Ages and Stages: How Children Adjust to Life and Education | News | GIS
August 23, 2019
As a private school in Botswana that offers creche
, junior
and senior primary
schooling, we’ve got a higher understanding of each child’s needs at every stage of their development. With qualified and passionate educators throughout our school, every pupil gets the attention they require for success and a brighter future.
Our reputation as a leading private school in Botswana has enabled us to contribute to the academic successes of many who pass through the doors of our classrooms. We’ve also come to form some strong relationships with these children and their parents, something that we believe truly sets us apart. Sharing information with the parents of our pupils is one of the ways we can ensure that they’re involved in their child’s development every step of the way. Here’s how your child adjusts to each stage of life and what you can do to help them along the way.
Two years of age
Our full-day creche is perfect for children as young as two years old. At this age, they are curious but also fearful and quite sensitive to separation from parents and their home environments. This means that routine is crucial for getting them settled. Although quite prone to separation anxiety at this stage of development, they need to discover their world. This means learning, playing and exploring. As a result, going to school is ideal for helping your child flourish and pave a sound foundation for their education.
Between the ages of three and five
This is also known as the busy period where your child learns to cut, draw, sing and express themselves. At school, they will be learning about numbers, letters, shapes and directions. This means that you should be reiterating these at home to make sure your child remembers them. There are also a lot of questions asked at this stage as your little one attempts to reason with the workings of the world. You should encourage this curiosity and answer questions to the best of your ability and in a way that they will understand.
Although you might want to push learning activities at home, make sure you give your child ample time to play. At this age, they learn a great deal from playing. Reinforce things that your child does well in order to boost their self-esteem.
From six to eight
Your child has now started junior school and your baby has blossomed overnight. At this stage, they’re navigating homework, breaktimes and social relationships with their friends. They will have good, bad and even frustrating days. Some might be eager to go to school each day, whilst others are certainly more overwhelmed. Although “big school” can seem like a scary prospect, a good routine is a fantastic way to make the transition easier. Help your child get ready for the next day the night before and try and foster a healthy mindset to things like homework and extra murals. Be consistent with discipline at this stage so that you can set the tone for how they ought to behave.
Nine to eleven
As they approach senior school level, children at this age walk the line between being little and rather mature. Some might even be starting puberty which is of course accompanied by lots of changes. At this age, children are able to think in a logical way and might enjoy tasks that incorporate some sort of responsibility. Parents should attempt to give them manageable tasks that hone their understanding of what it means to be responsible. Things like chores or caring for a pet or plant are a good starting point. Communication at this stage is key, particularly when things like puberty begin. Try and make sure the lines of communication are healthy and open ones so that your child is more likely to reach out to you if need be.
Twelve and thirteen
When your child becomes a teenager, you’ll be dealing with a different person from day to day. As they go through puberty and become more independent, they find their voice and form very strong opinions. Your child needs to know that they have your support, which means communicating and encouraging them at every crossroad. There might even be a girlfriend or boyfriend at this stage so be prepared.
Supporting your child every step of the way
At Gaborone International School, a team of
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At GIS, learning goes beyond textbooks—it shapes the whole child. Clubs and co-curricular activities play a vital role in developing confident, curious, and capable students. Few are as transformative as the Debate Club, which equips learners with essential life skills while offering a space for personal growth and discovery. Debate Club gives students powerful exposure to diverse perspectives. Whether working with peers across year groups or engaging with students from other schools, these moments build empathy, adaptability, and communication skills—qualities that serve them long after school. But debate is about more than arguing opposing views. It’s a rigorous yet supportive environment where students learn to think on their feet, research thoroughly, and communicate with clarity. For many, it begins with hesitation. That’s why our club introduces new members through informal discussions and mock debates. These non-competitive sessions provide a safe space to learn structure, build confidence, and grow at their own pace. The first real test came at Maru-a-Pula School. Though they didn’t win, the experience was formative. Students learned how to source information properly, evaluate claims critically, and present arguments grounded in logic and evidence. They also strengthened their media literacy—developing the discernment to separate fact from misinformation in today’s digital world. These habits extend beyond debating. In the classroom and beyond, students become more intentional, articulate, and resilient. They learn to present clearly, listen actively, and stay composed under pressure. This confidence isn’t built overnight—but the Debate Club lays the foundation. Importantly, they also learned to lose well. Just a week after their initial loss, the team competed again—this time at Westwood International School. The challenge: present a business proposal to a panel of judges. Drawing on everything they had learned, the team walked away with a well-deserved win: Best Speaker in the Business Pitch category, and 1st Place overall . But more valuable than the trophy was what the moment represented—growth, teamwork, and resilience in action. What Our Debaters Say “Debate at GIS is about more than just public speaking,” says Nicole Cole, a Form 3 learner. “It helps you become more confident, informed, and ready to lead. Whether you're debating in class or on stage, you learn to think critically, express ideas clearly, and listen respectfully. It’s an experience that stays with you.” Club captain and Best Speaker winner Neelo Tshimologo, also in Form 3, shares: “I didn’t start debate with confidence. It built over time—through mistakes, learning, and just showing up. Now, I speak in class without overthinking. I contribute in group work. I work better with people, even adults. Debate taught me to listen properly, not just wait to speak. That’s helped in real life too. Even my writing improved. I now build strong arguments, use evidence correctly, and my teachers have noticed the difference—especially in English and History. Honestly, debate didn’t just teach me how to argue—it helped me communicate, stay calm, and show up with confidence, even when I felt unsure.” Thanks to the support of highly qualified staff and the commitment of students, Debate Club continues to grow in numbers and impact. It’s one of many ways GIS enriches learning beyond the classroom—bridging academic content from the Cambridge curriculum with real-world application. As part of the ADvTECH group, GIS students benefit from world-class opportunities in a multicultural, well-resourced environment. Clubs like Debate reflect our commitment to developing confident, articulate leaders—ready to succeed anywhere. Students who step into Debate Club may start unsure—but they leave empowered.
