Starbound Reading

Launchpad · Grade RR and Grade R

A strong beginning for a lifelong reading journey.

Astro and Nova floating in space suits, reaching for a golden star

Launchpad is Starbound’s foundational early-literacy and phonics programme, designed primarily for Grade RR and Grade R.

Level 1 is intended for Grade RR children aged four turning five; Level 2 is intended for Grade R children aged five turning six.

Launchpad is presented in Afrikaans Home Language and English Home Language only, and is mapped against the CAPS Foundation Phase literacy outcomes for both.

It is the extra-mural that you didn’t know your child needed and is likely one that will have the biggest effect on their future academic success.

Enquire about Launchpad
WhatsApp8323 970 560 Emailaz.oc.gnidaerdnuobrats@olleh

How long is a session?

A 45–60 minute contact session per week, over 32 programme weeks.

45–60 minutes is the recommended session length, and it is what one-to-one and small-group sessions run for. At schools and aftercare centres, we adapt the programme activities to suit the timeslot the school or aftercare is able to give us. Either way, the programme is designed to stay playful, age-appropriate and engaging for younger learners. Quarterly assessments are built into the programme weeks.

Where is it presented?

At participating schools and aftercare centres, in small groups at Starbound’s Noordheuwel premises, or privately one-to-one.

Private sessions are presented in Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp.

Before you enrol

No assessment is required before standard enrolment.

School and aftercare cohorts generally begin together; Noordheuwel small-group enrolment may be more flexible. Contact Starbound to discuss the appropriate option and current availability.

Enquire about Launchpad
WhatsApp8323 970 560 Emailaz.oc.gnidaerdnuobrats@olleh

What a session feels like

Every session begins by revisiting previously learned sounds and then builds purposefully.

A different story, game or activity keeps the experience fresh. Children move, listen, speak, create, explore textures and colours, handle letters and practise emerging skills with direct educator guidance.

A fun surprise in every lesson

Every Launchpad lesson includes a fun surprise. Parents are required to indicate allergy, dietary and non-food surprise requirements during enrolment.

How learning continues

All core teaching happens in class. Parents may receive a simple optional activity after a session to reinforce learning at home without homework pressure. The programme complements the work already being done by the educators at the school.

Enquire about Launchpad
WhatsApp8323 970 560 Emailaz.oc.gnidaerdnuobrats@olleh

Ways to attend

  1. School or aftercare group 8–12 children

    Groups generally begin together at the start of the year.

  2. Noordheuwel small group 2–7 children

    Learners may join during the year, subject to placement and availability.

  3. Private Launchpad One learner

    One learner with one educator.

Enquire about Launchpad
WhatsApp8323 970 560 Emailaz.oc.gnidaerdnuobrats@olleh

Fees

Grade RR–R

Launchpad is one weekly lesson, ideally 45–60 minutes long. It can be taken in a small group in Noordheuwel, privately, or at a participating school or aftercare centre.

Group Launchpad in Noordheuwel

A small group of 2–7 children at the Starbound Reading Centre in Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp. Learners may join during the year, subject to placement and availability.

Registration R350 once off Non-refundable. Includes a Starbound T-shirt.
Monthly R365 per month February to November, plus the once-off registration fee.
Termly R912.50 per term Plus the once-off registration fee.
Standard annual tuition R4,000 first year R3,650 tuition plus the once-off R350 registration fee, paid monthly or termly.
Paid in one payment R3,650 first year Tuition drops to R3,300, plus the once-off R350 registration fee.

Private Launchpad

One learner with one educator: a 45–60 minute private session per week during the programme weeks.

Registration R350 once off Non-refundable. Includes a Starbound T-shirt.
Monthly R450 per month February to November.
Termly R1,125 per term A 45–60 minute private session per week during the programme weeks.

Launchpad at school or aftercare

Group Launchpad is also presented at participating schools and aftercare centres, in groups of 8–12 children. We make agreements with each school or aftercare centre based on its number of participating learners.

For schools

Schools and learning communities

Launchpad, presented on your site.

Preschools, schools and aftercare centres may offer Launchpad on site for groups of 8–12 children, with fees agreed with each school or aftercare centre based on its number of participating learners. Schools with more than 20 participating learners may request tailored volume pricing.

Smaller ECD centres, homeschool groups and study centres are also welcome to contact Starbound so that learner numbers, location and scheduling can be considered.

For schools and aftercare
Enquire about Launchpad
WhatsApp8323 970 560 Emailaz.oc.gnidaerdnuobrats@olleh