Waterfall Schools is a small school on a beautiful, big campus, with staff whose primary goal is to create an environment where children can learn and thrive, becoming positive change-makers in our world.
Since its establishment in 2016, Waterfall Schools has blossomed, providing quality independent education with a focus on healthy relationships, offering a nurturing space for children from 12 months of age to Grade 12.
“Never before have children so badly needed structure and guidance at home and at school,” says Waterfall Preparatory Headmaster Brad Cooper. “Our focus is on establishing a moral compass, providing healthy boundaries and guidance so that children can develop discernment, respect and personal identity.”
Systems and structures have been established to serve each phase in an age-appropriate way, allowing children to be children for as long as possible, without unnecessary fear and pressure that can limit their ability to learn. Teachers guide and support students to achieve their personal best, encouraging creativity, collaboration and innovation.
Waterfall Pre-Primary is a home away from home for children from 12 months of age to Grade 00, and has established a strong following in the Upper Highway area. The team is driven by the vision Hand-in-hand as we play, learn and grow together. “Our teaching team are equipped to develop each little person’s confidence, concentration and age-appropriate life skills,” says Waterfall Pre-Primary Principal Paula Mason. “Our emphasis is placed on nurturing each child, from the 12 months age group up to Grade 00.” The Tadpoles app provides daily updates on each child’s activities, so that parents are fully informed.
Waterfall Pre-Primary children are given first option on the 48 places in Grade R at Waterfall Preparatory. Prep staff are encouraged to constantly evaluate the way they do things to ensure that activities are age-appropriate and that they meet the needs of the children in their care. Continuous assessment is used to guide teachers in the way they work through the CAPS Curriculum, but marks are not used to compare one child with another.
“We are excited to expand our learning experience in 2023 with the completion of our new language, technology and art centre, overlooking the Valley of 1000 Hills,” says Mr Cooper. “This facility will further enhance opportunities for creativity, collaboration and discovery.”
Prep pupils enjoy a range of sports, including cross country, hockey, soccer, netball and cricket, with inter-school fixtures including galas. They also take part in music and drama, and have access to a number of other extra-murals.
The Prep has 24 children per class, with a maximum of 48 per grade. This gives staff the time to unearth the treasure in each child.
Waterfall Prep and College are Google Schools, with IT skills (Including the Google suite, Coding and Robotics) being taught from Grade 4 to 9 and all students from Grade 7 to Matric using personal Chromebooks each day.
From Grade 8, Waterfall College has three classes of 20 students, with a total of 60 students per grade. This means that students are really known and have the opportunity to develop friendships across the grades. Students are provided with a range of platforms to practice service and leadership, from SCA and HOPE Committees to sports houses and school prefects.
Waterfall College offers 17 Matric subjects, including the Sciences, EGD, Visual Art, Dramatic Arts, Consumer Studies and Accounting. “We work within the requirements of the IEB curriculum, but continuously seek to grow and develop new skills,” says College Principal Bryony Green. “Looking at education trends, like nano learning, allows us to use new methods within the traditional assessment context.” The school has had a 100% IEB Matric pass rate since 2004. College students enjoy a range of sports and cultural extra-murals.
Waterfall Online provides extra lessons and holiday catch-up sessions in a wide range of subjects to students within Waterfall Schools and beyond, from Grade 1 to Matric.
Facilities on campus include spacious classrooms, modern science labs and art studios, as well as two sports fields and a 4km cross-country/mountain bike trail. These developments are thanks to a symbiotic partnership with Focus on iThemba, a non-profit that facilitates quality early childhood development in the Valley of 1000 Hills. 14 students attend Waterfall School as part of the donor-funded iThemba Scholars programme.
As Waterfall Schools enters its sixth year as a complete educational pathway from 12 months to Grade 12, the question is: “Is Waterfall Schools the right fit for your child?”
OPEN DAYS:
- Pre-Primary 19 May
- Preparatory (Grade R to 7) 2 March
- College (Grade 8 to 12) 9 March
FOR MORE INFO:
- www.waterfallschools.co.za
- 031 710 1824