Zonnebloem Boys Primary School

Academic

The curriculum at Zonnebloem Boys’ Primary School strives to enable all learners to achieve to their maximum ability. We encourage our learners to be curious, to explore, to question and to be life-long learners. All academic activities are organised in departments by teams of dedicated teachers working together to promote their subject and to instil in every learner an enthusiasm and interest in their subjects. All teachers set very high standards for themselves, of each other and of their learners so that together, the very best outcomes can be achieved. The academic year is divided into four terms. There are ample opportunities for parents to meet with teachers to discuss their son’s progress at scheduled ‘meet-the-teacher conferences’. Any matter of concern arising about academic work can be raised at any time by parents at these conferences or by arranging a meeting with the teacher. THE CENTRAL PILLAR: ACADEMICS 
The School regards the Academic Pillar as central to its approach to education. Academically the school caters for learners in The General Education and Training phase (Grade R and ages 6 - 15) 

This includes 3 phases:

• The Foundation Phase – Grade R – Grade 3
• The Intermediate Phase – Grade 4 – 6
• The Senior Phase – Grade 7

The General Education and Training Course (GET) 
All pupils in the GET phase follow a course which lays a broad foundation for more detailed study encountered in the FET course. GET subjects offered at Zonnebloem Boys’ Primary are as follows: 

Grade R – Grade 3

• English Home Language
• Afrikaans (at First Additional Language Level) OR isiXhosa
• Mathematics
• Life Skills
  • Personal Social Well Being
  • Beginning Knowledge
  • Physical Education

Grade 4 – Grade 7

• English Home Language
• Afrikaans (at First Additional Language Level) OR isiXhosa
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
• Social Sciences (History and Geography)
• Technology
• Arts and Culture
• Economic and Management Sciences (Only Grade 7)
• Life Orientation; which includes Physical Education and Life Skills)

At the end of their GET Course, pupils qualify to go on to the FET course. This can be done at an academic stream school or an FET College. Examinations and Tests 
The entire school writes a standardized test every Friday/every fortnight. This gives our teachers an opportunity to assess their depth and range of what has been taught during the week and allows for further consolidation/intervention and or re-teaching. 

There are formal examinations at the end of the second and fourth terms for grade 4 – 7 classes. In addition, at the end of the third term ALL grades writes the Annual National Assessments (ANA). In October All Grade 3’s and Grade 6 learners write the Western Cape Education Department Systemic Exams. 

Pupils are encouraged to work consistently throughout the year, as the cumulative year mark derived from the formal School based Assessments (SBA’s) are increasingly important in determining their final result.