Wondering if you want to start your child’s education at Grade R? Well, you might not have a choice on the matter.

Up until recently, Grade R and the age of when to enrol your child in school had been optional but the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill has made it compulsory for parents to enrol their children in school from as early as 4 years old at reception grade.

Why is Grade R so important?

• The Reception Year, commonly referred to as Grade R or Grade RRR, is an important year in a child's foundational academic development. These preparatory years are formative for children entering primary school or Grade 1 and allow for a smooth transition from unstructured learning to structured learning.

• Usually at age 7 when most children get to Grade 1, they can adjust to the regulated learning environment thanks to it, and patterns like regular attendance and obeying instructions are established. Grade R provides students with crucial abilities that will be useful throughout their whole lives by acquainting them with these parts of formal education.

• Moreover, Grade R focuses on the holistic development of children, catering not only to their academic needs but also addressing their social, emotional, and physical development. It fosters a nurturing and supportive environment where children can build relationships, develop their communication skills, and enhance their problem-solving abilities. Additionally, Grade R includes physical activities and play-based learning, which promotes the development of fine and gross motor skills and improves cognitive abilities.

• It develops children's readiness for formal schooling as they progress to Grade 1. It introduces them to basic numeracy, literacy, and problem-solving skills, it can foster curiosity and critical thinking, essential qualities for academic success.

Our model at Arrow

At Arrow Academy, our learning starts from Grade RRR-R, and our model is simple. We focus on play! We believe that children learn best by doing and being involved in structured and unstructured play. It’s never too early to start teaching and at this Reception Phase, learners are taught Numeracy (Mathematics), Motor Skills, Social Skills, and Literacy (English).

We aim is to equip learners that go through our doors with 21^st century skills and key competencies that will see them flourish in modern society and its economy.