PRIMARY SCHOOL

“El Shaddai is not a school – it’s a family.  A family of believers who raise up a Godly generation of passionate believers with a biblical world view and who are able to impact the world around them with God’s kindness and goodness.”

The Gütschow family

“Ons kan getuig van die waardevolle persoonlike aandag en kwaliteit onderrig wat ons kinders se fondasie in hulle geloof, akademie, kultuur en sport sterk laat groei. Klein klasse, Christelike onderrig asook onderrig in Engels vanaf Graad 6 en die Cambridge Curriculum wat internationale deure en opsies oopmaak, is maar van die dinge wat gemaak het dat El Shaddai die skool van keuse is vir ons gesin.”

Die Joubert gesin

We offer an enriched national curriculum.

Academics

In our Primary School, academic development relies on establishing a solid academic foundation to ensure future learning.

The Junior Phase uses an integrated approach to learning while focusing on the primary skills of reading, writing and Mathematics. The Senior Phase builds on these essential skills and develops critical thinking and problem solving skills.

The educators aim to meet the needs of all students through a differentiated instructional approach to meet their varied needs. In the process of learning we highlight Biblical values to enrich our understanding of content and its application in our world today.

The following subjects are offered as part of an enriched national Curriculum.

  • English
  • Afrikaans
  • Mathematics
  • Social Sciences
  • Natural Sciences
  • ICT
  • Biblical Life Orientation
  • Technology
  • Music, Dance and Drama
  • Art
  • isiXhosa

The purpose of homework is both academic consolidation as well as character building.

Homework over weekends is only assigned when a pupil has been absent for a day or more prior to the weekend.

Grade 1:

  • The recommended time for homework is: 15 minutes of homework, 5 minutes of rest, 15 minutes of homework. [This totals 35 minutes of homework per day].
  • A printed homework sheet is given to the pupils on a daily basis which specifies the homework for the day.
  • The homework book needs to be signed, on a daily basis, by the parent, guardian or supervisor. This will ensure good communication between parent and school.
  • In Grade 1, the pupils complete their homework under the supervision of their parents or guardian.

Grade 2:

  • The recommended time for homework is: 15 minutes of homework, 5 minutes of rest, 15 minutes of homework. [This totals 35 minutes of homework per day].
  • Initially a printed homework sheet is given to the pupils on a daily basis which specifies the homework for the day. However, as and when the pupils become accustomed to writing down their homework into their homework books, this will be phased out.
  • The homework book needs to be signed, on a daily basis, by the parent, guardian or supervisor. This will ensure good communication between parent and school.
  • In Grade 2, the pupils complete their homework under the supervision of their parents or guardian.

Grade 3:

  • Term 1 and 2: the recommended time for homework is: 15 minutes of homework, 5 minutes of rest, 15 minutes of homework. [This totals 35 minutes of homework per day].
  • Term 3: a total of 45 minutes of homework would be the maximum.
  • Term 4: a total of 50 minutes of homework would be the maximum.
  • The pupils write down their own homework on a daily basis into their homework books.
  • The homework book needs to be signed, on a daily basis, by the parent, guardian or supervisor. This will ensure good communication between parent and school.

The pupils usually do their homework by themselves in order to develop independence and responsibility. Parents may facilitate and check periodically to ensure children understand the instructions and are committed, diligent and faithful to do their part.

Die doel van huiswerk is akademiese vaslegging sowel as karakterbou.

Geen huiswerk word oor naweke gegee nie behalwe vir inhaalwerk waar ‘n leerder vir ‘n volle dag of meer in die voorafgaande week afwesig was.

Graad 1:

  • Die aanbevole tyd vir huiswerk is: 15 minute huiswerk, 5 minute rus, 15 minute huiswerk. [Dit is dus 35 minute per dag.]
  • Leerders kry elke dag ‘n getikte bladsy waarop die huiswerk vir die dag gespesifiseer word.
  • Die huiswerkboek moet elke dag deur die ouer, toesighouer of voog onderteken word. Dit verseker goeie kommunikasie tussen ouers en die skool.
  • In Graad 1 moet leerders die huiswerk onder toesig van ‘n ouer of voog voltooi.

