Our purpose is to educate for sustainability through community-integrated, entrepreneurial learning in a natural environment. We follow a learner-centered approach that meets each child where they are, aiming to inspire and equip young people to be green leaders.
Our learning programme considers WHAT we learn, HOW we learn and HOW we assess.
Ons doel is om vir volhoubaarheid te leer deur gemeenskapsgeïntegreerde, entrepreneuriese leer in ‘n natuurlike omgewing. Ons volg ‘n leeder-gesentreerde benadering wat elke leerder ontmoet waar hy/sy is, en poog om jong mense te inspireer en bemagtig om groen leiers te wees.
Ons leerprogram sluit in die WAT ons leer, HOE ons dit leer en HOE ons assesseer.
Learning through play: Ages 3 – 6
Our Kindy area is a warm, nurturing space for little ones, with lots of singing, dancing, art and getting dirty!
Our play-based program sparks children’s natural curiosity and instils the joy of learning through singing, dancing, art, story-telling, green studies, and excursions around our beautiful campus.
In the background, a carefully designed programme with specific milestones prompts learning activities and what we call “play invitations”. From the children’s point of view, they are having fun with friends and teachers all day long.
Leer deur speel: 3- tot 6-jariges
Ons Kindy area is ‘n verwelkomende, koesterende spasie vir klein mensies, met baie liedjies, dans, kuns en vuilword!
Ons spel-gebaseerde program wakker kinders se natuurlike nuuskierigheid aan en maak hulle lief vir leer deur sang, dans, kuns, stories, groen studies en uitstappies op ons pragtige kampus.
In die agtergrond is ‘n versigtig-uitgewerkte program met spesifieke mylpale waarvolgens ‘speel uitnodigings’ voorberei. Vanuit die kinders se oogpunt is hulle die heeldag besig om te speel en pret te hê met maatjies en onderwysers.
Nurture and inspire: Grade 1 – 5
Our Primary School is for a happy childhood. We consciously built in elements for children to thrive: movement, inspiration, outdoor and indoor learning time, time to connect on the carpet, time for conflict resolution, time to get dirty and be hands-on, time to shine with presentations to the entire community.
In the background, our programme meticulously develop core competencies in maths and literacy. Each child’s is carefully planned for, recorded, and reported on and celebrated.
Koester en inspireer: Graad 1 – 5
Ons Laerskool werk na gelukkige kinderjare. Ons bou doelbewus elemente in die program vir kinders om te floreer: beweging, inspirasie, binne- en buitenshuise leergeleenthede, tyd op die mat, tyd vir konflikhantering, tyd om vuil te word en projekte te bou, tyd om voor ‘n groot gehoor hulle werk te kan uitstal.
In die agtergrond ontwikkel ons leerprogram baie noukeurig kern vaardighede in wiskunde en tale. Elke kind se paadjie word beplan, gedokumenteer, op verslag gedoen, en gevier.
Grade 6 – 8
Middle School years are when children transition from childhood to adolescence, and our learning programme and pedagogy supports this crucial development stage. We balance a sense of play and wonder, social and emotional learning, and academic challenge. Learners discover themselves, their relationships, their strengths, their interests, their environment, and their world.
We introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in our thematic learning and grow awareness of our planet’s challenges and the interconnectedness of society, nature and economics.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM, SUBJECTS, ASSESSMENT AND TIMETABLE…
Graad 6 – 8
Die Middelskool jare is die oorbruggingstyd tussen kinderjare en tienerjare en ons leerprogram en pedagogie ondersteun hierdie belangrike onwikkelingstydperk. Ons balanseer die nodigheid van speel met sosiaal- en emosionele ontwikkeling asook akademiese uitdaging. Leerders ontdek hulleself, hulle verhoudings, hulle sterkpunte en belangstellings, hulle omgewing en hulle wêreld.
Ons stel die Verenigde Nasies se Volhoubare Ontwikkelingsdoelwitte bekend in ons tematiese leereenhede, en kweeek bewustheid van ons planeet se uitdagings en die interafhanklikheid van mens, natuur en ekonomie.
LEER MEER OOR ONS KURRIKULUM, VAKKE, ASSESSERING EN ROOSTER…
Grade 9 – 12
Our High School programme is a four-year learning programme designed in alignment with our Profile of a Graduate. Learners explore their identity, build a sense of agency for their learning and other endeavours, and develop skills, knowledge and awareness to thrive in their personal and professional lives. Our programme aims to establish a lifelong sustainability lens through which our learners view the world around them, a lens which empowers learners to play a role in making our world sustainable.
