- Ages 12–13
- 7 subjects
- STEAM design
Build the Brain. Prepare for International GCSE.
If International GCSE already feels daunting, Priming is where the pressure comes off. These aren’t the exam years yet. They’re the years your child learns how to think, how to learn and how to become a capable student.
In real life, subjects aren’t separate.
Real life rarely fits neatly into one subject at a time — maths, science, language and creativity often work together.
Inspired by the Finnish approach, every Priming term begins with a real challenge that brings subjects together. Children see how ideas connect and build on one another.
Because connected learning makes more sense — and what makes sense is easier to remember.
Everything a strong start needs.
Every part of Priming is built around one simple idea: children learn best when they’re curious, when they discover for themselves, and when learning connects. Here’s what that looks like in practice — and what it means for your family.
A real mission every week
Each term centres on a real-world challenge where subjects work together to solve one meaningful mission — helping children see how ideas connect instead of learning them in isolation.
Hands-on, not hand-copied
Experiments, challenges and building projects come first, while written work stays purposeful. Children discover ideas by doing — making learning easier to understand and remember.
The thinking skills they’ll need later
Mind-mapping, question analysis, critical thinking and independent learning are built from the start — giving children the habits they’ll need to become capable, efficient students.
A gentle on-ramp to International GCSE
Keep the freedom of homeschooling while giving your child early, low-pressure exposure to how International GCSE works — so when high school arrives, it feels familiar rather than daunting.One mission. Making theory come alive.
Every subject, told as one story
Taught big-picture first, so your child sees how it all fits together.
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Maths
English
Languages
MIC
STEAM-designed throughout
Try eight subjects before you have to choose
Alongside the mission, every term opens the door to a whole new subject. Every one is a real International GCSE subject, sampled with no exams and no pressure — just enough to discover what it’s really about.
ICT
Business Studies
Computer Science
Geography
History
Economics
Religious Studies
Art & DesignEight bases. One mission to Mars.
Your child moves through eight real environments — each one teaching the skills the next base needs.
Eclectic Add-Ons
On joining Saintsburg, you unlock full access to the following top-tier learning platforms — ready to use at your family’s unique pace, with zero added pressure.
Children's e-library
- 8 000+ children’s e-books across many genres
- Web + mobile access
Second-language seedlings
- Immersive, beginner-level language acquisition
- Use informally — formal learning starts later
Choose Your Learning Path.
This course is available online with Live interactive lessons or in an Own-Paced format.
Live online
Live, interactive lessons Monday to Thursday, 8am-12pm — the academic core: English, Maths and a science each day. Your afternoons stay yours, for reading, reasoning and the softer subjects best done at home with you.
(MIC — entry-level Computer Science, Geography and History — runs as an own-paced extra.)
ENQUIRE ABOUT LIVE ONLINEClasses are placed by a person, so this one starts with a call.
On campus
In person, on the Saintsburg campus, with the same course and the same teachers. Places are limited and each one is held for the academic year.
ENQUIRE ABOUT CAMPUS ENROLMENTPlaces are limited and we like you to visit before you decide.
The mission to Mars is boarding.
Not sure which plan fits? Watch a sample lesson to see it in action, or talk to us and we’ll help you choose.
FAQ’s
Priming is a complete, brain-friendly homeschooling programme for children aged 12-13. You can choose to completely homeschool your child off-line at own pace or join live online classes where expert tutors will guide your child in subjects that may feel overwhelming to you.
Yes! Our programme is built on the content of the International GCSE. We do more than prepare them for this exam board. We build a solid foundation for you to move to any curriculum of your choice.
You’ll need a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, along with a reliable internet connection and an ink tank colour printer.
Yes! You’ll receive answer memos to help track your child’s learning. We can mark the work for you or you can use the memos we provide. You have access to a parent app where you can continuously keep track of your child’s progress.
The Canvas course awards children for effort put in and learning from their mistakes. Depending on your package, either our expert tutors will mark the work or you can mark using the memos provided.
No. The exam boards do not require a report or transcripts for your child to enrol for the international GCSE’s.
Yes, at an additional fee we can create an official report for you.
Lessons are delivered via the Canvas App and include detailed instructions, educational videos, fun quizzes and hands-on projects. Learners can upload project work to the Canvas App for record-keeping and feedback. Your child can progress at their own pace. We also offer weekly parent support every Friday at 9AM (South Africa time) to help you guide your child effectively.