If you have been following the Hillcrest Collegiate journey for some time, you know that one of our core values at the school is prioritising individual attention for our learners.
The foundation phase from Grade R – Grade 3, is critical to a child’s academic and personal development. During this period, individual attention in the classroom is not just beneficial, it is crucial. A teacher who knows a child and connects with them during this phase can have a profound impact on the child’s academic growth, social skills, and self-esteem.
Here are the 6 key reasons individual attention is one of our core values for foundation phase:
Building Strong Foundations
The foundation phase does the groundwork between ages 4 to 7. During this phase, children are introduced to the basic concepts of literacy, numeracy, and social interaction. Each child is an individual and starts school with different knowledge, challenges, learning styles and developmental stages. When our teachers work with the child on an individual level, they can tailor their teaching, so it is more receptive to the learner. This ensures no learner becomes ‘lost’ or disenfranchised. Prioritising individual attention allows us to work with each child’s unique challenges and strengths – building a strong foundation for a successful future at school.
Accommodating to different learning styles
All children learn differently, some learn visually while others are auditory or kinesthetic. A one-size-fits-all approach to teaching can demotivate learners as they struggle to keep up with a teaching style that doesn’t work for them. We have found, through individual attention we can evaluate each child’s preferred learning style and adapt our teaching methods appropriately. This allows the Hillcrest Collegiate Foundation Phase teachers to nurture a love for learning and school while enhancing understanding and retention.
Early Identification of Learning Difficulties
Children who learn differently require an environment that is sensitive and aware of their needs. This is easily achievable through prioritising individual attention in the foundation phase. Our assessments leave room for early detection and effective intervention for learning difficulties. In mainstream schools, children who are struggling because they learn differently often get labeled as slow or incapable. In schools that prioritise individual attention, with teachers spending 1-on-1 time with learners, a learner can thrive with dyslexia, ADHD, or any other learning challenge. Early detection gives our children a headstart which significantly impacts their ability to learn successfully.
Individual attention builds self-esteem
One of our focus areas at Hillcrest Collegiate Foundation Phase is the building of our learners’ self-esteem. This is not achievable without prioritising individual attention as it provides an opportunity for teachers to give personalised praise and constructive feedback. Children thrive and gain self-esteem with positive reinforcement and recognition of progress. When children feel seen, heard and valued, they are courageous in their learning, ask questions, and engage with their learning and environment in a positive way.
Social and emotional intelligence
The foundation phase is also a crucial period for the development of social and emotional intelligence. Individual attention helps our learners to better understand the social dynamics and emotional needs of their peers and the adults around them. They also develop self-awareness which is one of the foundations of emotional intelligence. Through individual attention we can create a nurturing environment that is safe, supportive and conducive to the development of emotional intelligence. Foundation phase learners are given tools to develop compassion, empathy and cooperation – social skills that we hope will lead to fulfilling relationships throughout their lives.
Choose the right spot to build the foundation for your child’s lifelong success
The goal of education is to create lifelong learners and we take that a step further at Hillcrest Collegiate. We want to create lifelong learners with a growth mindset, great relationships and healthy self-esteem. This can only be achieved through individual attention as it facilitates an environment where our learners enjoy the learning process and tie their self-esteem with learning, good relationships and progress.
Individual attention at the Hillcrest Collegiate Foundation phase is not something we take lightly; it is an integral part of our primary school strategy. By recognising and responding to the unique needs of each child, teachers can provide a nurturing and effective learning environment. From grade R – Grade 3, our learner’s blossom and become confident, resilient, and enthusiastic learners throughout their educational journey.
Set your child up for lifelong success. Hillcrest Foundation Phase and Hillcrest Junior College are open for 2025 school admissions. For more information on Hillcrest school fees, Click here