Green School learners graduate with an American High School Diploma that provides graduates with access tertiary studies, the world of work or entrepreneurial pursuits. Graduates from our sister school in Bali are attending universities around the world and working in inspiring organisations and places where they are finding personal fulfilment and professional success.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR CURRICULUM, SUBJECTS, ASSESSMENT AND TIMETABLE…
Graad 9 – 12
Ons hoërskoolprogram is ‘n vier-jaar leerprogram ontwerp om ons Profiel van ‘n Matrikulant uit te bou. Leerders onwikkel hulle identiteit en gevoel van eienaarskap, passies, belangstellings en vaardighede wat nodig is om in hulle persoonlike en professionele lewens te floreer. Ons program poog om ‘n lewenslange volhoubaarheidslens te vestig, waardeur ons leerders die wêreld waarneem, en wat hulle in staat stel om ‘n rol te speel om ons wêreld volhoubaar te maak.
Green School-leerders matrikuleer met ‘n Amerikaanse Hoërskool Diploma wat matrieks toegang gee tot tersiêre studies, werksgeleenthede en entrepreneuriese aspirasies. Ons susterskool in Bali se oudleerlinge loop vandag klas by universiteite oor die wêreld heen, werk by inspirerende organisasies en streef na opwindende doelwitte. Hulle behaal nie net persoonlike en akademiese sukses nie, maar maak beduidende bydrae tot die samelewing.
LEER MEER OOR ONS KURRIKULUM, VAKKE, ASSESSERING EN ROOSTER…
The WHAT of our learning programme consists of three overlapping, integral elements. It seeks to find a balance between the skills, values and discipline-based learning objectives that prepare learners for an ever-changing world. These three elements are central in all learning experiences with careful consideration of developmental level and readiness.
Die WAT van ons leerprogram between uit drie oorvleulende, geïntegreerde elemente. Die Green School leerprogram poog om ’n balans te vind tussen vaardighede, waardes en dissipline-gebaseerde leerdoelwitte wat leerders voorberei vir ’n immer-veranderende wêreld. Hierdie drie elemente is sentraal tot alle leerervaringe met deurdagte oorweging van leerders se ontwikkelingsvlak en gereedheid.
Green School’s learning programme follows a uniquely designed continuum of learning objectives that are designed to provide a foundation for learners to develop their knowledge and skills through challenging and integrated experiences that align with our REAL learning principles. Having a continuum of learning enables educators to plot each individual learner’s proficiency in a subject and support development from there. It also enables educators to both support learners who require additional support and extend gifted learners on the continuum. This helps prevent learners from being either overwhelmed or bored.
In addition to academic skills, our learning programme incorporates 21st century skills and a set of values that our community ascribes to.
Ons leerprogram volg ’n uniek ontwerpte kontinuum van leer wat ontwerp is om ’n basis daar te stel vanwaar leerders hul kennis en vaardighede ontwikkel deur uitdagende en geïntegreerde ondervindinge wat met ons REAL leerbeginsels belyn. Om ‘n kontinuum te hê stel onderwysers in staat om elke leerder se vaardigheidsvlak op die kontinuum te identifiseer en dan te verseker dat elke leerder vandaar vorder. Dit stel onderwysers ook in staat om die nodige ondersteuning vir leerders te verskaf wat dit benodig, maar ook vir begaafte kinders uitdagende werk op die kontinuum te gee. Dit help om te voorkom dat enige leerders of oorweldig, of verveeld is in die klas.
Bykomstig tot ons akademiese vaardighede, sluit ons leerprogram 21ste eeuse vaardighede in, asook ‘n stel waardes wat vir ons gemeenskap belangrik is.
In an ever-changing world, we cannot rely on only educating children with facts or existing knowledge. To meet the challenges of the future, learners need to develop the skills necessary to face these challenges and thrive in a changing world.
By nurturing ‘Green School Skills’ in our learners we prepare them for their journey as learners for the rest of their lives.
Our learning programme and each lesson plan includes a clear focus on one of more of our Green School Skills and our assessments review the extent to which each learner’s behaviour demonstrate skill level.
