Preparation For Formal Assessments

The Grade 4 - 6 formal assessment period for the fourth quarter will take place from 6 November to 14 November 2025.  

Teachers have carefully planned the next few weeks to include regular revision in class, focusing on key concepts and skills.

To further assist your child in preparation for assessments at home, teachers have shared a suggested revision timetable, consolidation activities and sample assessment-style questions and memorandums.

Please see the formal assessment schedule for each grade below.

Absenteeism During Exams and Formal Assessments

Kindly note that the only valid reasons endorsed by the Education Department are as follows:

Learners may only miss an assessment (examination) supported by documentary evidence, for the following reasons:

1. Illness (a valid medical doctor’s certificate required)

2. Family bereavement (letter required)

3.Representing the country or province in a sporting or cultural event (official letter required)

Should a learner miss a formal assessment due to illness, please share the doctor's certificate with the class teacher.  The learner will write the assessment when he/she returns to school, as arranged with the teacher.

Should a learner need to miss a formal assessment for any other reason, please send an email to the Head of Academics, Miss Drawbridge requesting permission.

Weightings on Reports

The percentages that appear on the Grade 4 – 6 reports under the Summer, Autumn and Winter columns are derived from the assessments conducted in the first three quarters of the year and the average percentage is calculated each quarter.  Therefore, the percentage displayed for each subject under the Winter column is an average of the percentages from Quarter 1, 2 and 3 and carries a weighting of 80% of the final progression mark.

The percentage that appears under the Spring column for each subject is derived from the assessments conducted in Quarter 4 only and carries a weighting of 20% of the final progression mark. 

The final progression mark, which determines if a learner proceeds to the next grade, appears under the Final column on the report. For a learner to progress to the next grade they must obtain a minimum of 50% for English and a minimum of 40% for all other subjects.

Here is a reminder of a few tips to support your child at home in preparation for the formal assessments:

• Set up a quiet, organised study space – ensure your child has a calm, well-lit area free from distractions such as television or phones to revise or complete work.

• Set a routine – encourage your child to revise each day in short, focused sessions (about 30 minutes) with short breaks in between.

• Review work regularly – go over previously learnt notes and key concepts a little each day.

• Stay positive and motivated – praise efforts and remind them that every bit of revision helps build confidence.

Class Placements 2026 (from our Parent Learner Directory)

We remind parents that it is impossible for the school to accommodate all class requests, approximately 50 different requests in each grade, and it would be unfair to allow some parents to make requests and not others. 

An example of these requests would be:

Bonke's mom has asked for him to be with his best friend Mark, however, Mark's mom has asked that they are not placed together. Mark's mom would like him with Riaz and Kishen, however, Kishen's mom would like him to be with Bonke and not Mark. Riaz wrote on his friendship slip that he would like to be with Bonke, however, Riaz's mother does not want him with Bonke or Mark.

Should a parent make a request for placement as shown in the above example, we may need to share the request with another parent in order to avoid parent conflict with the teacher. 

With this in mind, we ask that you trust the teachers’ ability to place your child in the most suitable class. Class placements are a mammoth task and many hours are spent deliberating over the most suitable combinations for the learners.

We trust that you will support our decision, as it is based on our professional evaluation of each learner within their learning environment. We promise to do our very best to ensure each child is placed in a class in which they will thrive.

NEWS

Geography 🌍

In Geography, we continued exploring the fascinating topic of Population: Why do people live where they do? Learners discovered how factors such as climate, job opportunities and access to resources influence where people choose to live. From bustling cities to peaceful rural areas, they learned how geography shapes daily life and how people adapt to their environments. 🗺️

Through lively discussions and visual maps, the Grade 6s gained a deeper appreciation for how the world’s population is distributed and how interconnected our global communities truly are. 🌏

We are incredibly proud of how our Grade 6 learners have approached this busy week with such focus, curiosity and enthusiasm. Their hard work and positive attitudes are setting the stage for a strong and successful term ahead. 🌟

Technology

This week, our Grade 6 learners travelled through time as they explored the exciting concept of Retrofuturism - imagining the future as people in the past once did!

After learning how retrofuturistic art combines vintage style with futuristic ideas, learners used their Technology skills to design their own retrofuturistic creations. Using tools like Canva and Tinkercad, they imagined flying cars, space cities, and futuristic fashion inspired by the 1960s–80s.

Through this project, learners practised digital design and creative thinking, discovering how imagination and technology work hand in hand. The classroom buzzed with excitement as they shared their unique artworks.

