Our Story
Pandora Nursery School was started in 1946 by parents on the Bluff who needed day care during the Second World War, while women filled jobs at the harbour, railways and factories. It has always been community based, and parents have formed the management committee. The Principal is employed by the School Governing Body as Manager of the School, which has always run on a not-for-profit basis for the benefit of the children.
1946
Started by Bluff parents as a nursery school.
1970s
Recognised as a nursery school and subsidised as a Pre-Primary School.
Over the years
Grades added year by year, up to Grade 6.
Today
A registered private, community-based Primary School with a Pre-Primary and Day-Care Centre for working parents.
Our Approach
Pandora: a “Listening School”
Pandora is an inclusive school of innovation and research. Educators and learners follow an enquiry-based way of teaching and learning. Children and staff from different cultural, economic and racial backgrounds learn together as equals, building deeper respect for difference and for diversity of thought.
We follow the Reggio Emilia philosophy alongside the South African curriculum: CAPS, and the national framework for 0 to 4 year olds. The approach began in Reggio Emilia, Italy, where teachers and parents built a new way of learning for children after the Second World War. It involves the whole community, not just the school.
Education as a meeting ground where freedom, democracy, and solidarity are practised and the value of peace is promoted
Children as researchers: Each child is seen as strong, capable and curious, with unique abilities that lead to life-long learning. Children explore through enquiry and work together.
Teachers who listen: Teachers and children learn from each other. Teachers try to understand each child’s viewpoint, guiding and facilitating.
Learning made visible: Notes, photos, videos and diagrams document children’s learning, so parents and the community can see it too.
“The space itself is the third teacher.”
- Dr. Saneka