ACADEMIC

 College is an academic institution with its main objective the rendering of world-class quality education to every learner of the school. The school maintains a holistic approach with the prime priority of providing each learner with the opportunity of developing his or her individual potential to the full.

In all phases, specialized attemtps are made to inspire and support each learner to perform to his or her best possible individual ability. Learners are offered the opportunity to attend study classes after school where learning takes place under the efficient supervision of qualified teachers. In cases where learners might experience difficulties in specific subjects, intervention is offered by the subject teachers.

Parents’ evenings are held on a  regurlar basis every term. Hereby parents are given the opportunity to communicate with class – and subject teachers individually. The objective of these meetings are to enable teachers and parents to establish a firm academic support system for each learner in our school.

PREPARATORY PHASE

In the Sandtrappertjie Preparatory Phase we aim at fostering a structured and loving environment. The  holistic approach to education ensures that the social, emotional as well as the intellectual development of each child is considered equally important.

Our learners are exposed to the full spectrum of perceptual skills needed for the transition to the formal learning environment at Hotazel College by qualified pre-primary and ECD-Educators.

Our programme is theme-related and consists of a combination of structured and free choice activities. Daily activities are carefully planned to teach age-appropriate concepts and skills and to involve every child. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning by using concrete equipment. A wide variety of quality perceptual and construction equipment is available to our learners in order to develop literacy, numeracy and life skills.

The programmes in the six classes differ to meet age and developmental differences. The younger groups have a greater variety of informal activities while the six-year-olds in the Grade R-classes are involved in a more structured programme focused on the development of skills necessary for confidence  in formal education. We carefully monitor potential learning problems and work closely with occupational therapists to provide assistance to learners who might be in of need support in specific developmental areas.

School Hours: 08:00 – 12:30.

Qualified and experienced teachers offer the following classes:

Grade R-Afrikaans class for 6-year-old learners.

Grade R-English class for 6-year-old learners.

Grade RR-Afrikaans class for 5-year-old learners.

Grade RR-English class for 5-year-old learners.

Grade RRR-Afrikaans class for 4-year-old learners.

Grade RRR-English class for 4-year-old-learners.

Basic music classes taught by a qualified and experienced music teacher form part of the well-balanced curriculum.

Parents’ Evenings are held at the end of each term. Our parents visit the classrooms for interviews with the teachers on their children’s progress and receive written progress reports.

All pupils participate in our annual concert which is usually greatly enjoyed by both parents, children, staff and members of the community.

FOUNDATION  PHASE

(Grade 1 – 3):

During this Phase the transition from informal to formal learning takes place. This is where the basis of a learner’s academic future is laid in order to ensure that he/she is equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to face challenges.  We attempt to keep classes small so that individual attention is possible.  Academic support is consequently given where necessary.  It is our first priority to ensure that each learner feels happy and safe.

INTERMEDIATE  PHASE

The Intermediate Phase is introduced in Grade 4 and continues up to Grade 6. This is the phase in which learners are prepared for the Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9).

In the Intermediate Phase the curriculum is extended from four to six subjects. Learners are introduced to subjects where they are expected to memorize learning material.

The National Curriculum Policy Statement requires that learners in this phase are subjected to formal assessment in the form of assessment tasks, tests and examinations. The assessment entails School Based Assessment (SBA) which carries a weighting of 75% of the final promotion mark as well as the writing of a formal, final examination with a weighting of 25% of the final promotion mark.

This phase offers a challenge to learners in the sense that they are introduced to various new curriculum requirements. Apart from the above mentioned assessment policy, learners are expected to physically change classes to take different subjects presented by different teachers. Many of the formal assessment tasks will therefore also be completed during class time under controlled circumstances supervised by the specific subject teacher.

Subjects rendered are the following: Afrikaans Huistaal, English Home Language, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, Social Sciences and Life Skills: Creative Arts; Physical Education; Personal and Social Well-being.

Hotazel College has to its disposal a well-equipped computer room where formal lessons in Computer Literacy as well as in Computer Supported Reading (Readers are Leaders) and Mathematics (CAMI) are given once a week.

SENIOR PHASE

Senior Phase: Grades 7 to 9

The Senior Phase (Grades 7 to 9) straddles both the primary school and the high school. In this phase, learners are consolidating what they have learned in earlier grades, and are preparing for further education and the world of work.

In this phase learners are subjected to School Based Assessment (SBA) which takes place continuously throughout the term in the form of formal tests and assignments. Marks obtained in the SBA make up 75% of the final promotion mark and the formal end of year examinations make up 25% of this mark.

FET PHASE

The Further Education and Training Phase (FET)

This phase of schooling consists of Grades 10 to 12, with Grade 12 being the last year of formal schooling. The FET Curriculum provides access to higher education and facilitates the transition from schools to the workplace. It is primarily an academic curriculum and it strives to empower learners with 21st century skills.

At the FET level, languages are offered on Home and First Additional (FAL) levels. The subjects are organized into learning fields, which are linked to careers or occupational levels.