Graad 2:

  • Die aanbevole tyd vir huiswerk is: 15 minute huiswerk, 5 minute rus, 15 minute huiswerk. [Dit is dus 35 minute per dag.]
  • Aanvanklik kry leerders elke dag ‘n getikte bladsy waarop die huiswerk vir die dag gespesifiseer word. Dit sal egter uitgefaseer word soos wat die leerders gewoond raak daaraan om self hul huiswerk neer te skryf.
  • Die huiswerkboek moet elke dag deur die ouer, toesighouer of voog onderteken word. Dit verseker goeie kommunikasie tussen ouers en die skool.
  • In Graad 2 moet leerders die huiswerk onder toesig van ‘n ouer of voog voltooi.

Graad 3:

  • Kwartaal 1 en 2: die aanbevole tyd vir huiswerk is: 15 minute huiswerk, 5 minute rus, 15 minute huiswerk. [Dit is dus 35 minute per dag.]
  • Kwartaal 3: ‘n maksimum van 45 minute huiswerk per dag.
  • Kwartaal 4: ‘n maksimum van 50 minute huiswerk per dag.
  • Leerders skryf self elke dag hul huiswerk in hul huiswerkboeke.
  • Die huiswerkboek moet elke dag deur die ouer, toesighouer of voog onderteken word. Dit verseker goeie kommunikasie tussen ouers en die skool.
  • Leerders doen gewoonlik hul huiswerk op hul eie met die doel om selfstandigheid en verantwoordelikheid te kweek. Ouers mag fasiliteer en inloer om seker te maak hulle kinders die opdragte verstaan en hulle deel getrou doen.

The purpose of homework is to nurture learners to becoming responsible, accountable, independent lifelong learners with wise time-management skills. These are all character traits. Homework falls within the three “C”’s: complete, correct or consolidate.

  • Homework can be assigned every weekday, also on a Friday, at the discretion of the teacher.
  • Tests are not given on a Monday unless it is examination time.
  • No homework is given for public or school holidays.
  • In Grade 4-6 the average learner should spend 40-60 minutes on homework daily.
  • Research for projects may be done at home; the core of the project will be completed in class under the supervision of the relevant teacher.
  • It is the responsibility of the pupil to write down the relevant homework from the board and the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that this takes place, as well as to see that the relevant books are packed before home-time.
  • Parents, supervisors or guardians are required to sign the child’s homework diary daily. Should a pupil be unable to do or complete the assigned tasks, the onus is on the parent to inform the teacher of this omission.
  • If parents use social media for any [homework] reason, they are encouraged to be wise with homework queries as unnecessary confusion could be caused.
  • Pupils who take Music within the school day, as well as those absent for whatever reason, are required to complete the classwork missed.
  • At the first Parenting Evening of each term, parents will be given a hard copy of all homework preparation for the term. [a macroplan]. It will also be emailed to the parents via the secretary.

Parents are encouraged to draw up an after-school time roster as many children have extra-mural activities.

Die doel van tuiswerk is om kinders voor te berei om verantwoordelike, onafhanklike en lewenslange leerders te word met goeie tydsbestuur. Huiswerk moet volledig en korrek wees en klasonderrig vaslê.

  • Tuiswerk kan elke dag gegee word. Onderwysers kan self hul oordeel gebruik oor tuiswerk op Vrydae.
  • Toetse word nie op Maandae geskryf nie, behalwe tydens eksamentye.
  • Geen tuiswerk word gedurende skoolvakansies en openbare vakansiedae gegee nie.
  • Die gemiddelde Gr. 4-leerder sal omtrent 40 minute aan tuiswerk bestee, Gr. 5-leerders 50 minute en Gr. 6-leerders 60 minute. Sommige leerders sal moontlik langer neem.
  • Navorsing vir spesifieke projekte word tuis gedoen, maar die afhandeling van die taak geskied tydens skoolure – onder toesig van die onderwyser.
  • Dit is die leerder se verantwoordelikheid om daagliks tuiswerk korrek van die bord af te skryf. Die onderwyser moet egter toesien dat dit gebeur en die leerlinge herinner om die korrekte boeke in te pak om tuiswerk te voltooi.
  • Ouers, toesighouers of voogde moet daagliks die huiswerkboek onderteken. Indien ‘n leerder nie sy/haar tuiswerk kon doen nie, rus die onus op die ouer om die onderwyser in kennis te stel.
  • Ouers wat dit nodig ag om deur middel van die sosiale media oor tuiswerk te kommunikeer, word aangeraai om dit met wysheid te doen, aangesien dit tot verwarring kan lei.
  • Leerders wat tydens skoolure afwesig is of a.g.v. Musiek-onderrig gedurende skooltyd ander skoolwerk mis, of vir enige ander rede skoolwerk mis, moet self die onvoltooide klaswerk inhaal.
  • By die eerste Oueraand van elke kwartaal sal ouers ‘n afskrif van die makroplan vir die kwartaal se tuiswerkbeplanning en toetse ontvang. Die sekretaresse sal dit ook aan ouers e-pos.
  • Ouers word aangemoedig om ‘n rooster op te stel van na-skoolse aktiwiteite aangesien heelwat leerders by buitemuurse bedrywighede betrokke is.

