Grade 8 Information

VISION

 “To position Rand Park High School as one of the leading high schools in the country and in so doing provide a quality education that will serve the needs of its learners and the community.”

MISSION STATEMENT

• To provide opportunities for learners of varied abilities and backgrounds to develop into well-balanced, responsible, innovative, independent learners.
• To create a caring, disciplined, supportive, child-centred environment that helps to develop each child’s potential.
• To prepare learners positively for the challenges of a dynamic, multi-cultural, technological society.

OBJECTIVES

Learners

• A positive commitment to all aspects of school life will be reinforced, encouraged and recognised.
• Learners will develop a sense of pride in performance and appearance.
• Values of self-discipline, tolerance, honesty, courtesy and mutual respect will be promoted, guiding them into responsible adulthood.

 Community

• To develop a sense of pride, trust, respect and active partnership with parents, past learners and the community.
• An atmosphere of co-operation and support should be developed.
• Emotional support and assistance must be available to learners and families.

The race, colour or creed of a learner or parent shall not preclude a learner from being admitted to the school.

1. Admission is totally dependent on the availability of accommodation.
2. Preference is given to children whose parents reside in the feeder area.
3. Parents wishing to admit their children to the school must accept that the school reflects basic human rights and values.
4. English is the medium of instruction and therefore learners must be able to benefit from instruction in this medium.
5. An original or certified copy of the learner’s Unabridged Birth Certificate or Identity Document must be produced before entrance to the school will be permitted.
6. Having determined the average age per grade, we do not permit learners to differ from the average age by more than 3 years.
7. Parents will pay the school fees as determined annually by the Governing Body (in compliance with the S.A. Schools Act).
8. Learners are required to abide by all the school rules and regulations and the Code of Conduct.
9. Afrikaans is recognised and taught as the second official language.
10. Should a parent be guilty of falsifying admission documents, then such admission will be rendered null and void.

All learners in Grade 8 and 9 will study the following compulsory learning areas:

• English (Home Language)                                    
• Afrikaans (First Additional Language)
• Mathematics                                                            
• Natural Sciences
• Human and Social Sciences                                 
• Life Orientation
• E.M.S. (incorporating Accounting)                       
• Creative Arts
• Technology

Note that ALL Grade 8 learners receive Computer Literacy Lessons.

Learners in Grade 10, 11 and 12 follow the new curriculum:

• 3 compulsory subjects – English (HL), Afrikaans (FAL) and Life Orientation
• A choice of Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• 3 other subjects chosen from:
  • Physical Science
  • Life Science
  • History
  • Geography
  • Accounting
  • Business Studies
  • Engineering Graphics & Design
  • Consumer Studies – Cooking
  • Information Technology
  • Computer Applications Technology
  • Visual Art

Assessment consists of two components, namely a portfolio of evidence of achievement gathered during the school year (SBA or School-Based Assessment), and end-of-year examinations. Each subject has different requirements for SBA. Some have practical components, but all will include some form of testing. Learners should therefore apply themselves regularly throughout the year, rather than rely on bursts of effort just before the exams.

The final promotion mark is weighted as follows:

In subjects with a practical component, the weighting is as follows:

25% SBA + 25% Practical + 50% Exam

• Assessment tasks are extremely valuable and must be handed in responsibly. Should an assessment task not be submitted by the date on which it is due, penalties will be incurred.
• A testing programme which indicates the class tests that are to be written during the term is issued at the beginning of each term.
• In Term 1 and 3, there is Formal Assessment that takes place in the last two weeks of the term.
• Exams are written in the last three weeks of Terms 2 and 4.
• Parents are urged not to make early holiday arrangements that will result in learners missing any Formal Assessment or Exams.

Please refer to Point 5 for the regulations regarding absenteeism during tests and exams.    

Reports are issued after each assessment cycle and at the end of the year.

The purpose of homework is to extend learning beyond the classroom and to consolidate work that has been taught.

The Education Department recommends the following hours of study (daily):

Grade 8                     –           1½ hours

Grade 9                     –           2 hours

Grade 10                   –          2 hours

Grade 11 & 12          –           3 hours

• Homework should be completed on the same day on which it is issued, even if the deadline is not for the next day. This will help eliminate unnecessary stress.
• This time should be spent not only on doing specific homework set by the educators, but also on individual study, consolidation of work, revision and preparation for tests.
• It is also strongly recommended that 15-20 minutes be set aside on a daily basis for reading. The High School Curriculum is heavily rooted in literacy. Every single subject has, at its core, the need for learners to understand the finer skills of reading. Learners who read regularly have improved vocabularies; their writing skills are enhanced; they are able to complete tasks and tests more easily and their understanding is sharpened. Academic success is dependent on regular and varied reading and parents are encouraged to develop a culture of reading at home.

Academic Support Programme

Rand Park offers academic support lessons in order to assist learners who may be struggling with certain subjects.

The following subjects form part of the Academic Support Programme: Accounting, Afrikaans, EMS, Mathematics, Maths Literacy, Physical Science and Life Sciences. The schedule for this programme is made available at the beginning of each term.

There are also English support lessons offered for Grade 8 learners where comprehension skills and language concepts are revised.

Learners who require assistance in any of their other subjects are encouraged to approach their subject teachers to schedule individual support lessons.

Grade 12 learners who excel in Mathematics offer a tutoring programme to Grade 8 and 9 learners where they assist with homework and the revision of Mathematics. This service is    offered four days a week.

The Counselling Department also assists learners with study skills, time management, subject and career choices, as well as dealing with problems of personal adjustment.