School Guidelines For Parents / Guardians
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Wendon Academy is committed to achieving our Mission Statement and is a school with a vision where schooling is not only seen as preparation for life, but Life itself.
Wendon Academy was born out of the love of “children”. Each child entering the school is regarded as “our child”. These are our children to love and nurture through their schooling days at Wendon Academy.
Great emphasis is placed on the awareness, acceptance and respect of self and others. Our Christian ethos is maintained, committing ourselves to living out Christian Morals and Ethical Values in response to God’s Word.
Wendon Academy is dedicated and committed to the development of our pupils through an Individual Development Plan (see in the Individual Phases) as well as the development of our pupils through our Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Program.
Being pupils who require Special Education, not only are they challenged cognitively but present with social and emotional challenges which confront them daily. By introducing EQ into the school it has made a difference for all our young people, some of whom were and are otherwise destined to not achieve in school as well as in life.
There are no quick fixes, though there are those successes built into the very fabric of our school and above all, through this, our special pupils have the ability to experience school which is turned into a magical environment of self-confidence and personal belief. What we do believe, is that we can help our pupils look at the world in a different way.
The teachings of EQ in the school have brought about:
• how to overcome the sense of helplessness
• how to value one’s self
• how to develop lasting friendships and learn from conflict rather than be a martyr to it.
It is our belief that EQ cannot be taught but can be learnt at any age. This distinction re-enforces the need for our teachers to reflect on how they create a happy learning environment in their classrooms. Developing EQ in the classroom is achieved first and foremost by the ability of our teachers to identify, understand and control their own thoughts and feelings, and being confident in communicating them to the pupil.
Addressing EQ is not only providing worksheets but by making it accessible to everyone who enters the school:- for example
• Introducing monthly themes on EQ e.g. compassion and acceptance; forgiveness and
tolerance. The themes are visually accessible on the walls of the school and in the classroom.
• Continuously addressing emotional loop holes throughout the day with individual pupils
• Empowering our pupils to succeed through constant reassurance and
shown respect
• Showing how to describe their feelings and understand them, both for themselves and for others
through supervised “friendship circles”.
• EQ in all aspects is brought into the Life Orientation lessons. This is a great opportunity to allow
personal skills to develop through deliberate effort and purposeful activities.
• Parental involvement through quarterly meetings with the individual Grade and subject teachers.
Does the school believe that EQ plays a vital role in greatly improving academic challenges? The answer is YES.
Our pupils, your children, enjoy coming to school to learn. This in itself addresses learning areas that they find so difficult through low self-esteem and self-confidence.
To hear and witness how the pupils interact with each other and successfully empower themselves in their new found confidence, is personal fulfilment.
We have experienced:-
• Our Pupils being accepted by Damelin after being told they need to find sheltered employment
• Pupils not being able to read and write, blossoming and achieving on their own level and pace
• Pupils discovering their Artistic Flair and Cooking Flair
• Pupils setting short to long term goals when the future looked very bleak
Carl Rogers, a Psychologist said: - “The only kind of learning that significantly influences behaviour is self-discovered learning – truth that has been assimilated in experience.”
Wendon Academy stands firmly behind this statement.
Our aim is to develop happy, thinking, caring pupils who will be equipped with the necessary life skills to cope as balanced and confident individuals.
The Constitution of South Africa (Act 108, 1996, Section 29) reads that “everyone has the right to a basic education.
Our aim at Wendon Academy is to not only provide an education in a comfortable, safe and homely environment, but also to provide our pupils, your children, with the knowledge that every person is unique.
This acceptance goes a long way in developing self-worth, self-assurance and happiness.
Wendon Academy will admit pupils who require “special educational needs” (L.S.E.N). These pupils have individual minds and struggle to maintain their level within “other” schooling systems. Our pupils are unique. It is our policy to recognise how many young minds there are and to approach their own learning needs and strengths as individuals on their own level and at their own pace and in so doing, preserve their hopes for the future.
- An Educational Psychologist's report is essential for admission.
- Last school report.
- Speech or Occupational therapy reports if applicable.
- Internal Assessment will be done before admission
- Wendon Academy will admit pupils from the age 9/10 or from Grade 3.
Even though our children who are accepted into Wendon Academy present 3-4 years (at times more) behind their chronological age academically, emotionally and socially, we believe that it is vital for each child to feel accepted and very much part of our “schooling system”. Therefore our school follows a “Graded” system.
Each pupil is internally assessed over and above the admission criteria and is graded according to age where possible. The academic level of the individual pupil is assessed which places them on a level appropriate to their ability within the grade placed.
Primary School Special Education.