In ons veranderende wêreld kan ons nie nét vir leerders feite en huidige kennis leer nie. Om die uitdagings van die toekoms in die gesig te kan staar, moet leerders die vaardighede ontwikkel wat nodig is om dit aan te pak, maar ook om te floreer in ‘n veranderende wêreld.
Deur die Green School-vaardighede in ons leerders te ontwikkel, help ons hulle voorberei vir lewenslange leer.
Ons leerprogram en elke lesplan sluit ‘n duidelike fokus op een of meer van ons Green School-vaardighede in, en ons assesserings kyk tot watter mate elke leerder hierdie vaardighede ten toon stel.
Our learning programme also considers how we model and reflect on values. These Green School values are subscribed to by our community of learners, parents and educators and we include self-reflection on values in our learners’ learning journey.
Our values inform our thoughts, words and actions. They are important because they help us to know ourselves, grow and develop. Our decisions are a reflection of our values and beliefs. Strong values enable us to take responsibility for our learning, have a positive impact on our community, and to show care for our environment.
Ons leerprogram sluit ook waardes in wat ons uitleef as rolmodelle en op reflekteer. Die Green School-waardes is waardes waartot ons hele gemeenskap van leerders, ouers en opvoeders toestem, en ons sluit nabetragting op waardes in in ons assesseringsproses.
Ons waardes dryf ons gedagtes, woorde en aksies. Hulle is belangrik omdat hulle ons help om onsself te ken, te groei en ontwikkel. Ons besluite weerspieël ons waardes en oortuigings. Sterk waardes stel ons in staat om verantwoordelikheid te neem vir ons leerproses, om ’n positiewe impak op ons gemeenskap te hê en om te gee vir ons omgewing.
The pedagogical structure we use to support the curriculum above is the three frames of learning. This defines how we deliver the content of our courses in the classroom. This scaffold is designed to provide a consistent, relevant, well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience. The three frames of learning are:
Ons gebruik drie raamwerke in ons pedagogiese struktuur wat die kurrikulum ondersteun. Dit bepaal hoe ons inhoud in die klaskamers aanbied. Hierdie raamwerke is ontwerp om ’n konstante, relevante, afgeronde en omvattende leerervaring te bied. Die drie is:
Proficiencies = Practise: Where we practise and improve discrete intellectual competencies.
Thematics = Apply: When we can apply the skills we have been practising and developing through exciting and engaging thematics.
Experiential = Try: Where we can have-a-go at new, exciting, challenging and risky activities through hands-on, active experiences.
Vaardigheidsvlak = Oefen: hier oefen en verbeter ons diskrete intellektuele vaardighede.
Tematiese klasse = Toepas: hier pas ons die vaardighede toe wat ons geoefen en ontwikkel het deur opwindende interdissiplinêre temas te ondersoek.
Ondervindingsleer = Uitprobeer: Hier probeer ons iets nuuts en uitdagends met ‘hands-on’ aktiwiteite en projekte.
Our proficiency frame includes mathematics, science, English and Afrikaans. These subjects require a structured approach to ensure that each learner’s skills is systematically built. We have a carefully defined scope and sequence document for each of these subjects that has been benchmarked against international curricula and exceeds the requirements of the South African National Curriculum Statement.
This scope and sequence document guides what is taught for which grade, what precedes it and what are the next steps. For instance, grade 3 learners will learn about fractions to a certain complexity. But having the understanding that we use a continuum and not a fixed point where all learners must be on a specific day, we take each learner from where they are and assist in their progression. This means that in grade 3, some learners may still be busy cementing grade 2 concepts, and some may be extended to grade 4 concepts.
Our low learner: teacher ratio is critical to enable this individualistic approach.
Ons vaardigheidsvlak klasse is wiskunde, wetenskap, Afrikaans en Engels. Hierdie vakke vereis ‘n metodiese, gestruktureerde benadering om seker te maak dat elke leerder se kennis stelselmatig opgebou word. Ons het ‘n noukeurige uitgewerkte omvang en volgorde document vir elkeen van hierdie vakke wat getoets is teen internasionale kurrikulums en wat die vereistes van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nationale Kurrikulum oorskry.
