Private Pre-Primary for Boys in Pietermaritzburg
Welcome to Scrummies - Where Learning and Imagination Begin
At our Pre-Primary School in Pietermaritzburg, boys as young as three begin their learning adventure.
We believe learning at this age should not be rushed. Our boys thrive when they have the freedom to play, explore, and bring their imaginations to life every day. On warm days, they dive into their very own 1m-deep swimming pool, building water confidence. Drama and music ignite creativity and imagination, while our strong Christian foundations nurture character, kindness, and lasting values.
This is an extraordinary place where our boys love their teachers and their school so much that parents often struggle to get them to leave at the end of the day.
HAPPY, CONFIDENT BOYS LEARN BETTER AT SCRUMMIES
In Grade 000, boys begin learning pre-reading and pre-writing skills through fun, hands-on activities. These skills grow stronger in Grade 0 as their curiosity and confidence develop.
We build a solid foundation in numeracy by encouraging boys to explore and understand numbers through practical, concrete activities. Our Maths approach follows the world-renowned Singapore Maths programme, ensuring every boy gains both confidence and competence in problem-solving.
Our teachers also focus closely on social and emotional growth. Through daily observation and gentle guidance, they help boys learn empathy, cooperation, and emotional control.
PLAY, LEARN AND EXPLORE: OUR FACILITIES
Our Pre-Primary School in Pietermaritzburg offers exceptional facilities where boys can play, explore, and learn in a safe, stimulating environment.
Outdoor play is an essential part of our Scrummies programme. Sunny grass patches and shaded areas under mature trees set the scene for countless garden adventures. Our observant teachers guide boys in developing social skills and confidence throughout their play.
Our Pre-Primary Natural Playpark has been a huge hit. Boys love rolling, running, sliding, zipping, and biking to their hearts’ content. They dig, build forts, create campfires, and invent a new adventure every day. This magnificent playscape adds enormous developmental value to our playground, making learning through play a true joy.
As Lara Wells, a former HOD of Scrummies, said: “Happy children learn optimally.” Our boys certainly thrive in this happy, inspiring environment.
While our Pre-Primary School offers everything boys need to learn and grow, teachers regularly use the extended facilities across the St Charles College campus. On the school’s 35-hectare grounds, boys explore fields, walking paths, logs, and rocks. They also enjoy access to the Chapel, library, courts, astro and other playing surfaces, enriching their learning and play experiences every day.
IMAGINATION IN SPORT
While many parents and boys dream of sporting success on the international stage, research shows that introducing formal skills too early can limit imagination. At Scrummies, we begin with movement skills that naturally develop into sporting abilities later.
These skills are carefully coached through Playball lessons, which form part of the weekly school day. Our Grade 0 boys also explore a variety of sporting codes throughout the year, introduced in a fun, age-appropriate way.
Our Pre-Primary School boys build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of sport.
AFTER CARE AND HOLIDAY CLUB
At Scrummies, we offer convenient, caring after-care for our boys from Monday to Friday until 5pm. Within our secure facility, teachers and assistants provide close supervision, ensuring every boy feels safe and supported after class. Access to the Pre-Primary area is carefully controlled, and parents personally collect their children at the end of the day.
During school holidays, our holiday care camps make life easier for working parents while giving boys more time to play, explore, and enjoy creative activities with friends.