At Redhill, we are passionate about equipping students with the skills to communicate in a black African language. Extensive research shows that the earlier children begin learning a second or third language, the better. That’s why we prioritise a bilingual programme, with a particular focus on isiZulu, from an optimal age believed to be 3 or 4.
In Grade 0 and Grade 1, each of our co-teachers is fully bilingual, providing a comprehensive learning experience where students are taught both English and isiZulu. This immersive approach ensures that students are exposed to isiZulu in a relevant and meaningful way, significantly enhancing their language retention and pronunciation skills.
But the bilingual journey doesn’t end there. As an added benefit, once students complete Grade 1, they have the exciting option to join the Junior School’s bilingual class in Grades 2 and 3. This unique opportunity allows them to continue their bilingual education, specifically in English and isiZulu. By nurturing fluency in both languages, we empower students to become confident communicators in a diverse and multicultural society.
We strongly believe that bilingual excellence and African language fluency form an integral part of our educational approach, opening doors to new opportunities and fostering cultural understanding.
Music is a language. The children experience a structured Music lesson once a week, which exposes the child to the sensory interpretation of musical concepts and is closely linked to language development of the brain.
Redhill is passionate about exposing children to the daily immersion of an African language. Research clearly indicates that the earlier a child begins learning a second or third language, the better. In Grade 0 and Grade 1, the classes consist of two teachers, and the children are exposed to isiZulu and English in a way that is relevant and meaningful to them, which significantly impacts their language retention and pronunciation.
Outdoor daily play facilitates the body-brain connection for learning. Gross motor development connected to sensory-motor integration movement is a structured focus in Early Years’ Learning. All ELC students have a scheduled Physical Education lesson once week with our Redhill teachers and PE coaches.
Redhill ELC is inspired by Reggio Emilia, an educational experience in Early Years Learning where the child builds knowledge and constructs learning together with the teacher.
Redhill’s focus on the social and emotional wellbeing of students underpins all that we do. This is especially key in the pivotal Middle School years when our students require support on a number of levels.
