem and welcoming new experiences. The children are encouraged to make their own decisions and to solve problems creatively.

The focus is on active learning and participation. Children learn best when they are actively involved in doing, thinking and discovering rather than passively receiving information. The Foundation Phase provides a lively introduction to the basics, building firm foundations in the 3R’s – reading, writing and arithmetic. Small classes ensure that each child’s progress is individually monitored.

One looks back with appreciation to brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.

– Carl Jung

With the basics firmly established, it is time to extend each child’s ability. The Intermediate Phase (Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7) provides an opportunity for exploration and growth. We help pupils come to understand and embrace their strengths and weaknesses, and to become open-minded and creative thinkers. We stimulate them into applying themselves with confidence, not only academically but in every sphere of school life, knowing that no challenge is ever too daunting and no hurdle is ever impossible to overcome.

We hope that by the end of Grade 7, the joy of learning has been entrenched in each and every pupil and that this joy of learning remains with them throughout the remainder of their school years and beyond.