At Open Minds Campus, we nurture an active intelligence that constantly searches and seeks. Above all, it is for a child to know the joy of wondering about life.
All aspects of the school are designed to kindle the innate urge within every child to learn and know. The prime focus is not only on developing a child’s intellectual capacities but also to provide opportunities to explore other dimensions of life and self-development.
In the Primary phase
The Primary Phase syllabus presents a unified whole, covering the stages of development of the six/seven-year-old through the fourteen-year-old. Each year gives a foundation for the next and builds on what came before. The fulfillment of Primary Phase work, however, truly comes to fruition in the High School Phase, where the work of the foundational and middle years is transformed through thinking, reason, and the qualities of intellect that are developing in the High School learner.
The learning is child-led. We allow for the child’s desire to learn and discover at their own pace and inclination. Learning through play is valued and encouraged.
A very important aspect of our program is collaborative learning. Children solve problems in groups and share their findings with each other. Answers will not be automatically provided, nor will methodologies be prescribed. This builds creativity, thinking, and problem-solving skills.
The carefully prepared indoor environment is designed to inspire children to engage in various learning scenarios and adjust according to the children’s needs and interests. The space evolves continuously.
High school
The High School phase is a bridge to the future, equipping today’s learners with the capacity for critical thinking, synthesis, and creativity, enabling young adults to develop into thoughtful, engaged, articulate individuals.
There is a strong emphasis in the High School to help develop every learner’s abilities to think creatively and independently. It combines in-depth discussions, with daily skill-building sessions in math, physics, literature and additional language.
Our environment offers the opportunity for the students to excel and to prepare thoroughly for college and beyond. Elective classes encourage interest-based learning; community service initiatives balance self-development with a greater social awareness.
If students are keen to follow a specific curriculum, they are encouraged to study on their own or in groups, asking for assistance as and when required. We will guide them to the various options available to them. A variety of textbooks (Singapore Approach Publications and Cambridge aligned working books) and online options are available.
- Students are encouraged to independently cover the curriculum, develop self-teaching skills, and participate in self-assessment. We prioritise nurturing independence over spoon-feeding information and refrain from pressurising students through constant testing.
- Our approach instils in students both freedom and responsibility.
- Respect is fundamental in our treatment of students.
- We foster a passion for learning rather than relying on rewards, punishment, or fear to motivate learners.
- Our aim is to cultivate independence and confidence in every student.
- Our curriculum aligns with the respected British matriculation standards, acknowledged by South African universities.
- We endeavour to empower students to confidently unlearn and relearn on their own.
- This is the direction of future education.
Arts & Culture
Literacy
Group reading happens a lot in our classroom. Regular visits to our local library help encourage a lifestyle of reading.
A wide range of books are available for use in every classroom.
Reading to the children and story-telling are daily features in the group facilitated activities.
Science & Mathematics
Mathematics and science makes the core of our focus. We follow the Singapore mathematicsapproach as well as an International British Curiculum.
Sports and Movement
Lots of free play in our beautiful garden-like playground. There is an obstacle course on the playground for children to challenge themselves.
A sport’s coach engages with the students weekly to focus on specific skills.
Entrepreneurship
From time to time, students arrange tuck shop days where they organize the selling of healthy foods. We also have market days as and when the need arises to raise funds for the special projects – such as for missing library books to be replaced. We encourage our students to start small businesses to learn entrepreneurship skills. The children have the option to create their own wares to sell to the public. This helps build their confidence in developing business creativity, accounting, administration, and marketing skills.
Technology
We have fibre-backed WiFi in all classrooms
Computers are available for use and weekly classes are held to improve 21st-century skills.
