The joy of learning continues
Despite the academic and social disruptions brought about by the Covid-19 lockdowns during the past year, Oakhill School has been able to continue offering teaching and learning to all pupils without any academic time being lost.
Furthermore, Oakhill has also been able to start 2021 strong regardless of the challenging circumstances surrounding educational institutions. Says one parent, "Well done to Oakhill! The school year has got off to a cracking start in the face of continued adversity worldwide!"
Adaptability
As an independent and agile organisation, where both teachers and parents have a vested interest in optimising pupils' learning, Oakhill was able to fully embrace the challenge of adjusting to online learning when the Covid crisis hit last year.
Throughout the year, whether online or back on campus full-time, there was a clarity of purpose to create an environment in which the "joy of learning" could continue despite Covid, with strategies in place to make it simple and effective for both teachers and pupils.
The teachers' adaptability and willingness to learn and unlearn during this time are testament to their growth mindset. In this regard, an appreciative parent said, "Their efforts, dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and I would like to thank them and all the staff at Oakhill for doing a phenomenal job in continuing to educate our children to the highest quality last year."
Innovation
Regarded for many years as a forwardthinking school, with a culture of innovation and technology already in place, Oakhill was well poised in 2020 to adapt immediately to online learning for all pupils, from
Grade 000 to matric.
This online-ready platform was put in place three years ago when Oakhill revisited and explored the role of technology as a tool to enrich teaching and learning. They adapted workflows to the integrated Google Suite for Education platform, and also invested in Chromebook devices for all learners from Grade 4 to Grade 7, which proved to be another critical part of the process. The timing of this technology integration journey proved to be fortuitous, unknowingly preparing teachers and pupils for an online teaching scenario that would be necessitated by the pandemic.
With the onset of Covid-19, the school's learning plan was refined to provide effective education for pupils within 24 hours of any emergency, aimed at both the short and long term, catering for both online and in-person learning. As one parent shared, "I am impressed how quickly our school and teachers managed to facilitate the online process".
Based on a description of the communication channels, the technology systems that Oakhill would employ within each academic phase as well as guidelines on how parents could support their children's learning, considerations were tailored and fine-tuned to make the best of the ever-changing and sometimes challenging circumstances.
Individualistic approach
Throughout 2020, whether online or in person, pupils benefitted from the school's one-on-one ethos. At Oakhill, children are taught in the manner they are best able to learn and no child gets left behind. The teaching methodologies are flexible, mindful, integrated, cross-curricular and, critically, age-appropriate. Covid didn't change this. When asked about their online experience, one pupil shared how their learning followed its "own pace, in a comfortable environment with close support in the form of both parent and teacher."
Online or distance learning was a significant change for all schools, but also proved to be a great opportunity to think differently about teaching and learning.
This period of emergency catapulted many schools right out of their comfort zones, even those with key investments in technology like Oakhill.
While Oakhill's journey into the online arena was seamless for the most part, as they were fortunate enough to be well positioned to meet the challenges of online teaching and learning, with deeply committed staff embracing and facilitating the transition. Mindful that bursary children were experiencing the change somewhat differently with their own unique challenges, Oakhill carefully ensured that each child was given individual focus, attention and care. "The school is very supportive and understanding and I appreciate the effort. It's difficult for many and Oakhill is doing a great job," said one College pupil.
While online learning and working will inevitably be integral parts of everyone's life moving forward, teachers at Oakhill believe that online interactions cannot replace the richness of in-person exchanges, or the fun and stimulation of being on campus. Oakhill deliberately aims to integrate the best of both into its "joy of learning".
Holistic offering
Whole child education happens in the broadest sense of the word at Oakhill and this involves much more than the excellent academic standards Oakhill maintains. From Grade 000 to Grade 12, teachers strive to ignite the imaginations of the pupils by encouraging them to explore and discover, question and create - every day, in all areas of school life, within an everchanging environment.
This nurturing of the individual and the exploring of all aspects of education - not only academics but also sports, music, art and drama - is what has continued to attract students to Oakhill over the 29-year history of the school.
Excellence in a holistic education also prompts a significant number of pupils from all schools, locally and nationally, to apply for Oakhill's annual scholarships.
The scholarship presents a wonderful opportunity for aspiring and capable students to access world-class education and the ensuing opportunities.
- Supplied, Oakhill