Page 31 - Waterfall Issue 6 2021

sT PETER’s PREP sChooLs

– ahead of the game, behind every child

s t Peter’s Boys Prep and Girls Prep

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

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