Grade 4

Our Grade 4 learners have had an exciting few weeks filled with hands-on learning, creativity, and curiosity! They’ve been connecting ideas across different subjects, from Maths to Afrikaans to Geography, and showing how learning can be both fun and meaningful. 🌟

Mathematics:

In Maths, our learners explored the concepts of area and perimeter in a truly interactive way. Using wool and chopsticks, they built their own unique shapes and worked out the perimeter by measuring each side. Then, with the help of Geoboard, they investigated area by counting squares and comparing different shapes. This hands-on approach helped them understand how area and perimeter work together and made geometry come alive through creativity and teamwork! ✨📏

Geography:

Our Geography lessons have focused on one of the most important resources in South Africa - water. Learners explored where our water comes from, how it is stored, and the many ways we use it every day. They also discussed why saving water is so important and how small actions can make a big difference. From rivers and dams to household taps, our Grade 4s are becoming thoughtful, eco-conscious citizens who understand the value of every drop. 🌍🚰

It’s been an inspiring learning journey filled with discovery, creativity, and real-world connections. We’re so proud of our Grade 4 learners for their enthusiasm and hard work! 🌈👏

Afrikaans:

In Afrikaans, learners combined language and technology by designing hul eie uitnodigings (their own invitations) on their iPads. They practised vocabulary, sentence structure, and creativity while learning to express themselves digitally. It was wonderful to see how each learner’s personality shone through their designs.

Mathletics Certificates and Diamond Trophies

Save the Dates

Diarise our two awards events at the end of the year. Parents of children receiving awards at the Sport, Culture and Technology awards will be notified in November. Every Senior Preparatory child will receive a certificate at our Growing Minds Celebration on 3 December at 08h30. Parents are welcome to take their child home after these events. 

ROBOTICS

FLL Challenge Team Shines at Regional Event!

Our FLL Challenge team participated in their first-ever FIRST LEGO League regional event last weekend — and what an incredible debut it was!

As a rookie team, they did exceptionally well and received fantastic feedback from the judges, especially for their Innovation Project. The learners designed and created an app to help archaeologists match pieces of artifacts found at one dig site with potential matches discovered at another. They coded the app entirely on their own, developed creative poster boards, and took part enthusiastically in the robot challenge games. It was a lively, music-filled event where our team had the opportunity to meet other teams, see inspiring innovation projects, and cheer on fellow participants. We are immensely proud of their teamwork, creativity, and dedication — a brilliant start to their FLL journey!

SPORT 

PE and Swimming

From next week, please remember to pack in your swimming costume and come dressed in your PE attire. We’ll play it by ear on the day - if the sun is out and the weather’s warm, we’ll dive right into the pool for a refreshing PE session!

If it’s a little gloomy, don’t worry - we’ll keep the learners active and engaged on land instead. Either way, it’s going to be an exciting part of our summer PE programme! 

Please take note that although coaches guide and support learners during swimming in Physical Education lessons, we are not a Learn to Swim School and for their own safety it is critical that learners are water safe and able to swim.  Please liaise with the coaches if you need contact details for LEARN TO SWIM schools for your child to attend.

Week that was...

It’s been another action-packed week of summer sport at Parklands College Senior Prep! Our learners continue to impress with their teamwork, spirit, and sportsmanship across all codes.

🥎 Softball
Our U11 and U12 teams faced strong opposition this week, showing determination throughout their games. While results didn’t go our way, the effort and enthusiasm from both teams were fantastic to see.  Players of the Match are Alyssa and Imogen.

🏏 Cricket
Our U10 team remains unbeaten, securing another dominant win - this time by 98 runs! Player of the Match goes to Blake, who scored 32 runs and took a wicket - a brilliant all-round performance.

The U11s also celebrated a solid victory against CBC, showcasing excellent batting depth and tight fielding. Player of the Match goes to Taylor.
Our U12s faced a tough battle against Table View, falling short by 32 runs, but Ross shone with a strong performance, earning Player of the Match.

🎾 Tennis
Our U12 team displayed great composure and focus in their match against Parklands College Secondary, claiming a 5–1 victory. Nina was outstanding on the court and deservedly named Player of the Match.

What a week of learning, growth, and sporting excitement! Well done to all our Senior Prep athletes for giving their best and representing Parklands College with pride.

Sport Quick Links

Quick Links

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

Here are some important dates for this quarter:

We wish the following staff a Happy Birthday for next week

• Monday 27 October:  Nadine Marais-Swart

• Wednesday 29 October: Sivenathi Ngaba

• Sunday 2 November: Tayla Blewitt

Have a wonderful weekend,

Paul Mayers

Senior Preparatory Principal

pmayers@parklands.co.za 

Follow us on:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParklandsTweet

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Links to other faculty blogs:

Pre-Primary Faculty: https://ppblog.parklands.co.za

Junior Preparatory Faculty: https://jpblog.parklands.co.za 

Secondary Faculty: https://secblog.parklands.co.za