At St John’s Pre-Preparatory, we believe that the early years of schooling are not only foundational to a child’s academic journey but essential in shaping their sense of self, their relationships with others, and their engagement with the world around them.
It is here, in the heart of the Pre-Preparatory, that the St John’s journey begins. These formative years are the starting point of a rich educational pathway that extends through the Preparatory and College years, grounded in our Anglican values, actively seeking knowledge and skills for a purposeful life.
The belief that each boy should be equipped with the cognitive, physical, emotional and social tools necessary for a confident and joyful start to school is our mission. These early competencies do more than prepare boys for the academic years ahead, but rather lay the groundwork for growth into curious, creative and compassionate individuals.
Our classrooms are spaces of possibility. We offer a creative and stimulating learning environment that celebrates the uniqueness of every child. Here, boys are encouraged to meet the world with awe, to ask questions with reverence, and to discover that learning is not about getting things ‘right’, but about being thoughtful, open-minded, and willing to explore.
At the heart of our teaching is deep respect. A respect for knowledge, for others, and for the environment. We guide our boys towards a quiet tolerance of time and stillness, cultivating the patience required for careful thought and the empathy needed to understand different perspectives.
Creativity is not a by-product of early learning. It is integral to it. From their earliest years, children express themselves through play, music, movement, drawing, storytelling and invention. These spontaneous acts of creativity do more than delight; they enhance academic understanding, foster emotional resilience, activate multiple intelligences, and support positive, meaningful engagement with learning.
Our curriculum is intentionally broad and engaging. From Grade 0 through to Grade 2, our boys benefit from the expertise of specialist teachers in Afrikaans, Art, Drama, isiZulu, Music, Physical Education, and Technology. As they progress into Grades 1 and 2, the structure of the school day becomes more formal, gently preparing them for the transition to the Preparatory School while preserving the warmth and richness of their early experiences.
Each day at the Pre-Preparatory follows a familiar rhythm of work and play, providing the sense of security and consistency that young children need to flourish. Within this rhythm, every boy’s individual strengths are encouraged to blossom.
We also believe in fostering a strong sense of community. We encourage boys and their families to be active participants in school life, while also looking beyond the school gates to engage meaningfully with the broader society in which we live and learn.
At St John’s Pre-Preparatory, we are not simply preparing boys for the next stage of their education—we are nurturing thoughtful, empathetic and inquisitive young people, equipped for a life of learning and service. This is where the St John’s journey begins—with wonder, warmth, and the quiet promise of all that is still to come.
Jane Lane
St John's Pre-Preparatory Headmistress
