Academics

Small Class Sizes for Personalized Learning

Limited to 20 students per class – This policy ensures that each class maintains an intimate and conducive learning environment. With a restricted class size, teachers can focus on every student’s individual needs, creating a more personalized educational experience. This intimate setting fosters stronger teacher-student relationships, which are crucial for effective learning and academic growth.

Curriculum: WCED CAPS – The curriculum at Academy Private School adheres to the Western Cape Education Department’s Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). This curriculum framework is recognized and approved by educational authorities, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and standardized education. CAPS is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for academic success and future endeavors. By following this established curriculum, Academy Private School aligns its educational offerings with national educational standards, providing students with a solid foundation for further studies or professional pursuits.

Enhanced Curriculum – Enhanced learning focuses on developing independent skills, inspires learning within students and widens intellectual experiences. Our school curriculum includes robotics, coding, digital technology, computer skills and media as a subject (Digital Technology and Media – DTM subject). Grades R to 9 students attend Digital Technology and Media subject scheduled lessons during the school day with a dedicated Digital Technology and Media teacher. Integration of STEAM learning and STEAM projects throughout the academic year provide opportunities for students to explore new interests and innovations. STEAM projects help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills as well as improves students’ emotional intelligence and social skills. In addition, scheduled enrichment periods allow students to participate in various selected activities such as film studies, arts and crafts, drama, etc.

Technology

At Academy Private School, we believe in providing students with digital access and integrating technology into the curriculum to foster responsible digital citizenship.

CREATE ACTIVE STUDENTS: Utilize technology to actively engage all students in class.
ENHANCE GROUP PARTICIPATION: Employ various technological tools to involve the entire class simultaneously.

e-Campus

e-Campus serves as our online learning portal and a communication channel for our school community. In 2020, during the Coronavirus pandemic, we seamlessly transitioned to online learning, ensuring continuity in our curriculum.

While we’ve returned to in-person teaching, we continue to utilize the features of our online learning portal. It remains our primary means of communication with the school community.

Tablet PC or Laptop

All high school students at Academy Private School, including grade 7s from January 2021, are required to have a tablet PC or laptop for daily classroom use. We recommend the Chromebook, available for purchase from the school’s suggested IT suppliers. Parents should ensure the device meets the minimum specifications.

eBOOKS

Since 2014, Academy Private School has been a part of the eRevolution! Starting from January 2014, all high school textbooks (including grade 7s from January 2021) are exclusively available as eBooks for classroom use.

Parents are required to purchase the relevant grade eBooks from the school’s online eBook store. Make sure to load these eBooks onto your Chromebook laptop or tablet.

STEAM Education

At Academy Private School, our Grade R – 9 students have a dedicated weekly one-hour slot for Robotic STEAM Education. Additionally, Grade 4-12 students can delve deeper into Robotics through the Robotics Club for participation in National and International competitions and Robotics Olympiads.

Brainstorm Boffins® Robotic STEAM Education program encompasses STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), including coding and digital skills. This program utilizes programmable robots to foster exploration, experimentation, and creativity.

STEAM Philosophy

The core of STEAM lies in inquiry, critical thinking, and process-based learning. This approach emphasizes asking deep, non-Googleable questions. Inquiry, curiosity, creative problem-solving, and creative thinking are at the heart of this approach, seamlessly integrating humanities with the rest.

The benefits of the STEAM approach extend to students and the entire school community. Engaging in STEAM leads to more real-life connections, transforming school from a place of learning to an experience of learning.

Innovative Learning and Growth

We’re in a perpetual state of learning, growing, and experimenting. School isn’t confined to a physical space; it’s a mindset that leverages the Arts for exponential growth, social-emotional connections, and as the foundation for tomorrow’s innovators… today!

School Subjects offered

Subjects:

English Home Language
Afrikaans First Additional Language
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences (History & Geography)
Technology
EMS (Economic and Management Sciences)
Creative Arts
Life Orientation

Compulsory subjects:

English Home Language
Afrikaans First Additional Language
Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation

Choice Subjects:

Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Business Studies
Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
Design
Engineering Graphics & Design (EGD)

Subject Selection Process:

Students choose three electives from the offered subjects. These subjects are organized into bands according to teacher availability and student preferences. Once a student has made a selection from each band, they will have their final subject choices.

Important Notes:

While Academy Private School strives to accommodate students’ preferences, there are instances where limitations arise due to class size and staffing constraints.

To ensure the feasibility of subjects, specific capacity limits are implemented. This includes a minimum class size of 3 and a maximum size of 20 students.

High School Subject Choice

Grade 10 – 12

Compulsory Subjects

• English First Language

• Afrikaans Second Language

• Life Orientation

• Mathematics

• Mathematical Literacy

Choice Subjects

• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• CAT
• Design
• Business Studies
• EGD

Choose 1 Subject Combination from the table below

*All our choice subjects are university entrance subjects

Field of the Sciences: Medical Doctor, Medical Sciences, Computer Science, Statistical Sciences, Food Science, BSc Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Sport Science, etc.

Field of Design & Entrepreneurship: Graphic design, web design, fashion design, interior design, industrial design, architectural design, furniture design and more. Business management/administration, Building management.

Field of Sciences & Engineering: Most engineering fields (e.g. Civil, Mechanical, Aviation, Mining, etc.), Industrial designer, Interior designer. Quantity surveyor, Building management.

Field of Technology & Design: Architecture, Fine Art Drawing, Illustration, Design Graphic, Industrial, Interior Design, Fashion, Set Design, Jewelry, Textile, etc. Film-making and Animation; Teacher, Lecturer; Business management, Business administration, Building management.

Field of Entrepreneurship & Life Sciences: Business management, Business administration; Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Bio-Chemist, Ecologist, Physiotherapist, Botanist, Zoologist, Pharmacist.

Field of Engineering & Technology: Maritime and Agricultural Engineering; Medical Technician; Landscape Architect; Agriculture and Nature Conservation: Health Sciences and Social Services; Manufacturing, Construction, Engineering & Technology Study Fields.

Academic Guidelines

Bachelors Degree Study:

Attain a passing grade in at least 6 out of the 7 offered subjects

For admission to degree study, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Holders of a South African National Senior Certificate must pass a minimum of four subjects with a rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or higher.

Diploma Pass Requirements:

Pass at least 6 out of the 7 subjects offered.
Attain 40% or higher in English.
Achieve 40% in 4 subjects.
Secure a minimum 30% pass in the Language of Learning and Teaching.

A student is eligible to enroll for a Diploma at any university or university of technology in South Africa.

Each student is required to select seven subjects.
Proficiency in two official languages is mandatory.
All compulsory subjects must be taken.
Physical Sciences require Mathematics and so Physical
Sciences will not be an option for those who achieve less than 50% in Mathematics in Grade 9 in term 4.
Grade 10s who wish to take Mathematics and Physical Sciences subjects in Grade 11 and who are on the borderline (achieve 50%) or below 50% must undergo an aptitude test in their grade 10 year (between February and June). The aptitude test costs are for the parents’ account. Should the aptitude test result show negative for Mathematics and Physical Sciences then the student will unfortunately not be permitted to continue with these two subjects in grade 11 or 12. Parents understand and agree to this Physical Sciences and Mathematics subject choice condition.
Promotion Requirements for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) are as follows:
- Attainment of a minimum of 40% in one language at the Home Language level.
- Achievement of a minimum of 40% in two additional subjects.
- Attainment of a minimum of 30% in three other subjects.

Subject Selection Process:

Important Notes:

While Academy Private School strives to accommodate students’ preferences, there are instances where limitations arise due to class size and staffing constraints.

To ensure the feasibility of subjects, specific capacity limits are implemented. This includes a minimum class size of 3 and a maximum size of 20 students.

Subject Choices & Subject Changes

Subject Choice:

All Grade 9 students will make their subject selection for Grade 10 during August of their Grade 9 year. The Life Orientation department will inform and liaise with students regarding career options and the requirements.
Students in Grade 10 wanting to study Physical Sciences must take Mathematics as a subject through to Grade 12.

Subject changes in Grade 10:

A student may change a maximum of two subjects.
The closing date for requests from parents to the school for subject changes is 30 June.

Subject changes in Grade 11:

A student may change a maximum of one subject.
The closing date for requests from parents to the school for subject changes is 31 March.
In exceptional cases, a student may change one additional subject in Grade 11, after the release of the final end of year results in Grade 11.
The request for a subject change must be done before or on the last day of the school term, i.e. 9 December 2016.

Subject changes in Grade 12:

NO subject changes will be allowed in the Grade 12 year as from 2017 onwards.

The administration of subject change for Grade 10-12:

Early identification of students in Grade 10 and 11 for subject changes is very important. Subject teachers must identify such students and inform parents in writing.
The academic head/principal will consult with the parents, student and subject teacher and consensus must be reached that it will be in the student’s best interest to change.
After an agreement has been reached, the principal/academic head, parents and subject teacher must complete and sign a memorandum of agreement.
This subject change must be captured on CEMIS and a copy of the documents must be kept for scrutiny.
A subject change for Grade 10 and 11 will be approved by the principal.
The District and Head Office officials will monitor these requests for subject changes.
The WCED will not accept late requests for subject changes in Grade. 12.
The National Senior Certificate is a three-year qualification and each subject must be offered in Grade 10, 11 and 12. Candidates may not apply at the beginning of Grade 12 to register for an extra subject.

Our school facilities include:

Computer lab, Science lab/STEAM lab, and Design classroom
Design software, 3D Printer and 3D modelling software
Digital projectors, visual and audio/sound equipment
High Speed Fibre Internet and school network
Coding software & robotics equipment

School hours

Primary School Hours

30Grade RR & R:
• 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Classes
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Enrichment Activities Programme

Grades 1 to 2:
• 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM: Classes
• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Enrichment Activities Programme

Grade 3:
• 8:00 AM – 1:45 PM: Classes
• 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM: Enrichment Activities Programme

Grades 4 to 6:
• 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM: Classes
• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Enrichment Activities Programme

Aftercare:
• 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

*Enrichment Activities are complimentary and covered by the school fees

High School Hours

Grades 7 to 12
• 07:55 AM – 2:30 PM

As part of our commitment to holistic education, we’ve integrated compulsory sports and cultural activities into our regular school schedule.

These sessions occur on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. This structured approach ensures that students have access to a well-rounded educational experience that encompasses not only academic learning but also personal growth and skill development.

*Certain cultural and sports activities are provided free of charge in the afternoons after school for our high school students.

Free Academic Support

Subject Extra Lessons

Academic Support Programme at Academy Private School

We are committed to providing additional academic support to our students. Our teachers offer FREE subject-specific extra lessons in the afternoons:

High School (Grades 7 – 12): Monday to Friday, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM or 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM
Primary School (Grades 1 – 3): This is only offered if there really is a need for an identified student. Consolidation is continuously done in class.
Primary School (Grades 4 – 6): Monday to Friday, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM

These sessions are designed to assist students in their preparations for examinations and other academic challenges. To access the termly timetable, please request it from the school front office or principal.

Primary School

High School

English
Afrikaans
Mathematics

Mathematics
English
Afrikaans
Physical Sciences
Business Studies
Natural and Life Sciences
CAT
Social Sciences

School Uniform

Academy Private School upholds a uniform policy, instilling in our students a sense of pride as representatives of our institution.

Select uniform items such as the golf shirt, tracksuit, tie, badges, tennis shirt, chess shirt, school long hose socks and ankle socks, beanie, drymac jackets, pleated skirt, girls slax and wide brim hat are available for purchase on the e-campus.co.za online store.

For all uniform essentials (boys black trousers, boys shorts, blazer, PT shorts, scarf, gloves, and white shirts), find them at Woolworths.