About
A small Christian school in the heart of Kokstad
JENS Primary School is a registered independent christian co-educational primary school following the CAPS curriculum. This part of our website is for our youngest learners, Grade R to Grade 2.
We follow the CAPS curriculum, which we treat as the bare minimum expected of our teachers. Our classes go beyond it wherever a child is ready.
Our story
JENS Primary School grew out of a simple wish: that young children in Kokstad should have a school that feels safe, warm and personal. Under the care of Mrs Mandy Chapman, the school has stayed deliberately small so that teachers know each child, and each family, properly.
Our classrooms are calm and unhurried. Children are greeted by name, routines are gentle and predictable, and effort matters more than perfection.
Our vision
“Happy hearts, bright minds, and big dreams!”
We want every child to feel safe, loved, and excited to learn. Our school is a place where little learners grow into confident, kind and curious explorers.
Our mission
“Learning through love, play, and discovery!”
- We make learning fun with play, songs and stories.
- We teach kindness, sharing and respect for others.
- We help every child grow in confidence and curiosity.
What JENS means
Jesus Equips, Nurtures and Saves.
Those four words describe how we hope to treat every child who walks through our gate: equipped for what is ahead, nurtured along the way, and held in God’s care. “Be the Sunshine” in action and attitude!
Our Christian ethos
Faith is part of the ordinary day here, not a separate subject. We pray together, speak about kindness and forgiveness, and try to live out Matthew 5:16 in small everyday ways.
Families of all backgrounds are warmly welcome, and our approach is gentle and age-appropriate.
An inclusive, child-centred approach
JENS Primary School is a mainstream school with an inclusive approach to learning. Our small classes allow teachers to get to know each child and offer individual guidance when needed. We welcome mainstream learners as well as children who may benefit from additional support in a smaller, nurturing classroom environment.
Our values
Kindness
We share, help and care for each other.
Respect
We listen and treat everyone with love.
Curiosity
We ask questions and love to explore.
Confidence
We try our best and never give up.
Friendship
We work and play together as a team.
Happiness
We smile, laugh and enjoy learning every day.
Honesty
We tell the truth.
Responsibility
We take care of our things and our school.
Courage
We try new things, even when they are hard.
Our school environment
Our grounds are small, green and easy for little ones to find their way around. There is space to run, a playground, a garden and a lemon tree that our classes love to work under.
We are at 164 Main Street, Kokstad, 4700.
Qualified and trusted staff
Our staff members are:
- SACE registered
- First-aid trained
- Cleared through the necessary police checks
- Cleared through Child Protection Register and Sexual Offenders Register checks
We are committed to providing learners with a safe, caring and supportive environment.
Membership and evaluation
We are accountable to bodies outside our own school, so that our standards are checked by people who do not work here.
Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa
JENS Primary School belongs to ISASA, the association that sets standards of good practice and governance for independent schools in Southern Africa.
Office of Independent Schools Evaluations Southern Africa
OISESA carries out independent, external evaluations of independent schools, so parents have an objective view of the quality of teaching and care.
Umalusi
The school as a whole has undergone the Umalusi checking process. As we do not have an exit grade (Grade 3, 6 or 9) on our premises, the accreditation granted applies specifically to our other campus.