Starting Standard 1 is a big leap for young learners. At Gaborone International School, we understand just how significant this transition is, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Over the years, we’ve walked this journey with hundreds of young learners, and while each child is wonderfully unique, there are a few signs we look for that suggest a child is ready to step confidently into Standard 1. While each child develops at their own pace, there are several common signs that suggest your child is ready to take on this exciting new chapter. Here are some helpful indicators: Follows Simple Instructions Your child can listen to and follow 2–3 step directions, such as “Put your shoes away, wash your hands, and come to the table.” Works Independently for Short Periods They can focus on a task like colouring, building, or simple writing for at least 10–15 minutes without constant help. Expresses Needs Clearly Your child can use words to express when they are hungry, need the bathroom, feel upset, or have a question. Plays and Cooperates with Others They can take turns, share, and interact respectfully with other children in a group setting. Manages Basic Self-Care They can handle simple personal tasks like washing hands, packing a bag, or tidying up after an activity. Shows Curiosity and Interest in Learning Your child asks questions about the world, enjoys listening to stories, and shows interest in letters, numbers, or new experiences. Recognizes Some Letters and Numbers While full literacy isn’t expected yet, your child should be familiar with the alphabet and numbers 1–10. Identifies and Regulates Basic Emotions They are learning to name feelings like “sad” or “frustrated” and are beginning to calm themselves with adult guidance. Follows a Routine Your child is used to structured parts of the day like waking up, eating meals, and going to bed at regular times. Feels Comfortable in Group Settings Whether it’s a family gathering, Sunday school, or pre-school class, they can function in environments with multiple children and adults. At GIS, we know that no child needs to “tick every box” to be ready. What matters most is their growing confidence, curiosity, and willingness to learn. Are you unsure or have some questions about your child’s transition into Standard 1? I’d love to meet with you in person, hear more about your child, and help guide you through this important stage. Book a coffee chat with me at GIS — together, we’ll ensure your child’s next step is the right one. I look forward to connecting with you! — Lisedi Phuti, Primary School Principal
Understanding the System, Its Structure, and Global Value When parents consider their child’s future, they naturally want an education that unlocks opportunity and builds confidence. The Cambridge International curriculum does exactly that—offering more than a qualification. It offers aspiration, access, and academic excellence. A Global Standard for Ambitious Learners Cambridge is one of the most recognised and respected international education systems in the world. Offered in over 160 countries, it’s a curriculum trusted by top universities and employers across the globe. Whether your child wants to study in South Africa, Canada, the UK, or beyond, Cambridge provides a qualification that travels well. At its heart, it’s not just about where learners can go, but who they become along the way—resilient, culturally aware, and confident young adults. A Structured Pathway, A Flexible Future The Cambridge curriculum supports students from early secondary through to school-leaving level: Cambridge Lower Secondary prepares students with strong foundations. IGCSE develops subject mastery, critical thinking, and choice. AS and A Levels deepen academic strength and university readiness. What sets Cambridge apart is that it provides structure without being rigid. Schools can personalise delivery to reflect local relevance and learner needs, while still maintaining international benchmarks. More Than a Syllabus—A Skillset Cambridge places an emphasis on what students can do with what they know. Learners are encouraged to: Analyse and evaluate Think independently Communicate effectively Solve real-world problems This goes far beyond exam preparation. It cultivates learners who are emotionally and intellectually ready for the demands of university, the workplace, and society. Assessments That Develop, Not Diminish Rather than rewarding rote memorisation, Cambridge assessments are designed to reflect understanding, application, and insight. This aligns with GIS’s values of empowering learners and nurturing excellence at every stage. Students are given the chance to shine through varied question types and rigorous, fair marking. Real-World Application: Exposure to Global Pathways To bring this international value to life, we complement the academic journey with real-time exposure to global opportunities. Recently, GIS welcomed representatives from the University of Pretoria , as well as Canadian university campuses , who engaged learners on everything from study visas and scholarships to adapting to student life abroad. These experiences help students envision the next step and equip families with practical tools for planning their academic futures. The Functional Edge of a Cambridge School The Cambridge system is most powerful when paired with strong pastoral care and a culture of excellence. GIS aligns this with: AI-driven academic support Dedicated pastoral care , including a full-time psychologist Multicultural, inclusive environments Highly qualified teachers World-class sporting and co-curricular opportunities Together, these create not only superior academic outcomes but also well-rounded, adaptable students who are ready to thrive. In Summary: Confidence in the Journey Ahead A Cambridge education doesn’t just aim high—it helps students get there. It blends global standards with local care, academic rigour with emotional support, and structure with opportunity. That’s why parents feel proud of their children’s qualifications, and students feel confident in their future success. Thomas Ramakgoakgoa Head of High School Gaborone International School