ANCHORED IN EXCELLENCE
2026

ACADEMICS
A culture of excellence

HERBERT HURD
PRIMARY SCHOOL
THREE ACADEMIC PHASES
Welcome to Herbert Hurd Primary School, where we provide a comprehensive academic programme designed to meet the diverse needs of all our learners. Our dedicated team is committed to fostering a nurturing environment that encourages growth, exploration, and a love for learning. Join us as we inspire the generation of thinkers and innovators.
FOUNDATION PHASE
Core knowledge and skills play a crucial role during the first three years of schooling.
The Foundation Phase establishes the building blocks for future learning and development. Emphasizing these essential skills ensures that learners well-prepared for the challenges ahead. By focusing on core subjects, educators can foster a love learning that lasts a lifetime.
The subjects taught in the Foundation Phase are English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language / IsiXhosa First Additional Language, Mathematics and Life Skills. Coding and Robotics and IsiXhsoa Conversatioiinal Language are as additional subjects. These to subjects are not offered as official subjects in 2026. Besides focusing on the academics aspects of schooling, learners also have the opportunity to take part in cultural acitvities and sport.
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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN GRADE 3 AND GRADE 4
At Herbert Hurd Primary School, Foundation Phase teachers and Grade 4 teachers always communicate about possible gaps between Grade 3 and Grade 4. Trust that the well-qualified and experienced Grade 4 teachers at Herbert Hurd Primary School are highly competent.
Baseline assessments are completed in each subject to ensure that teachers are informed about the competency of each learner in each subject in the beginning of Grade 4. Grade 4 learners are introduced to new subjects in creative and enjoyable ways. Learners are gradually introduced to a more demanding workload. Key study methods are taught to assist Grade 4 learners to become used to writing tests and controlled tests (examinations.) (Mind maps are used to great effect.) All learners are provided with a daily timetable. Clear timeframes allow learners to complete informal and formal assessment tasks. Blended learning (using iPads) becomes more prominent. School diaries are kept and monitored,
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A few guidelines for parents of learners in Grade 4 include:
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Use and recommend the use of good language. Children should learn to avoid using "slang".
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Allow learners to complete homework tasks on their own.
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Make sure that all homework is completed. (Follow the homework diaries).
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Children should also be taught at home to listen to instructions the first time.
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Read works of fiction and non-fiction with your children.
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Encourage your children to ask questions at school when they are uncertain.
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Encourage your children to independently page through textbooks and familiarise themselves with new content.
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Reinforce the importance of self-discipline and self-control when communicating with other learners and staff members.​​​
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INTERMEDIATE PHASE
Herbert Hurd offers an exceptional learning experience in a caring, nurturing environment for Intermediate Phase learners
Professional teachers focus on highlighting individual strengths, while developing essential social and academic skills. The subjects taught in the Intermediate Phase are: English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language / IsiXhosa First Additional Language, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences and Life Orientation. Coding and Robotics and IsiXhosa Conversational Language are taught as additional subjects. A wide variety of academic extension and support, sports and cultural activities go beyond the curriculum to deliver a holistic education. Imagine how your child can thrive in such an established school.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN GRADE 6 AND GRADE 7
At Herbert Hurd Primary School, Intermediate Phase teachers and Grade 7 teachers always communicate about possible gaps between Grade 6 and Grade 7. Our team of well-qualified and experienced Grade 7 teachers are highly competent.
Baseline assessments are completed in each subject to ensure that teachers are informed about the competency of each learner in each subject in the beginning of Grade 7. These assessments assist teachers in being informed if core skills have been established. Teachers use welll-planned worksheets and age-appropriate content to help learners to cope with the subject requirements in Grade 7. New subjects are introduced using sound methodologies. Teachers still provide necessary support but encourage learners to work more independently than before. Teachers move gradually to replace concrete representations by abstract concepts. Learners are encouraged to break tasks down by using a step-by-step approach to attain certain outcomes. CAPS-aligned lesson planners help teachers to ensure that the curriculum is covered and that the Grade 7 learners will cope in Grade 8. Building vocabulary by reading, using dictionaries and completing tasks that assess reading comprehension is encouraged. Learners should focus on the essential glossary of terms relating to every subject. Learners are now expected to create summaries, solve more complex problems independently and compile their own "study guides". The use of school diaries to ensure that all homework is recorded and reported, is essential.
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Blended learning (using iPads) is well established.
A few guidelines for parents of learners in Grade 7 include:
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Ensure that your child is aware of conistent diligence in all subjects to ensure placement at the high school of your choice.
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Àssit the teachers by ensuring that your child reads regularly.
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Encourage your child to spend more tiime on new subjects like Economic and Management Sciences, Technology and the geometry and algebra workload in Mathematics.
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Emphasize more dedication at home, especially if your child's marks are low in English Home Language and Mathematics.
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Encourage self-management of homework and deadines for projects.
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Ensure that your child follows the study guidelines and methods they are taught in Grade 7.
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Ensure that your child maintains healthy daily habits, like getting enough sleep.​​​​​​
SENIOR PHASE
The Senior Phase is the final stage of education in primary school, where learners consolidate their learning and prepare for the transition to high school education.
During this phase, educators focus on enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and fostering independence. It is a crucial time for learners to develop a strong foundation in core subjects while also exploring their interests and talents. The subjects taught in the Senior Phase are: English Home Language, Afrikaans First Additional Language / IsiXhosa First Additional Language, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, Economic Management Séances, Arts and Cutlure and Life Orientation. Coding and Robotics and IsiXhosa Conversational Language are taught as additional subjects.
Overall, the Senior Phase aims to equip learners with the knowledge skills they need for future academic success.
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