THE LEARNING JOURNEY AT ST MARY'S

Educating Hearts and MINDS

HOW DO WE FUTURE-PROOF OUR DAUGHTERS THROUGH EDUCATION? THIS IMPORTANT QUESTION IS ONE WHICH ST MARY’S AND PARENTS HAVE BEEN ASKING MORE AND MORE

When considering this challenge, technological change and emotional intelligence are top of mind. These might not appear to be connected in any way, but strangely enough they are. In order to be successful, our girls need to grow up understanding the role that technology can play in their lives and careers, and, at the same time, how important it is to understand one’s emotional needs and skills. Maintaining a balance in this regard throughout their school journey is imperative for us, and we adapt each year to prepare them for the landscape into which they are emerging.

The role emotional intelligence plays in learning is becoming clearer. Children with higher emotional intelligence are better able to pay attention, are more engaged in school, have more positive relationships, and are more empathetic. From a young age, then the compounds and successful students are the ones who are emotionally resilient and comfortable within themselves.

At St Mary’s, we use research to guide our programme development and so much is becoming clearer about learning when one considers the language used, exposure to role models and the support needed from parents and family members. It is a much more demanding job being a parent in this modern age with technology, busy lifestyles and uncertain value sets all adding pressure to raising a family. We recognise the importance of supporting parents in this and to create a sense of community where we all have a role to play.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution requires that programmes must be adapted not only to present the theoretical implications, but to incorporate as much of this change into the way schools run from Grade R to Matric.

The possibilities and opportunities become part of the daily experience of school. This is the reason why we include robotics, coding, design, computational thinking and creative experiences to make videos, 3-dimensional artefacts or games for a deeper understanding of the technology in their lives. A natural development of this is to include exposure to drone technology and to understand that these are making a big impact on how the world works. When learning happens, it allows the individual to transfer their skills into other areas and innovate by combining, refining and scaling up what they have seen elsewhere.

This human connection and shared joy in mastering work are what inspires our girls to dream and to work hard. As the trend of online learning continues to grow, we will see that passion and innovation does not emerge from sterile screens, but from a dynamic learning community where one’s identity and sense of self is nurtured. It is crucial for there to be an authentic challenge present for this to happen. Psychologists all over the world are observing that the reduction in the exposure to meaningful challenges is also eroding children’s self-confidence. It is not a coincidence then, that without a shared struggle or challenge, people do not feel “connected”. At St Mary’s we aim to provide that sense of challenge, teamwork, support and ultimately: independence.

We strive to create a stimulating learning environment encompassing service, the arts and sports. The correlation between being involved in music, drama, singing, sport and community service and one’s success and happiness, is very high. Our commitment to experiential learning for our girls is based on the belief that what is achieved through structured learning experiences is so much more effective than a passive, theoretical approach. “The best learning takes place where there are healthy relationships and inspirational teachers who are demonstrating what is possible and how valuable discovering new knowledge and skills can be,” says Mr Manley, Executive Principal.

Investment in our staff is critical for our school to flourish. The experience they bring is invaluable, but more importantly, their commitment to continued learning is greater. What we know to be true, is that it is not the expert who matters most, but those who are ready to adapt, innovate and change, who find success and meaning in their work.

Grades R to Matric, with boarding from Grade 8. CONTACT US FOR A PERSONAL TOUR on 031 764 9800; marketing@stmarysdsg.co.za; www.stmarysdsg.co.za