- Grade 3 and 4
- Grade 5 and 6
- Grade 7
High School Special Education
- Grade 8
- Grade 9 (End of compulsory schooling)
High School Special Education
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
Our school does have a waiting list which allows placement into the various classes. Admission into the school is organised from the date of registration.
If an interest is shown to place your child at Wendon Academy, the following process needs to be followed.
• Contact the school to set up an appointment to see the Managing Director.
• Parents are invited to attend an initial interview. All documentation needed.
• If the child falls within the admission criteria, the following takes place.
✓ A second appointment with the parents and the child is scheduled.
✓ An internal assessment will be given to the child.
✓ A detailed questionnaire will be sent to the previous school requesting information on the pupil.
• Feedback from the school occurs and a decision is reached regarding your child.
• If your child is suited to Wendon Academy, placement will be offered or placement on the waiting list will occur. All relevant admission documents will then be given to the parents.
• All admission documents and deposit will need to be returned to the school prior to your child commencing at the school.
• If your child is not suitable for admission, alternative recommendations will be made.
3.1 “Moving Forward with Pride”
What a delight it is to watch as our young children start to blossom under the watchful eye of their teachers.
Children who were unable to read, now mastering the wonder of reading. The sparkle in their eye’s as they write a full sentence or receive good marks for spelling. The excitement of understanding a story just read and the new found confidence of “Look Dad and Mom, I can do my homework”.
Wendon Academy regards each pupil presenting with varying challenges as unique and knowing that each child has a “gift” of their own.
These challenges may present as social, emotional or through having different capabilities and challenges within the various learning areas. Each child is assessed and placed on an Individual Development Plan. These plans involve a high standard of education, within their “special needs” advancing to higher levels within a subject.
Each child is encouraged to work independently and to their maximum ability. Assistance is at the forefront of every lesson and through direction, individual and teamwork is nurtured through practical, creative and critical thinking skills.
Having small classes offers individual attention, which is of utmost importance in developing each child academically, socially and emotionally which allows for their personal growth.
3.2. Grades
Primary School consists of 3 classes:
• Junior Grade - Grade 3 and 4
• Grade 5 and 6
• Grade 7
3.3 Junior Grade
This is a unique grade. Due to the vast academic challenges seen in most of our pupils for this grade, a unique Independent Development Plan is in place. This allows for each child to remain within their Grade system, however academically working on a lower grade if necessary. The lesson material is set at different levels of competency, ability and understanding for each pupil using the same topic.
The pupils in the Individual Learning programme are assessed at the beginning of the year and an individual programme is set for his / her ability and strength.
Pupils are encouraged to work at a pace suited to them and will be encouraged to complete tasks set, before moving and continuing onto new challenges. Repetition of work is essential, this ensures that pupils meet their own challenges and are then able to cope with basic concepts and tasks set out for them.
Our pupils find it extremely difficult to cope with abstract reasoning and concepts (e.g. money, time etc.). Through repetition and being consistent in repeating these concepts yearly, the gap does slowly close and improve.
These young children in the Junior Grade are all special pupils. As everyone in this grade has varying levels and skills the challenges go unnoticed within their peer group which is vital in building on their own self-esteem and confidence.
The support that one notices amongst these children creates a warm sense of belonging out of which the love for school is born.
Each year, the pupil will progress into the higher grades, continuing on the Independent Development Plan within the varying topics / subjects. At the start and end of each year the pupil will be assessed to determine the level achieved throughout that year.
3.4 Learning Areas for the Junior Grade – Grade 3 and 4
✓ Literacy
✓ Numeracy
✓ Environmental Studies
✓ Information Technology (IT)
✓ Readers are Leaders (Spelling and Comprehension)
✓ Daily Living Skills
✓ Cookery
✓ Girls and Boys Practical (Needlework / Woodwork)
✓ Art and Crafts
✓ Culture / Drama / Music (Variety shows)
✓ Physical Education (During the school day)
✓ Extensive individual reading program
✓ EQ Program (Emotional Intelligence Program)
✓ Friendship Circles
3.5 Grade 5, 6 and 7
As mentioned for the Junior Grade, the individual pupil is assessed and the set academic material will be adjusted according to each pupil’s ability.
Continual assessments are in place each year and adjustments are made to offer our young people the best learning experience at their own level and pace.
