Senior Primary

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GRADE 4 TO GRADE 7

Learning for Life

It is our responsibility to help pupils develop
a real love of learning.

Our Senior Primary offers a broad curriculum with specialist teachers preparing our pupils to achieve their full academic potential. They are challenged and prepared to grow in self confidence in order to be curious, express their ideas, try new ways of doing things and to allow mistakes to propel new discoveries.

We prepare our Grade 7 pupils to leave Cowan House with confidence and a readiness to embrace new challenges. This journey begins in Grade 4, where pupils are gently introduced to the Senior Primary phase with a focus on developing independence and personal responsibility. While they are still primarily taught by their class teacher, they also begin engaging with specialist teachers, move between different classrooms and experience a more formal approach to assessment.

The academic facilities on campus include classrooms all equipped with interactive white boards, our Innovation Centre housing the Science & DT Laboratory and Art Studio and the Knowledge Centre which is home to our Media, Library and Research areas. At Cowan House we are fortunate to have specialist teachers who teach these lessons, as well as Afrikaans and Zulu. Streamed Mathematics and Afrikaans classes from Grade 5 to 7 ensure that all pupils' academic needs are met, preparing them for acceptance to their High Schools of choice.

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • History
  • Geography
  • Afrikaans 
  • isiZulu
  • Technology
  • Physical Education
  • Drama
  • Art
  • Music 
  • IT
LOOKING AHEAD

Why Do High Schools Choose Cowan House Boys and Girls?

Academic Excellence

As an ISASA school, our teachers can draw up a curriculum based on relevance and interest. We ensure that national assessment standards are met and Grade 6 and 7 pupils write internal Core Skills Assessments twice a year and Benchmarking tests are written by all pupils from Grades 3 – 7. These include Quintathlons, Conquestas, as well as International Benchmarking Tests administered by the Independent Examination Board of South Africa.

Values-Driven Development

We believe in sending confident, capable contributors to high school and society. Our values are instilled through morning Connect sessions, a relevant Life Skills programme and regular mentor group meetings. Pupils learn the importance of contributing to their communities through our active Outreach Programme, which includes regular outings and fundraising for various causes.

Holistic Growth

We focus on developing the mind, body and heart, guided by our core values: be reasonable, be yourself, be caring and be your best. Through sports, the arts and outdoor activities, our pupils gain the resilience, self-confidence and social skills needed to thrive in high school and beyond. By living these values every day, we truly believe that we send well-mannered, well-adjusted and confident children on to their high school years, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.

Our Academic Philosophy

At Cowan House we believe that education is about more than academic excellence - it’s about shaping capable, kind and confident young people who are ready to make a positive difference in the world. Our academic approach nurtures intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility and social awareness.

Building Strong Foundations

Our curriculum is designed to challenge, support and inspire pupils. From Grade 5 onwards, Mathematics and Afrikaans are streamed to ensure that pupils learn at the pace and level best suited to them, helping them grow in confidence and competence. Project Based Learning is integrated throughout the academic year. This hands-on, inquiry-driven approach encourages creativity, problem-solving and collaboration, which are key skills for future success. Project Based Learning Week in Grades 6 and 7 allows pupils to explore real-world topics in depth and present their findings in engaging ways.

Enriching Experiences
and Theme Days

Learning at Cowan House is dynamic, enriching and meaningful. During the year we celebrate a variety of Theme Days which bring history, culture and global awareness to life, allowing pupils to connect classroom learning with the world around them. Favourites such as Egypt Day, Countries Around the World Day and Proudly South African Day offer exciting opportunities to explore heritage and identity, fostering pride and curiosity.

Outdoor Learning
and Leadership

Outdoor experiences form an essential part of our academic journey. Our 2-, 3- and 4-night trips give pupils the chance to develop independence, resilience and teamwork in stimulating natural settings. These experiences build leadership and environmental awareness, offering learning that extends far beyond the classroom and encouraging personal growth in every child.

Developing Study Skills
for Success

As pupils move towards high school, we place strong emphasis on developing effective study skills. Our Grade 6 and 7 pupils receive focused instruction in organisation, time management and exam preparation techniques. These sessions equip them with the confidence, strategies and skills needed to take ownership of their learning and to approach assessments with maturity and preparedness.

Holistic Development
Through Connection

Character development remains at the heart of our approach. Each day begins with Connect sessions that allow pupils to share, reflect and build emotional awareness. Weekly assemblies and cross-grade mentor groups further deepen relationships and reinforce our values. Through these meaningful touchpoints, every child is supported, encouraged and known, helping them grow into well-rounded, confident young people ready for the challenges ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does school finish for Senior Primary?

The academic day for Grade 4 and Grade 5, ends at 14h00, Monday to Thursday. Grade 6 and Grade 7 have an additional prep period on a Monday, finishing at 14h30 and 14h00 on Tuesday to Thursday. School closes at 13h30 on a Friday for all Senior Primary pupils.

Whilst Senior Primary children do not attend formal aftercare, our Knowledge Centre (Library and Computer Lab) remains open 4 afternoons a week with 2 staff members on duty who are able to assist pupils with homework or research. 

Cowan House is a day scholar and boarding school therefore there are always many staff and children on campus at all times. Sport takes place 2 afternoons during the week and cultural activities are available on the other 2 afternoons.

Childhood and family life is closely guarded at Cowan House and it is for this reason that in addition to the guidelines of meaningful and minimal homework, we enjoy family nights on Wednesday and children are given the opportunity to work on homework during designated prep periods during the school day.

Healthy living and eating is an important aspect of our school.

All our pupils, from Grade RRR to Grade 7 are served tea at 10h30. A dietician-approved lunch is available at an additional cost per term. All pupils are allowed to bring along their own lunch should they wish. 

Sport is compulsory for all pupils twice weekly after school and classes from Grade 4 – 6 also have an hour of Physical Education weekly. A variety of different sporting codes are on offer depending on the term. Sports such as tennis and cross country take place all year round. Our vast grounds, many fields and indoor centre ensure that sport takes place all year round regardless of the weather.  

Junior sports practice is held on a Monday and Wednesday from 14h15 to 15h30 (Under 9 – Under 11) Senior sports practice (Under 12 and Under 13) is held on a Tuesday and Thursday from 14h15 to 15h30.  

Cultural activities include Drama, Marimbas, Choir and Chess, with Choir taking part before school and Marimbas, Drama and Chess being available on non-sport afternoons.

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Nurturing Potential,
Guiding Futures.

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