Academic
Vision: Woodridge strives to provide pupils with a stimulating academic environment that enables achievement to the best of their ability.
Our underlying values:
•discipline
•accountability
•commitment
•honesty
•mutual respect
Goals:
•To prioritise and protect academic time, to provide regular and meaningful communication regarding the capabilities and performance of each pupil to enhance the quality of learning
Although our pupils are fully involved in all aspects of school life we strive to maximize the opportunities for teaching and learning. Assessment is regular and varied. Apart from weekly test lessons and two exam sessions per year, pupils write tests in class time, complete homework assignments, research, scientific practical investigations and presentations. Four academic reports are sent out to parents every year. In keeping with our desire to protect the environment almost all reports are emailed. In the two full reports every subject teacher comments on the progress of the learner.
We write the Independent Examaniations Board (“IEB”) matric examinations. We value their excellent standards and the open feedback with examiners. Although we follow the same syllabus as the government schools there is an independence in the examining process. The results are ratified by Umalusi, the same body that ratifies the state exam results. The IEB Matric results are recognized by many Universities around the world. Many of our teachers are involved in the marking process.
All pupils are offered English as a Home Language. Afrikaans and Xhosa are offered as First Additional Languages while some pupils are offered French or German as Second Additional Languages.
For a small school we offer a large variety of subjects for Grades 10 – 12. The subjects in the junior Grades are generally split into specific disciplines with subject specialists offering our children real insight into the subject.
We are increasing our focus on Mathematics. In 2011 we introduced our first two Grades to the rigor of Advanced Program Mathematics. Many pupils also offer Mathematics Paper III. Mathematics is taught in streamed classes.
Our pupils all have different strengths and weaknesses. While we desire to stretch them, we also seek to support them in achieving their goals. Apart from small classes our pupils also have the opportunity to attend afternoon clinics to seek further assistance.