10 pupils per grade
3.6 Learning Areas for Grade 5, 6 and 7
✓ Literacy
✓ Numeracy
✓ Social Sciences
✓ Natural Science
✓ Information Technology (IT)
✓ Readers are Leaders (Spelling and Comprehension)
✓ Daily Living Skills
✓ Cookery
✓ Girls and Boys Practical (Needlework / Woodwork)
✓ Art and Crafts
✓ Culture / Drama / Music (Variety shows)
✓ Physical Education (During the school day)
✓ Extensive individual reading program
✓ EQ Program (Emotional Intelligence Program)
✓ Friendship Circles
4.1 “Living the Life” at school
Wendon Academy is providing an environment that nurtures a love for learning allowing development to one’s full potential through awareness, acceptance and respect of self and others and by so doing, encourages each child to become the best they can be.
Classes are small, comfortable and filled with fun and laughter so that pupils gain maximum benefit from the teacher. The Teachers go out of their way to offer individual academic, emotional and social support.
School is the place for each pupil to make “mistakes” that can be corrected through nurturing and sound advice for the years ahead. Achievements are recognised and daily contributions are appreciated which plays a vital role in building self-esteem and self-worth. Acceptance provides each young person with the knowledge that everyone is unique.
Walking over the “stepping stones” of school life develops our young people and gives them a sense of self-worth which will then hold them in good stead when researching career choices after completing Grade 12.
4.2 Grades
The High School consists of:
• Grade 8
• Grade 9
• Grade 10
• Grade 11
• Grade 12
Even though our children who are accepted into Wendon Academy present 3-4 years (at times more) behind their chronological age academically, emotional and socially, we believe that it is vital for each child to feel accepted and very much part of our “schooling system”. Therefore our school follows a “Graded” system.
Each pupil is internally assessed over and above the admission criteria and is graded according to age and academic level where possible. This then places the pupil on a level appropriate to their ability within the grade placed.
A National Certificate is not written on completion of Grade 12 due to the reasons listed above.
Our young people write an internal examination so receive a school leaving report and certificates of competency for various subjects. These certificates and school report play a vital role in possibly securing placement for vocational courses in a tertiary educational environment.
4.3 Learning Areas for the High School
The greatest challenge faced by these children with “Special Learning Needs” is not only cognitive, but emotional and social disabilities.
It is through these challenges that a curriculum is in place which addresses academic skills as well as life lessons that will bring about social and emotional integration.
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Mathematics
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Literacy
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Natural Science - Grade 8 Only
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Social Science - Grade 8 Only
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Economic Management Sciences
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Tourism - Grade 9 to 12 only
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Information Technology (IT)
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Life Orientation
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Girls / Boys Technology
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Hospitality Theory / Practical
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Art and Crafts
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Physical Education
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Culture / Drama
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Extensive individual reading program
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EQ Program (Emotional Intelligence Program)
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Attendance of seminars in a workplace environment – Grade 12 only
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Work Experience – Grade 10 to Grade 12 only
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Friendship Circles.
4.5 Assessment
- Project Work
- Class work and exercises
- Class tests
Documentation for Grade 12 on completing their school years – see above under “Grades”.
4.6 Promotion
For promotion at Grade 10, 11 and 12 levels will be based on a Wendon Academy internal assessment and report only. (No National Certificate will be issued on the completion of Grade 12). The assessment of pupils who experience any barriers to learning will be conducted in accordance with the recommended alternative and / or adaptive methods as stipulated in the Qualifications and Assessment policy Framework for Grades 10-12 (General) as it relates to pupils who experience barriers to learning.
For Grade 12 they complete the year with a School Report (Internal). In addition to this, they are given certificates of competency. Which are on the following subjects:
✓ Literacy / English
✓ Numeracy / Mathematics
✓ IT (Information Technology)
✓ EMS (Economic Management Sciences)
In their Graduation Packs they receive the following:
✓ School Report
✓ Certificates of Competency
✓ CV from their 3 years of work experience
✓ Graduation Certificates
✓ Testimonial
All our Grade 12 pupils leave us with the kind of values we cherish. We know that our learners leave us ready to make a positive contribution to society that will be a valuable one.
Maximum of 13 per Grade
5. Further Subjects For Senior Primary and High School
5.1 Computer Training
It is essential that all pupils entering Wendon Academy are taught the importance of Information Technology and the relevance of having this life skill for the integration into our business world. Your children will learn how to use a computer which will incorporate the following:
⁃ Learning the technology behind a computer.
⁃ Using this technology through application.
Using this technology for continual development will allow for:
⁃ Lateral and logical thinking skills.
⁃ Creativity in designing various applications
⁃ Overcoming a sense of apprehension therefore enforcing personal achievement and progress for every pupil.
⁃ They have great fun in the process.
5.2 Cookery/Hospitality
This subject is a life skill. This is a time to demonstrate one’s own creativity and organizational skills within a controlled and disciplined area.
