HAMILTON PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Children in Ladysmith

Hamilton is an Independent school that caters for children from pre-primary to Grade 7.

We hold the values of integrity and excellence at our core. We encourage our children to care for one another, putting others ahead of themselves. Good manners, hard work and perseverance are encouraged in all aspects of school life. To provide a safe, loving environment for children to strive to reach their potential and to raise a generation of well educated, well rounded children, with sound Christian values, who will be well equipped to face the challenges of life. The establishment of the school was driven by a group of Ladysmith parents and business people who recognised the value of a small town upbringing, whilst simultaneously striving for excellence in education within their own community, without having to send their children to boarding or private schools elsewhere. The school is currently operating close to full capacity with learners of various races, cultures, religions, home languages, nationalities, denominations and backgrounds. We are a co-educational school, where the language of learning is English. The school is committed to an holistic approach to education in an environment conducive to the development of each child’s spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential. The Academic Curriculum: Well qualified and experienced teachers implement a holistic, well-balanced and relevant curriculum based on the National CAPs Curriculum. Hamilton is the only ISASA School in Ladysmith and surrounds and a participant in the ieb’s Primary Schools Initiative We are also a member of Thinking Schools South Africa a group of schools that strive to make thinking explicit and visible and we use the Thinking Maps as our primary tool. We also aim to reach each child whether they are left or right brained and no matter their learning preference (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic or tactile.) To this end, all pupils and the teachers have their brain profiles and learning preferences tested and teaching takes on a multi-sensory approach. Our small classes and low teacher/pupil ratios, which are critical to individual growth, allow pupils of varying abilities to be catered for. Personal and Social Development: Whilst encouraging the development of the individual, Hamilton pupils are encouraged to participate in team sports, cultural activities and clubs aimed at broadening their horizons and developing critically important social skills. Central to Hamilton’s philosophy is the understanding that children need to be made aware, in an appropriate manner, of their responsibilities: to others, to school, to family and to the society which they will grow to serve. Consequently, pupils will be encouraged to participate in age-appropriate outreach programs. Cultural Awareness: In keeping with Hamilton’s approach to Holism in education, the curriculum includes Art, Music and Speech & Drama, including annual concert productions and a Speech and Drama Festival. In addition, we allow for day trips and excursions to take advantage of the rich diversity of experiences available around Ladysmith, including visits to local factories and farms, as well as natural areas, Battlefields routes, Ladysmith Museum, Spioenkop Dam, etc.