Academics

	Our Academic Ethos Catering for boys from Grade RR through to Grade 7, Merchiston offers a modern and progressive syllabus. With an emphasis on the importance of hard work and commitment, our boys are encouraged to achieve their best. A child-centered, holistic approach to teaching and learning is encouraged, where individual differences are recognised and catered for. Self-discipline, a healthy work ethic and a love of learning are fostered. Our rich, broad and balanced education ensures our boys are achievers with the necessary acquired skills to compete in an ever-changing world. Your child's experiences at school are as important as those he has with his family and within his peer group. These experiences determine his future social, emotional and intellectual development, thus choosing the 'correct' school is the key.

The Junior Primary Department Merchiston places a strong emphasis on moral values that ensures a happy, caring and nurturing environment where each child is encouraged to develop to his full potential with dignity and pride. We offer a balanced program and encourage boys to be involved in all aspects of school life. Each boy is made to feel special and to understand that he has a worthwhile contribution to make to his school and to life in general. We, as Junior Primary Staff are aware of the importance of making education as much fun as possible. Some of the highlights of the Junior Primary Calendar include: Watching the Dusi Canoe Race, Many cricket, soccer and hockey matches enjoyed by our boys, including day/night events, our Junior Primary Choir, Mother's and Father's Day Assembly, Special Days held by each grade such as the Grade 2 "Pirate Day" and the Grade 1 "Hat Day" and "Cooking Day", Junior Primary Sports Day and Junior Primary Gala. The Junior Primary Section is run separately to the Senior Primary. We have our own Assembly every week and the boys have their own playground. We watch with great pride as our young "Merchie Mud Mice" (as the Junior Primary boys are fondly known) develop and mature into "Merchie Mud Rats", ready to take on whatever life may have in store for them.

		The Senior Primary Department Merchiston continues to build on the strong moral values that the Junior Primary Department has established. The boys are given every opportunity to grow and develop in a safe, nurturing environment, where the needs of the individual are recognized, at the same time developing their social skills to equip them for cooperative situations. The boys are thoroughly prepared for the many challenges that await them in High School. The curriculum is constantly upgraded to reflect the needs of society and also to integrate smoothly with the demands of the numerous High School that we feed. The boys are developed mentally, physically and socially though a child-centered, holistic approach to teaching and learning. We encourage self-discipline, a healthy work ethic and foster a love of learning. We instill the ethos and values that have been the hallmark of our Merchiston education for many years, so that our boys become familiar with the basic fundamentals necessary to become "Fine Young Gentlemen."

Support Services Merchiston offers a number of extra services to pupils to ensure that each boy develops to the best of his personal ability. These include Remedial Classes, Mastery Classes, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Counselling Services. For more details follow the Support Services link.