Hierdie omvang en volgorde document sit uiteen wat in watter graad geleer word, maar ook wat voor en na ‘n spesifieke kompleksiteit kom. As ‘n voorbeeld, graad 3-leeders moet breuke leer tot ‘n sekere kompleksiteit. Maar omdat ons met die kontinuum van leer werk en nie ‘n vaste punt het waar alle leerders op ‘n gegewe dag moet wees nie, neem ons elke leerder van waar hy/sy is, en help lei hulle akademiese vordering. Dit beteken dat in graad 3, sommige leerders nog kan besig wees om graad 2 konsepte vas te lê, en ander reeds besig is met graad 4 konsepte.
Ons lae leerder: onderwyser ratio is krities om hierdie benadering moontlik te maak.
This frame is an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to learning where units are focused on a particular theme. Thematic units inspire learners through relevant concepts and real-world experiences. They provide opportunities to ask questions and for learners to follow their own paths of inquiry and they bring to life the beauty, surprises and connections in the world around us. Thematic lessons are holistic in that they engage multiple styles of intelligence and learning.
Tematiese klasse volg ‘n geïntegreerde, interdissiplinêre benadering tot leer waar leereenhede fokus op ‘n bepaalde tema.
Hierdie leereenhede inspireer leerders deur na relevante konsepte en regte-wêreldse ondervindings te kyk. Dit skep geleenthede om vrae te vra en vir leerders om hulle eie paadjies van ondersoek te volg en maak die wonder, verrassings en verbindings van die wêreld sigbaar. Tematiese klasse is holisties deurdat hulle verskillende vlakke van intelligensie en leer kombineer.
Experiential learning at Green School is the “hands-on, getting dirty” part of Green School. Whether it means working in the school gardens, creating art, building out of bamboo or Black Wattle, learning snake handling and identifying skills, or carrying out work experience. Learners from every Learning Neighbourhood engage in real-world practical projects that deepen their understanding of themselves, the world and their place in it, and help develop Green School Skills.
Ondervindingsleer by Green School is waar ons modder tussen die tone kry en ons hande vuil maak. Dit kan beteken om betrokke te raak in ons skool tuine, kuns te maak, iets te bou uit bamboes of ‘Black Wattle’ leer om slange te vang (letterlik, ons almal sal graag wil leer hoe om die figuurlikse te vang), of doen werkies op die kampus. Leerders uit al die fases neem deel in hierdie regte wêreldse projekte wat hulle begrip van hulself, die wêreld om hulle, en hul plek daarin, bevorder en geleendheid gee om Green School-vaardighede te ontwikkel.
Our homegrown, comprehensive green studies curriculum evolves from ecology to sustainability, while connecting learners to our local geographic and cultural context. Using a hands-on approach allows learners to ‘get their hands dirty’ and ‘get mud between their toes’, while reinforcing the essential skills of reading, writing, maths and science.
Ons omvattende groen kurrikulum draai om alles van ekologie tot volhoubaarheid, terwyl dit leerlinge met ons plaaslike geografiese en kulturele konteks verbind. ’n Praktiese benadering laat leerlinge toe om “hul hande vuil te maak” en “modder tussen hul tone te kry”, terwyl dit ook noodsaaklike vaardighede soos lees, skryf, wiskunde en wetenskap slyp.
All learners have art and music lessons as part of the standard learning programme. These classes provide learners with the opportunity to explore the arts and find their favourite way of creative expression.
At weekly assemblies, learners will have regular opportunities to perform in a supported, safe environment. Through exhibition and performance, we foster children’s confidence, self-awareness, perseverance, and collaboration
Alle leerders het kuns en musiek lesse as deel van die standaard leerprogram. Hierdie klasse gee vir leerders die geleentheid om die kunste te verken en mee te speel, en hulle gunsteling maniere van kreatiewe uitdrukking te vind.
Danksy weeklikse saalbyeenkomste her leerders gereeld die geleentheid om in ’n veilige en waarderende omgewing op te tree. Uitstallings en optredes help om kinders selfvertroue, selfbewustheid, deursettingsvermoë en samewerking te leer.
Sport and physical education is a central part of the Green School experience. The focus is upon providing children with the opportunity to learn a range of physical and social skills whilst a enjoying a fun-filled time with friends. We encourage participation and want our children to experience the positive benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Our location at the foot of the Drakenstein mountains allows for plenty of outdoor and adventure education opportunities such as mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing.
Sport en liggaamlike opvoeding vorm deel van die Green School-ervaring. Die fokus is daarop om kinders die geleentheid te gee om ’n verskeidenheid fisieke en sosiale vaardighede aan te leer, terwyl hulle ’n lekker kuier saam met vriende geniet. Ons moedig deelname aan en wil hê dat ons kinders die positiewe voordele van ’n gesonde, aktiewe leefstyl moet ervaar.
