WOODLAND ETHOS
Woodland is a unique school that combines the warmth and care of a family community with high academic standards and a balanced cultural programme. Our learners are encouraged to get actively involved in educational activities and to take pride in their work which leads to the development of a good self-image, which is evidenced by our learners enjoying school and finding reasons to spend more time at school. The school is located on the grounds of Happy Acres, an environmental field centre which aims to educate children about the wonders of nature to encourage them to preserve our beautiful planet. These facilities, together with the almost 20 year history of the school, provide an educationally rich environment for your child to explore, play and learn. We aim to develop a love for learning which enables the children to become informed, confident, independent learners and thinkers.
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
Small classes allow skilled one-on-one teaching and attention to individual needs, and ample time for extension lessons to be provided during class time. We follow the CAPS curriculum with lessons presented using books, multimedia, tangible and field based materials. Past children have excelled, relative to their own abilities, when going to various high schools and a disproportionate number have done exceptionally well at university and in their careers showing that the prepared environment offered at Woodland provides primary education that can be trusted.
CULTURAL PROGRAMME
We feel strongly that a child’s education needs to be holistic and should expose children to art, music, dance and drama. These subjects are all taught by talented artists. The skills learnt are combined in an annual production in which all learners participate.
EXTRA-MURAL PROGRAMME
Extra-murals are an extension of our school day and run from 13:30 - 14:30 pm, Monday to Thursday. Learners’ have a wide range of sports and hobbies from which to choose, including cricket, netball, soccer, rugby, athletics, golf, swimming, cycling, chess, drama, Eco Club and arts & crafts. Extra murals are compulsory, with the emphasis on children trying their best even if the activity is not their forte.
OUTINGS / INNINGS
Outings and field based activities are an integral and vital part of school life at Woodland to bring academic theory to life by connecting concepts with the child’s real experience. Field work in the extensive school grounds includes studying habitats along the Magalies River and becoming familiar with a variety of local plants and animals.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Each term your child will receive a detailed report relating to the work covered in that period. The feedback provides in the reports alternates each term between marks and individual comments from the teacher about each subject, addressing notable achievements and concerns. A parent teacher meeting is set for each term (from term 2 to term 4) where parents can sit down and discuss any concerns directly with the teacher.