Page 25 - FWG Issue 2 March 2024

GROWING FUTURE INNOVATORS

at Dainfern College

n the busy corridors of the
Junior Preparatory at Dainfern
ICollege, there is a magical place
where curiosity is celebrated and
imagination knows no bounds: The
Imaginarium. This makerspace is
a haven where young minds are
empowered to dream, explore and
create, thus fostering a love for
learning.
At the heart of the Dainfern College
Junior Preparatory educational
philosophy lies the belief that
learning should be a joyful
adventure. The Imaginarium has
been fully embraced as a space
where staff don’t just teach; they
inspire. By providing children with
the tools and resources to tinker,
experiment, innovate and problem Collaboration, curiosity and Growing 21st Century
solve, the staff in the Junior imagination citizens
Preparatory hope to ignite a passion
for learning that will accompany Through the power of collaboration In their role as educators, teachers
their young students throughout and teamwork, the Junior hold the key to moulding the
their lives. Preparatory teachers plan rich citizens of the future. The dedicated
cross-curricular inquiries that spark teachers at Dainfern College are
Empowering young innovators curiosity and encourage exploration. sowing the seeds for a generation
From science and maths to characterised by innovation and
language, arts, social studies and creativity. Staff are committed to
In the Imaginarium, every child baking, with an element of maths inspiring young learners, fostering
is a budding inventor, artist and and science built into the activities, their curiosity, and witnessing them
scientist. They are encouraged to every subject comes alive, and the blossom into well-adjusted, holistic
ask questions, seek answers, and students have agency, choice and individuals capable of applying their
think outside the box. Whether voice. knowledge to real-world challenges
they are building towering and global goals for a sustainable
structures from blocks, creating In the Imaginarium, there is no such future.
imaginative stories and animations thing as a wrong answer or a failed
on Chromebooks and iPads, using experiment – only opportunities for
the podcast recording room, or growth and discovery. The unique
experimenting, building and coding talents and interests of each child
Lego robotic cars, these young are celebrated, and their curiosity
students are constantly honing and imagination nurtured. Whether
their critical thinking and problem- they are designing fantastical
solving skills. creatures, crafting prototypes
from recycled materials using
hammers and nails, or designing
their own digital masterpieces For further information or to
through the use of Chromebooks, arrange a tour of Dainfern College,
iPads and 3D printers and then contact 011 469 0635 or email
seeing their designs come to life enrol@dainferncollege.co.za.
on the hologram fan, students are
encouraged at all times to take risks
and apply learnt skills.

Fourways Gardens • 23 • March 2024