Page 35 - Fourways Gardens May 2021

Advertorial

St peter’S prep SchooLS

– AheAd of the gAme, Behind every chiLd

t Peter’s Boys Prep and Girls Prep
Schools have been on a journey to
ensure inclusion is evident at every
Sgrade level. Within the academic
curriculum, inclusion and embracing diversity
has been essential in all the schools and is
taught consciously. An awareness of social
justice is crucial for preparing young people
to become responsible global citizens who
will shape and positively contribute to this
country in the 21st century.

Over the last year, St Peter’s Prep Schools
have been explicitly creating a space where
conversations around diversity, inclusion,
social justice, and the differences between
humans can be unpacked in a supported,
age-appropriate way and in an emotionally
safe environment.

In the Girls Prep, the lessons are known
as Ubumbano. This name is derived from
the isiZulu word meaning unity, a union of
interests or purposes, or sympathies among
members of a group. It also expresses
the moulding of clay. This was chosen to
encompass the hope that the girls will be
open to change with the ultimate goal of
unity.

In the Boys Prep, the name of the lessons,
Izenzo Zobuntu, refers to the activity of living
out ‘Ubuntu’. The hope is that the boys will
actively live in a deeper sense of community St Peter’s is developing the curriculum with the core values (Be Respectful, Be Responsible,
with others, understanding the concept that Be Resilient, Be Compassionate, Be Honourable, Be Collaborative) and ethos at the centre,
“I am who I am because of who we all are.”
and in accordance with ISASA’s (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa)
framework which states that:
Ubumbano and Izenzo Zobuntu classes
commenced in 2021. The lessons are “The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and
discussions, rather than conventional lessons,
with the understanding that the children respect. It means understanding that each individual
need a space to talk about and understand is unique, and it recognises our individual differences.
each other’s views. The questions and It is about understanding each other in a safe and
discussions give the children the opportunity positive environment, and moving beyond simply
to learn deeply that it is everyone’s tolerating to embracing and celebrating the rich
responsibility as global citizens and residents dimensions of diversity within each individual. The key
of South Africa to take care of each other and
have empathy towards one another. St Peter’s steps in the process of valuing diversity are awareness,
trusts that the children will learn to question understanding, appreciation and respect.”
their own thinking, identify unconscious bias
and develop the humility to see beyond their To create the safe and positive environment, classes have drawn up their agreements to
own views and accept, even embrace, others’ commit to respecting different views, seeking to understand other points of view and
differences. maintaining anonymity outside the discussions.

Fourways Gardens • 33 • May 2021