Education

Our Foundation Phase consists of four classes — Grade R, 1, 2, and 3. With our largest class currently having only 12 learners, we are able to provide individualised attention and ensure that each child’s unique needs are met. Supporting us in this endeavour are our two dedicated classroom assistants, who help maintain a nurturing and structured learning environment throughout the school day.

We are a tight-knit phase of educators who are passionate about our work and care deeply for each child that comes through our doors. We firmly believe that every child has potential, and we work tirelessly to unlock that potential, supporting growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

To strengthen learning, our learners benefit from the Reading Rocket and Munching Maths programmes, which enhance reading and numeracy skills. Physical development and safety are also a priority; our learners participate in the Learn to Swim programme, where they acquire basic swimming skills. Where possible, we also enrich learning through educational outings, with our most recent trip being to the Johannesburg Zoo.

While academics are important, we also focus on the holistic development of our learners. Working closely with our therapy team, we provide emotional support, physical guidance, and creative opportunities to ensure that each child receives the best possible care and education.

At Hope School, the Foundation Phase is not just about learning – it’s about growing confident, curious, and capable learners who feel valued, supported, and inspired every day.

Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)

The Intermediate Phase at Hope School comprises Grades 4 to 6. In this phase, learners engage in a wide range of learning strategies designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy while exploring the world around them. Our programmes are carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, ensuring personalised support and growth.

Our phase is led by a dedicated and passionate team of teachers committed to excellence and the success of every learner. We emphasise problem-solving and creative thinking across all areas of learning, encouraging students to think critically and approach challenges with confidence.

The curriculum is regularly updated with topical and engaging material, promoting active participation and cooperative learning. Learners are guided to develop social connections, resilience, and interpersonal skills, which are essential for both academic and personal growth.

Hands-on experiences form a core part of our teaching approach. Through discovery learning, experiential activities, and technology integration, students gain practical insights into their environment while building 21st-century skills. Group projects, interactive lessons, and practical applications ensure that learners are not only absorbing knowledge but actively applying it in meaningful ways.

At Hope School, the Intermediate Phase is about nurturing curious, capable, and confident learners who are prepared to take on new challenges and thrive academically, socially, and personally.

As reflected in its name, the General Education and Training (GET) Phase offers learners the opportunity to explore a variety of subjects, including English (Home Language), Afrikaans (First Additional Language), Mathematics, Life Orientation, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, Economic Management Sciences, and Creative Arts. This phase allows learners to discover their interests and strengths while gaining a solid academic foundation.

During Grade 9, learners are assessed to guide their subject choices for the upcoming Further Education and Training (FET) Phase, helping them align their studies with potential career paths. Learners are gradually introduced to a greater workload in terms of homework and study requirements. With consistent support and guidance, they adapt quickly and effectively to these new academic expectations.

The GET Phase is a critical stage in the educational journey, as it lays the groundwork for the subject’s learners will pursue in the FET Phase. From Grade 8 onwards, class sizes are slightly larger than in earlier phases, providing learners with a sense of preparing for the more structured and challenging environment of senior academic study. Hope School is proud to be one of the few LSEN schools offering a full academic programme from Grade 8 to 12, ensuring continuity and specialized support throughout the learner’s senior years.

By the time learners enter the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase, they have usually made their subject choices and, with guidance provided at the end of Grade 9, have a clearer idea of potential career paths. This phase focuses on preparing learners for tertiary education, vocational opportunities, and the workforce, while supporting personal growth and independence.

Compulsory Subjects

English (Home Language)

Afrikaans (First Additional Language)

Life Orientation

Mathematics (Pure) or Mathematical Literacy

Elective Subjects

Learners then select three subjects from the following options, with groupings to guide selection:

Group A: Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

Group B: Computer Applications Technology (CAT) or Life Sciences

Group C: Geography, Business Studies, or Physical Sciences

(Note: Choosing Physical Sciences requires Pure Mathematics.)

Group D: Accounting, History, or Consumer Studies

This structure allows learners to tailor their studies according to their interests, strengths, and future career aspirations.

Facilities and Learning Environment

Hope School provides a fully wheelchair-accessible environment, including a Consumer Studies classroom, a CAT lab, and a well-equipped Physical Sciences laboratory. Learners are encouraged to engage fully with their subjects, making use of relevant technologies and resources to achieve their best results.

Through a combination of academic rigor, practical application, and technological integration, the FET Phase ensures learners are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to succeed in further education and beyond.