Discipleship

Our Discipleship focus is designed around Character Qualities of God. Our children engage in daily Fellowship with God, develop a strong sense of who they are in Christ, learn to willingly Serve in His Kingdom and to become Diligent Stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

We desire to see our students experience the saving Knowledge of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit inspire them to serve.

The character qualities are worked into morning devotions and assemblies and are specifically planned into each subject area as well as being reinforced in teachable moments as they arise.

Additional Biblical Integration is also worked into lessons as fitting. This is both planned and incidental. The Bible comes alive as a resource tool. The children are encouraged and guided to look at their subject matter from a Biblical Worldview.

Character growth is encouraged and a Discipleship report is sent out in addition to the Academic report. It is a privilege to join hands with parents and work together on building, moulding, motivating and guiding our children in growing in character. Discipleship badges and certificates are also used to acknowledge individual character growth.

Bible knowledge is developed through Bible Education being taught as a content subject using the ACSI Purposeful Design curriculum.

Outreach is an important part of growing servants and stewards of God’s kingdom. Age appropriate opportunities are created for our children to reach out to the surrounding community and make a difference.

Culture

Our Culture offering in the Primary School gives students the opportunity to continue to discover, develop and thrive in their God-given talents and abilities.

Opportunities exist to build character, develop self confidence, cultivate creativity, promote intellectual, social and emotional skills in a safe environment while we honour God in all that we do. 

Activities include:

Junior Dramatix, Chess, Junior Sanctified, Eazy stitch, Clay Play & Craft Club, Junior Production Crew, Music and Eisteddfod

Sport

Sport provides an opportunity for students to express their talents, develops and shapes character, grows confidence and enables collaboration to flourish in the dynamic world of sport.

We teach the students the discipline to hone their skills and to give of their best trusting that these values will overflow to other areas of their lives.

We encourage participation to discipline the whole child on and off the sports fields.

Sporting codes: Athletics, Swimming, Hockey, Netball and Cricket.

School Life

School Life events provide opportunities to foster creativity, innovation and a celebration of life.

In the process we hope to develop a love for our school celebrating each other and enriching the sense of community in El Shaddai Christian School.
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Activities include civvies and dress-up days that celebrate events like World Book Day and Literacy day. We include cross grade integration, as well as collaboration with the High School.

On occasion proceeds raised from these events will be donated to Open Doors, an organization that reaches out to persecuted Christians in closed countries, to help print and distribute Bibles.

Uniform

Uniform And Appearance

We take great pride in our school and how we present ourselves.

We do the following to present a dapper and beautiful image:

  • Boys have a neat, conservative, school haircut:  clean, tapered, off-the-collar and ears, and not worn over the eyes. Trendy haircuts are not acceptable.

  • Clothing is to be pressed, tidy and clean.

  • Girls have a neat hairstyle and, if it is shoulder length, it should be tied up with a navy-blue, black or white ribbon or bauble. Hair may not be worn over the eyes. “Up-do” hairstyles are not acceptable.

  • Girls are permitted to wear conservative, small, round, gold or silver sleepers or studs in their ears (one in each ear only).

  • Girls: Skorts to be worn at reasonable length.

  • All clothing should be clearly marked.

  • All clothing should be clean, in good repair, fitting correctly and well-pressed.

  • Sport vest may be worn for sport practices and Physical Education days. It may not be worn as a school uniform.