Page 14 - Education Feature Issue 1 2021

Celebrating excellence

in education at

Dainfern College

ainfern College prides itself on being at the cutting edge of education, with new Under the leadership of Mr Ray van Gass,
and innovative teaching methods and approaches in use in the various phases the Principal of the Senior Preparatory,
of the school. The sophisticated technological systems in place at the College inquiry-based learning is now firmly
Dhave ensured the highly successful rollout and delivery of the remote and entrenched in the Grade 4 - 7 classrooms at
learning programmes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic in both 2020 and 2021. Dainfern College. The core subjects of
Mathematics, English and the additional
The Junior Preparatory is a vibrant and happy space for Grades 0 to 3, headed up by languages remain a key focus, while aspects
Mrs Patti Blackhurst. The Grade 0 - 2 children at the College enjoy an integrated school of the other traditional school subjects are
day, which ensures that they not only experience a wealth of cultural and sporting incorporated into a cross-curricular
opportunities during the academic day, but also learn and develop the foundations of programme that teaches core 21st Century
language and Mathematics within a day that is playful and collaborative, inspiring skills such as higher order thinking, problem
curiosity and creativity as it engages children in meaningful learning experiences. solving, communication, team work and
From Grade 3, the children follow an academic programme during the school day and can reflection. There is considerably less mark-
choose from the extensive extramural activities on offer in the afternoon to ensure they based assessment as a result, and a
also develop physical and cultural literacy. reduced homework burden on students too.

Photo taken prior to lockdown

Education | February 2021 | 12