Great laughter abounds through the successful and unsuccessful attempts at producing an “aperitif” which has varied pleasure responses.
Our aim is to teach and allow personal growth in:
- Improved confidence
- Organisational skills
- Preparing of meals
- Independent cooking
- Preparation of simple meals progressing into a three course meal
- Creative presentation of meals
- Life skills e.g. meal selections, ingredients required, etiquette, table setting and socialising.
These skills are then encouraged to roll over into a home environment cementing the learning process experienced at school.
5.3 Boys and Girls Practical
The aim is to contribute towards the pupils life skills. This opportunity develops additional life skills which will allow each child to take responsibility in self-management. To identify a need e.g. sewing on a button or repairing a plug, allows each pupil the self-confidence to develop and respond to the pressures they will experience when they live as individuals. The interaction and guidance from the teacher when they are experiencing and involved in these lessons, adds to their development of resolving problems and identifying needs.
5.4 Art
During their art teachings our pupils show their hidden creative abilities. Through Art Exhibitions and yearly displays their talents allow for added confidence and self-expression.
5.5 Life Orientation for the High School
Extensive theoretical lessons are given in life orientation lessons to teach and guide pupils into appropriate work ethics and what is appropriate and inappropriate work behaviours. Teaching in all aspects of their school day directs each child into understanding and coming to terms with “Life”.
Varying topics discussed in Life Orientation include:
• What is a CV and completion of a CV
• Working on goal setting
• Skills in the following topics at mini seminars
• Motivation
• Leadership
• Being Successful
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses
• Getting to understand who I am
• Dream the Impossible and Succeed
• What to expect in a working environment
• Understanding life commitments
• The WORLD is your oyster, respect and LIVE IT WELL
6.1 Homework
Homework is given at the teacher’s discretion. The objective of homework is:
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Opportunity to work independently
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Time management and sense of responsibility
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Consolidate any work covered during that day
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NB – Daily reading – improve reading skills
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Research skills for projects given
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Teaching of work ethics
6.2 Communication
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Communication is vital between home and the school. As our pupils forget to relay messages, it is imperative that it is sent to school in written form, or communicated telephonically.
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Homework diaries are used for any communication between school and home.
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Open communication is critical and essential. If a concern cannot be resolved via the Grade teacher, please phone the Managing Director.
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A weekly newsletter is sent out in hard copy or through email and posted on the school’s website.
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The Management and Staff of Wendon are consistent and fair in dealing with each child. However, there may be times when a misunderstanding will occur. It is important to resolve this immediately to alleviate any unpleasantness which then results in an unhappy child.
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Let us hear the good about your child so that the school has an opportunity to congratulate him / her.
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External sporting achievements need to be relayed to the school for the notice to be posted into the schools weekly newsletter.
6.3 Code of Conduct
Wendon Academy does not seek to assume the task of being parents, however we serve as the parents’ appointed and authorised representatives in the training process during the hours the child is in our care.
At the start of a new year, the Grade Teacher and her pupils will discuss and document their own acceptable classroom ‘Code of Conduct’. This allows the teachers to have corrective measures in place allowing the pupil to assume the responsibility of his / her own behaviour before the management or parents are contacted.
Wendon Academy will handle disciplinary problems in a fair and consistent manner as outlined in the schools ‘Code of Conduct”.
Our pupils are made aware that misdemeanours do have consequences and by understanding the ‘Code of Conduct’ each pupil needs to take responsibility for their actions.
Wendon Academy is a school where love for children is in abundance and where your children come to embrace that being different makes them individuals and unique.
6.4 Work Experience
The Work Experience Program involves Grade 10 to Grade 12. One (1) week is set aside each year for pupils to experience an independent work environment in a structured business.
Aims
Outcomes
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Research of individual placement
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Formal interviews
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Encouraged to explore different working environments during the three years until an interest is developed.
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Pupils are encouraged to continue work in fields of interest during the school holidays.
6.5 Uniform
Our badge “Moving Forward with Pride” is worn on the school uniform with great respect and pride and designed by one of our first pupils in 2003.
6.6 The Wendon Ball
Each year the Grade 12’s are given a spectacular, themed “Wendon Ball”. What an amazing and beautiful event this has turned out to be. The Grade 11’s are invited to celebrate this wonderful evening with the Grade 12’s. The beautiful attire that is worn by the Grade 12’s and paraded along the ‘red carpet’ are worth seeing. This is an evening that memories are made from.
6.7 Outings
All fun outings, leadership camps and education outings are chosen to enrich each pupil through building self-confidence and love for fun and laugher.
6.8 Holidays
We follow similar dates to the government schools.
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