Waterberg Academy

Corne Liebenberg
May 17, 2016
3 min read

Waterberg Academy is an English Medium independent school founded in 2003, in the heart of the UNESCO Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in the small town of Vaalwater (Mabatlane), Limpopo, South Africa. Born out of a desire to take the best from traditional schooling, and combine this with critical elements that are sometimes overlooked, we are committed to an education informed by environmental, social and economic responsibility.

Situated on a 10 hectare property on the outskirts of Vaalwater, the Academy is surrounded by large tracts of relatively undisturbed indigenous Waterberg mountain bushveld, stretching for hundreds of kilometres to the north and north-west. This is an ideal classroom, where Nature is the teacher We recognize that educating our youth in traditional values, morals and ethics while equipping them with essential life skills and knowledge, is vital to securing their future. A pupil centered approach, modern curriculum design and committed educators ensure the fulfilment of these ideals. Our secure and peaceful environment allows us to grow learners in an a way that cannot be achieved in the city.

Academic Ethos

As a school with a rich and ever growing tradition of academic excellence, Waterberg Academy continually strives to keep abreast of new methodologies, technology, curriculum content and diversity in an effort to ensure our pupils meet the rigorous academic requirements of modern education. These targets are achieved through the active participation of Academy staff in programmes conducted by ISASA

The school follows an established admissions policy which ensures that prospective pupils will not only cope, but excel in the academic programme the school offers.

Notwithstanding, we recognise that each pupil has a certain learning style within a variety of intelligences and our teaching methodology encompasses the needs of each child within our “pupil centered” approach.

Our unique formula IQ + EQ2 + skills = growth, is a firmly entrenched philosophy that ensures not only academic excellence, but also pupils who possess high emotional intelligence and are environmentally aware:

IQ – Intelligence Quotient, which is developed through a diverse curricular offering and the constant pursuit of academic excellence.

EQ – Emotional Intelligence Quotient, where we empower pupils to make responsible decisions, develop an elevated work ethic and be sensitive to social needs. In so doing we develop proactive, community minded citizens who are capable of taking their place anywhere on this diverse planet.

EQ – Environmental Quotient, as an accredited Eco-School, Waterberg Academy pupils are made acutely aware of the fragility of our planet and the need for sustainable usage of our ever dwindling resources.

This philosophy ensures that our pupils develop not only academic excellence, but also an awareness of surrounding environment and the emotional aspects of human interrelationships.

Small class size is entrenched in our code and learning is facilitated through hands-on real world situations. Life skills are developed within the curriculum and lessons are developed with differentiation in mind.

COUNSELLING

As part of the ‘pupil-centered’ policy, the counselling of individuals is part of every day life. All staff are available to meet the needs of each pupil and to assist at all times, whether the need be academic, social or emotional.

In the event of other professional services being required, the school has access to the approved personnel.

Christian Ethos

While respecting and welcoming learners of different faith backgrounds, the Waterberg Academy endeavours to nurture a developing spiritual life from a Christian perspective.

All learners attend a weekly chapel service and are encouraged to attend a Sunday church service at one of the many Christian churches in the Vaalwater area.

The Waterberg community is a small yet closely knit bushveld community with strong values based on a shared Christian faith. Marriage, Family and a sense of interdependence are core bush strengths and the Academy seeks to nurture those values in its learners through a witness of Christ’s gospel in leadership and daily school life.

The Academy continually seeks to apply these timeless values to the demands of an ever changing society. Our Christianity is positively inclusive and welcomes diversity, recognising all learners as valued members of the school community.

Visit Waterberg Academy

The school is situated just outside Mabatlane (Vaalwater), Limpopo Province, RSA on the new Ellisras Road (approx. 300m from the SPAR center and opposite the farmer’s hall).

Waterberg Academy P O Box 655 Vaalwater 0530 South Africa

Cell: 083 726 1838

Waterberg Academy is participating in the Rainbow Gospel Radio / Beit Bracha Shades of Love National Colouring Competition