Back to school

Back to school.
Mommy, they need you!

From buying the school uniform to keeping abreast of school issues, your child needs you to be actively involved.

Talking to teachers.

It makes sense to foster a positive relationship with your child’s teacher but knowing what (and when) to discuss with this VIP can make all the difference.

  • Make an appointment. Parent evenings are designed to get parents and teachers together, but remember there are many parents to be seen and limited time. This is not the occasion to get into an in-depth discussion about your child’s problems. If you need a more in-depth discussion make an appointment to see the teacher at another time, either with her or through the school secretary. But don’t waylay her on her way to the staffroom or at the car.
  • Keep the teacher informed. It makes a teacher’s job easier if she knows that something is going on in your child’s life that might be stressful. Let her know, for example, if there is a new baby, a divorce, a family illness, etc.
  • Do your part. A good way to get to know your child’s teachers – and what is going on in the school generally- is to volunteer to help around the school, join the governing body, play taxi to class outings, etc. You can gain valuable insights by watching your child interact with their peers and teachers.
  • Don’t be pushy. Avoid rushing to the school every five minutes. Apart from your child finding this highly embarrassing , it sets him apart from the others. Give teachers credit for their training and experience.
  • Listen to both sides. Although you should take what your child says seriously, be aware that they often exaggerate. The reason they’re in detention again might not be just ‘because my teacher doesn’t like me’ . Listen to what they have to say but don’t immediately rush to their defense  before finding out the teacher’s side of the story.
  • Keep an open mind. If you do have worries and complaints, speak to the teacher but be prepared to listen to what she has to say – even if what is said about your child is uncomfortable or not what you expected to hear. At all times be aware of the effect you may be having on your child and be sure that while you’re trying to solve the problem you are not creating other pressures.
  • Show appreciation. If you think your child’s teacher is doing a good job, tell her. Teaching is a demanding  job and appreciation from parents helps to make it worthwhile.

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE A.C.E. SCHOOL SYSTEM

Diagnostic Testing: our school diagnoses academic needs before prescribing a proper curriculum. By doings so, we can determine learning gaps from the learner's previous schooling, topping up before starting work on the ideal level.

High academics: The school uses printed "Paces" (a booklet used by the child to work in) of a very high quality, that is colorful and learner friendly. The level of academic excellence is indescribable and a must to see.

Traditional values: There are very strict rules children are to adhere to, and parents become part of the educational system. The school is built on Biblical based values such as respect for authority, respect for the property of others and personal responsibility.

Character building: much attention is given to character building because it is "part of the guarantee of success in life". In the Bible you find 60 character traits of Jesus. These are the character traits integrated into the learning material by the school system, teaching children values and reflecting God in this world.

Personal and individual attention: the school system is based on individual learning, where each child has his own "office" and by using flags, draws the teachers attention for assistance. A ratio of 1 to 15 children per staff member is the norm.

Phonetic learn to read: grade 0 and grade 1 children learn to read by first learning the phonetic sounds of letters in a very unique way. There after they learn to read by blending the sounds learned before.

Goal setting: goals for the day are set each morning in each subject. These goals are set by learners and contracted with the teacher, who will make sure that the learner has balance between different subjects, and that the goals for the day are realistic (not to high or too low) for the learner's individual abilities. The children treat it as their own business to achieve their goals that they have set for themselves to be successful.

Mastery built learning: learning takes place when a learner mastered and understood the work that was learned. Therefore a learner is only allowed to receive the next Pace (booklet) after a test was passed with 80% or more. If a test is not passed the learner must repeat the whole Pace until they have mastered the work.

Multimedia computer and video interactive learning: to assist a learner in mastering the the work. The school provides additional material in the form of Multimedia Computer Programs and video material to enhance learning.

Responsibility: each learner takes responsibility for their own studies by scoring the completed work and correcting their mistakes during the pace work. This is also one of the main characteristics developed, as experience has shown that when a learner uses the scoring procedures incorrectly, the test results prove it. They also learn to take responsibility for their own actions and behavior.

Less pressure, less competition, no embarrassment: each learner works with Paces at their own level of competency and therefore no two learners are in competition with each other. Furthermore, when a learner has to ask: a question, they raise their flag to indicate that assistance in needed, and the teacher will react by visiting the learner in their individual "office", assisting on an individual basis. This eliminates embarrassing moments for learners, enhancing self-esteem and a positive attitude.

 

CURRICULUM

WHAT CURRICULUM DO WE USE?

PIERRE VAN RYNEVELD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY is a registered user of the Accelerated Christian Education, also known as School of Tomorrow. This school system developed 30 years ago as alternative to degenerating public schools in the United States of America during that time, and spread throughout the whole world. Today we find more than 7000 A.C.E. schools worldwide, and more than 400 A.C.E. schools in South Africa.

PVRCA

Are your children too special to be left in a school full of problems?

They have the potential for success.

It's time to give them the opportunity they deserve.

Give your children the education you want them to have.

PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BASED ON:

  • A solid, back to the basics education.
  • Study course to meet the child's individual needs and learning capabilities.
  • Character-building and wisdom principles.
  • High quality study material

It is our vision to: provide the learners of our school with skills and education for life, the characteristics and development to prepare them for adulthood.

It is our mission to:

  • Teach children to read for knowledge
  • Teach them to study for understanding
  • Build their characters

Build five major skills:

  1. Listen
  2. Communicate
  3. Reason
  4. Read
  5. Write

Learn the key to Personal Success:

  • Love for Jesus
  • Professional competence
  • Confidence in Ones Identity
  • Desire to learn
  • Ability to Speak
  • Dedication to a Task
  • Service to Others