Ons ligging aan die voet van die Drakenstein-berge bied baie geleenthede vir buitelug- en avontuuropleiding soos bergfietsry, stap en rotsklim.
At Green School, our wellbeing curriculum acknowledges that children learn best when they are joyous, mindful, active and aware. All aspects of Green School’s wellbeing programme (physical wellbeing, social and emotional wellbeing, sex education and pathways) are structured into three strands that allow learners to develop the skills and knowledge to be the stewards of their own health and growth: connection to me, connection to others, and connection to society.
By Green School het ons juis ’n welstandskurrikulum omdat ons weet kinders leer die beste wanneer hulle gelukkig, aandagtig, aktief en bewus is.
Alle aspekte van Green School se welstandsprogram (fisieke welstand, sosiale en emosionele welstand, aandagtigheid, en verhoudingsleer) word in drie groepe verdeel, wat leerlinge help om vir hule eie gesondheid en groei verantwoordelik te wees: my verhouding met myself, my verhouding met ander, en my verhouding met die samelewing.
Stappie-Stappie is a key element of the experiential frame of learning. It is where our learners have an opportunity to get involved in an immersive and challenging learning adventure. Learners experience learning hands on. This is the time to engage with something you are passionate about and learn through trying. Sometimes our learners will not get things right the first time, but they have the freedom to try again until they can understand and manage their own learning. Perfection is not key here, but rather the development phases towards perfection.
This is real practical learning and each learner needs to take ownership of their learning. Some of the activities the learners engage with are working in the school gardens, dancing, creating art, cooking, first aid, outdoor living, building things and sewing. Learners learn through exploring, problem solving and working with others. Our learners are able to work with learners from a range of age-groups. This is a leadership opportunity for the older learners to engage with the younger learners as the ‘teacher’ in the lesson.
The Stappie Stappie program also has an important service aspect to it, our learners learn to engage and give back to the community. During the year learners can choose 4 different activities. At the end of each activity learners are asked to reflect on their learning experiences and to identify the Green School skills that they demonstrated.
Stappie-Stappie is ‘n sleutelelement tot die ervaringsraamwerk van leer. Dit is waar ons leerders ‘n geleentheid kry om betrokke te raak by ‘n meeslepende en uitdagende leeravontuur. Leerders ervaar leer met praktiese deelname. Hierdie is die tyd om betrokke te raak by iets waaroor jy passievol is en om te leer deur om te probeer. Soms kry ons leerders dinge nie die eerste keer reg nie, maar hulle het die vryheid om weer te probeer totdat hulle hul eie leer kan verstaan en bestuur. Perfeksie is nie hier die klem nie, maar eerder die ontwikkelingsfases tot perfeksie.
Dit is werklike praktiese leer en elke leerder moet eienaarskap van hul leer neem. Van die aktiwiteite waarmee die leerders betrokke raak, is om in die skooltuine te werk, te dans, kuns te skep, te kook, noodhulp, buitelewe, dinge te bou en naaldwerk. Leerders leer deur verkenning, probleemoplossing en deur om saam met ander te werk. Ons leerders kry geleentheid om saam met leerders van verskeie ouderdomsgroepe te werk. Dit dien as ‘n leierskapgeleentheid vir die ouer leerders om as ‘onderwyser’ vir die jonger leerders in die les op te tree.
Die Stappie-Stappie-program het ook ‘n belangrike diensaspek: ons leerders leer om betrokke te raak by, en ‘n bydrae te lewer tot die gemeenskap. Gedurende die jaar kan leerders vier verskillende aktiwiteite kies. Aan die einde van elke aktiwiteit word leerders gevra om na te dink oor hul leerervarings en om die Groenskool-vaardighede wat hulle gedemonstreer het, te identifiseer.
The Green School experience is peppered with impactful milestone experiences, rites of passage and learning artifacts. At certain stages of our learning journey, specific initiatives have been developed to challenge and celebrate key stages of a child’s development. A few examples include:
Die Green School-ervaring sluit verskeie belangrike mylpale in. Spesifieke projekte is ontwerp om belangrike fases van ‘n kind se ontwikkeling op sekere vlakke van hul skoolloopbaan uit te daag en ook te vier. Hier is ‘n paar voorbeelde:
