Oakley House Preparatory School has developed a dynamic and specialised programme that allows for flexibility within the CAPS curriculum for those children that learn differently.
Small classes are a must for individual attention and complex learning issues are supported by a multidisciplinary team of on-campus therapists who work closely with our specialist teachers. The Individualised Education Plan (IEP), which is drawn up for each learner, is used as a guide for the team in assisting learners as they strive to reach their true learning potential.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) embodies collaboration, problem solving and self-management, while essential skills are taught through our intensive Thinking and Literacy Skills programmes. We offer an alternative learning stream called the Amended Learning Programme (ALP) and a highly specialised unit, the DEN (Development, Education and Neurodiversity), that allows for learners on the autism spectrum to flourish in an environment where they feel safe.
We support our children with:
developing friendships
having positive and productive interactions
developing their self-image, confidence and self-esteem
When we first got our son's diagnosis we were sad and fearful of what it would mean in terms of his education and ability to adapt to every day social environments. Oakley House has held our hand every step of the way. Obstacles on our journey are met with empathy and understanding and an ethos of working together - school, teacher, learner, parents and external support counsellors working on a solution that will be beneficial to all parties, but particularly to ensuring that the anxiety and difficulties of the learner has taken priority. The road with a special needs child is not an easy one, but Oakley House has made the journey all that much better. It has been a pleasure having our son at the Preparatory School and I am excited at watching his growth and development at the High School.– Family Irwin
Sandra Wiesner
PLUMSTEAD PREPARATORY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow. – Alfie Kohn
We embrace this ethos. My desire, as principal of this wonderful school, is to hear and see happy children engaged in meaningful learning and thereby reaching their full potential.
We are passionate about our work and welcome participation and communication.
Oakley House School follows the National CAPS curriculum which has been adapted to suit our learner’s needs. This allows for transition back into mainstream schools should the learner be ready to do so.
Small classes ensures individual attention and a caring and supportive environment.
A ratio of 1:8 in the DEN class and 1:10 in Grades 1 to 6, enables teachers to work towards developing each learner’s strengths as well as guiding them to use compensatory strategies to overcome areas of weakness.
We allow facilitators when a child needs greater individual assistance than our small classes offer. The type and extent of facilitation is decided on an individual basis and comes at an additional cost. Facilitators are required to be Oakley House staff.
Our after-school extra mural programme provides a variety of activities that will appeal to all ages and all interests. They are mostly offered by external service providers and include, soccer, cricket, karate, drama, baking, arts and crafts, computer club, etc. Extra mural activities are an additional cost to parents.
Homework reinforces the work done in class, it alerts the teacher to work that is not fully understood and it teaches independence and self-discipline. Parents are required to supervise and assist their child wherever necessary. The homework diary is a valuable means of two-way communication between parent and teacher and should be checked for messages on a daily basis.
For those parents who are unable to assist their Intermediate Phase children with homework, we provide assisted homework sessions after school at an additional cost.
We believe that a child’s diet has a direct influence on his or her ability to concentrate effectively. Teachers carefully monitor the lunch boxes to ensure that none of the following is brought to school:
Our children are only allowed to drink water at school and parents are required to provide a labelled water bottle for this purpose. Exceptions to the above may be made for birthday celebrations, but this must be prearranged and will be at the teacher’s discretion.
It is essential that all children at Oakley House are made aware of the importance of good, well-mannered behaviour. Oakley House has a Code of Conduct and an incentive/encouragement scheme and every effort is made to reinforce whatever school rules are in place at the time.
Generally speaking we believe that action and reminders to prevent poor behaviour are much more desirable and effective than a stream of punishments. The children are always encouraged to take ownership of their behaviour and to help devise solutions to any problems that arise.
The school gate is open from 07h30 each day with adult supervision on the playground.
Grade 1, 2 & F ALP
Grade 3
Grade 4-6 & I ALP
Our aftercare service runs from Monday to Friday until 16h30. A penalty equal to the daily aftercare rate is payable for late collection.
We do not offer holiday care.
Oakley House operates according to the WCED school calendar unless otherwise informed.
