Pierre van Ryneveld Christian Academy

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.