About Us
About Us
Whizzkidz Academy Montessori
How was Whizzkidz Montessori developed?
Whizzkidz Montessori began over 25 years ago in the year 1997 in a little log cabin, with only 10 kids. Over the years we have grown in leaps and bounds, and are now the foremost early childhood development institute in the Mackenzie Park area. After many successful years we are now becoming one of the most sought-after pre-primary schools in Benoni. With the continued support of our parents we embarked on opening Whizzkidz Academy Primary school and now have a complete private primary school of grades 1-7.
Our curriculum, although Montessori based, is not restricted to the Montessori Method, wherein we combine certain aspects of the national curriculum method as well and other proven learning methods to give our learners a complete and well-
Rounded education.Our main aim is to ensure that learners are school ready in all physical, social, psychological and emotional aspects. By the time learner’s graduate from pre-school, they are well prepared for a progressive schooling environment.
The dedicated staff at Whizzkidz Montessori creates an atmosphere conclusive to learning and developing, by creating a happy yet disciplined, free yet guided, and fun yet structured environment, to bring out the best in your child. You as a parent remain the main educator of your child. Together with us as teachers, we can form a partnership wherein your child can develop effectively. To achieve this, you as the parent must be involved with your child and be interested in his/her joys and sorrows. We as a school will support you and help you turn your child into a Whizzkidz leader.
Our Montessori Programmes
Half Day
Montessori pre-primary teaching including all the extra-curricular activities on a half day structure i.e from 8 am to 12 am.
Full Day
Montessori Pre-primary education from 8am to 12am, extending our services to full day until 5pm for all the working parents. Meals are provided on a Full Day Programme and includes breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack time.
A structured program is followed through from the morning which allows our learners to be in a safe, well protected environment for the whole day and ensures that they receive a quality Montessori teaching program in the morning with continued care and attention in the after-care program. Homework assistance is also offered to students.
Meals
Half Day
Learners are required to bring in their own lunch/snack for break time.
Full Day
Learners will receive freshly prepared daily meals as per our menu provided upon enrolment.
Month to 1 Year
Baby Section Class
Limited in-take of babies are accepted so as to provide personalised care and attention and strict monitoring at all times.
2 to 5 Years Old
Junior Section
This section is referred to as our 1st stage of our progressive Montessori 3 year teaching phase of learning.
Our specially designed Montessori environment aided with exceptional Montessori equipment enhances each of our stages of learning and with an equipment based method of teaching that is closely linked to the home environment, our areas entice learners, thus inviting an interest to master the equipment by “learning through play.” This indirect method of learning enhances and encourages manipulation of the hand muscles, training the hand, eye and brain to work together and perfecting the pincer grip for early writing development hence receiving a holistic teaching program.
As each year is a follow up to the next, the syllabus is designed for various age groups and allows the learners to be well prepared in all areas of learning, enabling the child to achieve successful pre-writing, reading and mathematical concepts.
Learners are monitored each day with their very own assessment check list according to their syllabus and age group. Termly progress meetings are held informing all parents on the ongoing development of the child. A portfolio history of each learner is passed on year to year to the next grade’s teacher so as to keep a good track record on each learner’s history of development.
This continuous assessment allows intervention when necessary upon the discretion of the teacher and accommodating early assistance for the child’s benefit in the form of Speech Therapy, Occupational therapy etc. If the need arises, we refer parents to the necessary experienced Therapist that form part of our school, to remedy any concerns before our learners graduate into mainstream school.
Grade 0/R
The final year of pre-school
If a learner journeys through the 3 to 4 year learning program, we guarantee that the follow up year of Montessori teaching, enables the child to enter into Grade R with a well prepared foundation that was set in the junior section. On completion of Grade R, our learners are able to graduate from pre-school with a much higher standard of learning thus achieving the following:
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WRITING: Form and consistency of alphabets, numbers, words and pre-writing skills achieved
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READING: Able to read 3 letter words or more and completion of Grade R reading books
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MATHEMATICS: Introduction of addition/subtraction and basic bonds
A readiness school evaluation test is carried out at the end of Grade R to determine the learner’s successful completion of our program, prior to entering into Grade 1. Our holistic teaching offers a well-rounded programme guaranteeing that all our learners will receive an all rounded learning program from the time they join up to graduating from Grade R.
Extra Services
The following additional services are offered:
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We have various reliable transport providers to assist parents
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Potty/toilet training for learners from 2 ½ years old
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Optional extra-curricular activities offered during the morning teaching time i.e from 8am to 12pm allowing both half & full day learners to partake in these activities on the stipulated days
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Holiday aftercare program for full day parents
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Our programme for the year also includes entertaining our learners with inter-active educational puppet shows, excursions, magic shows, clown appearances and fun days
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Annually we host a Sports Day, Year End Concerts and Graduation which are the highlights of the years programme
Extra-Curricular Activities
In an effort to offer your child a more comprehensive and balanced education, we offer a variety of optional extracurricular activities. These activities are conducted by private institutions at the school (except swimming), at an additional fee. Please indicate which of the following activities you would like your child to participate in, and we will provide you with more information on these:
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Soccer Starz
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Speech &Drama
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Karate
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Stimuzone (Computers)
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Swimming
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Young Engineers (Robotics)
Madrasah
Whizzkidz Islamic Academy is a madrasah providing the complete Jamiat syllabus, offered during school hours conveniently at the school premises, at a cost of R280 per term which includes Kitaabs for the year.
The extracurricular activities are optional additions to the normal schooling activities. A minimum of a month’s notice must be given, in writing, if there are any cancellations of any particular activity. Failing to do so, you will be liable for payment until written notice is given. Information booklets and fees for these activities are provided by the school’s office.