Grade 00 in South Africa is an educational term used to refer to a specific level of early childhood education. It is commonly known as “Grade RR,” Grade Reception Red. Grade 00 is considered the year before Grade R, the official first year of formal schooling in South Africa. Grade 00 is typically designed for children around four to five years old. It serves as a bridge between preschool and formal primary education. The main aim of Grade 00 is to prepare children for the more structured learning environment they will encounter in Grade R.

In Grade 00, the focus is on fostering children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The curriculum is carefully designed to promote play-based learning, creativity, and exploration. Children engage in various activities that develop their fine and gross motor skills, language and communication abilities, and early numeracy and literacy skills. They also learn basic life skills and develop social interactions with their peers and teachers.

WHY HEADSTART FOR YOUR CHILD’S GRADE 00 EDUCATION?

Grade 00 is not compulsory in South Africa but is widely recognized as an essential stage in a child’s educational journey. At Headstart Pre-Primary, Grade 00 is vital in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports children’s growth and development and building a foundation for grade R. We use age-appropriate teaching methods and strategies developed over 26 years to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and independence, all in a fun “play-play” way. Through structured activities, free play, and guided learning experiences, our children in Grade 00 gain the necessary skills and knowledge to progress smoothly into Grade R.