3 minute read
Learning & GROWING
from The Ridge 120
REDWOOD COLLEGE – A SCHOOL WITH HEART AND SOUL, A SOLID CHRISTIAN ETHOS, AND A LEARNING SYSTEM READY FOR THE FUTURE
Located in the bustling heart of La Lucia, nestled on nine hectares of beautiful land, and sharing its name with the steadfast tree, Redwood College is a co-educational school which accommodates all children from Grades 000 to 12. The college prides itself and places emphasis on being able to provide a quality, holistic education that echoes its Christian values and ethos.
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The college is a stout believer that its core values – respect, excellence, innovation, godliness, and integrity – help to inspire a learning environment where children of all ages can develop a unique identity. These values are also practiced with the knowledge that they will help students develop essential soft skills such as resilience, curiosity, communication, and empathy – keys points employers look for in their potential employees.
In addition to the normal subjects, an abundance of modern courses are on offer, such as Aquatic Science, Environmental Systems, Principles of Business Marketing and Finance, Astronomy, and Principles of Health Science (with the subjects robotics and computer coding also in the pipeline). These new subjects and courses are designed to help children prepare for the future and for jobs that don’t yet exist – but in time will. Other than academics, the college also hosts a slew of extra-curricular activities with onsite facilities such as a film and music school.
From vibrant learners and supportive parents to caring teachers and innovative learning solutions, Redwood is blessed to have one of the best learning environments in South Africa. They believe that school should be about making friends, and that learning and growing – in a space they are cared for – should be a fun and welcoming experience. They also aim to ensure that every child has a sense of belonging, as it is a fundamental need that helps develop their motivation, persistence, and success in the classroom.
Ahead of the curve with eLearning
Due to Covid-19, there have been some concerns and worries regarding the way we educate our nation’s children. In this regard, Redwood has tested and succeeded in implementing a blended learning system. Blended learning makes it possible for students to work in the classroom or online, should they be unable to attend lessons, without losing classwork and having it accessible from wherever they are. This system has been specifically fine-tuned to allow for each student to receive personalised feedback and ensures their individual needs are addressed so that they are able to continuously master given content while having their unique learning style accommodated. Blended learning has been integral in ensuring our students have been receiving a proper and uninterrupted education.
Despite the uncertainty of these times, students have enjoyed a seamless transition to online classrooms, and have quickly adapted, shown independence and are taking their education to the next level all by themselves. Redwood’s curriculum is aligned with the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS), which means that the Grade 12s write the well-recognised Independent Examination Board (IEB) exams and are fully equipped for where their journey may take them.
So far, 2020 has been a tough year and learners are hard at work getting through the final few months of lessons. Each individual learner has been able to receive guidance and support as they have worked towards their aspirations and nurtured their talents and – due to the success of blended learning – their ability to study has not been impeded.
As a result, Redwood College is confident its students will be emotionally and mentally ready to handle all the challenges headed their way, and considers it an honour and a privilege to help guide these bright, young sparks towards their dreams and their future.
