HIGH SCHOOL
This learning ecosystem for teenagers has been designed to enable teenagers to master themselves - Who am I? Why am I here? What do I want to achieve with my life? What are the skills I need to develop in order to do that? Our focus at this school is to catalyze thinking and processes that support each teenager to answer these questions, as well as to develop the skills and capacities necessary to thrive as capable adults in the Twenty First Century.
This ecosystem is designed for children aged 13-17. When students reach the age of 17 they will be supported to obtain a school leaving certificate if this is their choice, or alternatively they will be mentored to choose what to do next in their lives, whether this is starting their own business, finding an apprenticeship, studying further, getting a job, or any other route they might choose as a next step after school.
LEARNING PILLARS
Our high school ecosystem comprises of seven learning areas. Each of these areas is facilitated by a suitably qualified and highly experienced adult.
Students will have an opportunity to train to take their GED certificate as their leaving school certificate. This will not be mandatory and will be chosen by the student. We are confident that children who have participated in our ecosystem for four years will be in an excellent position to know what they choose next in their lives, and we will support and enable whatever that choice is in the best way that we can. This could include further studies, apprenticeships, support in undertaking an entrepreneurial venture, or job-seeking of a more traditional nature.
LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, SOCIAL STUDIES (HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY), GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, PHILOSOPHY
This learning area draws from a wide range of texts, with broad focus on the above topics, which classes consider and discuss. These sessions include reading aloud, written components as well as research, verbal presentations, discussions and debates. The purpose of these sessions is to expose learners to a richer understanding of their world, as well as how to think and reason effectively, how to write and speak effectively, how to understand different points of view and philosophies, how subjects connect to each other, and how the world works from a social perspective.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
This learning area focuses on supporting learners to know and understand themselves and their peers, families and community better. These sessions include focus on developing good social and emotional skills, conflict resolution, creative thinking, goal setting, self-management techniques, personality profiling, learning styles, career counselling, etcetera. Our motto is: KNOW HOW TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF.
CREATIVE ARTS AND MUSIC
This learning area supports learners in the development of their artistic or musical interests. We offer art and crafting lessons with a skilled facilitator and will endeavour to find appropriate mentors for each child depending on their chosen focus
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TIME IN NATURE
MATHS, SCIENCE, BIOLOGY, ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY
This learning area focuses on mathematical and scientific concepts, application and experimentation, as well as creativity. We use the scientific method of inquiry to explore a wide range of topics. The purpose of these sessions is to support learners to understand the role of observation, numbers, formulae and experimentation in observing, measuring and understanding their world better. These sessions include both theory and practical observation, application and experimentation, as well as a lot of scientific play.
PRACTICAL SKILLS
This learning area supports learners in undertaking a wide range of practical projects and activities, including, but not limited to: cooking, gardening, woodwork, farming, sewing, building, building maintenance, mechanics, technology, crafting, driving, shooting, metalwork, etcetera. Part of this module includes project planning, scoping and implementation, project management skills and tools, practical problem solving, the use of online resources, entrepreneurship, etc. Our motto here is: FAIL OFTEN TO SUCCEED SOONER.
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CONSCIOUSNESS EXPANSION
This learning area focuses on supporting learners to expand their consciousness and self-awareness through the application of body and mind-expanding techniques like yoga, meditation, breathwork, qi gong, martial arts, and practices to improve self-discipline, etc.
This learning area is about learners being present in their physical bodies and spending time outside. Activities include gardening, hiking, time in nature and sport. The purpose of this learning area is to support learners to develop their fitness, physical self-mastery, grounding and connection to nature.
