School Type: Special Needs

Unity College is an independent private school for mildly to moderately intellectually challenged children. We are based in Fourways, Johannesburg. The College was established in August 1990, when a group of parents recognised the need to create a school, for children who can become productive, integrated members of society.

Learners entering Unity College have delayed scholastic ability and perform below their chronological age in various school subjects. The College caters for students from 6 – 20 years. We currently have?just over one hundred pupils. Due to the high support needs of our learners, our pupil teacher ratio is very low.

Our staff comprises of qualified Educators, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, a Social Worker and a Psychologist. Class sizes are small (not more than 12 children in a class) to cater for individual needs and to promote the full potential of each child. Unity College is committed to equipping each learner with skills to become a productive, independent member of society.

JUNIOR PHASE

MISSION STATEMENT:

We strive for a basic level of Numeracy, Literacy and Life Skills to encourage independence and self-esteem. We aim to nurture a love of learning within an environment of respect, honesty, compassion and laughter. We create a happy atmosphere in which our pupils strive to be the best they can be.

HOW TO ACHIEVE OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

We have a team approach. The team consists of the following people:

• Class teacher
• Occupational therapist for individual and class therapy
• Speech Therapist for individual and class therapy
• Social Worker
• PARENTS
• Principal

Progress is the most important part of the Junior Phase. We are the foundation of their life long learning process.

GENERAL:

• We cater for learners between the ages of 6 to 10, sometimes older if the learner is not yet ready to move into the Intermediate Phase of the school.
• Perceptual skills are taught throughout this phase as these skills are the basis for all learning. Therapist support is viewed as a vital element for this training.
• Numeracy: We start with pre-numeracy skills. The pupils discover numbers through the use of concrete aids. All the numeracy skills that are required of a young learner are taught in the Junior Phase. Progress depends on the learner himself.
• Literacy: Reading, writing and communication are very important. We start with the basic pre-reading, writing and communication skills. The learner gets individual attention and works on his/her own programme.
• Life skills are very important in the Junior Phase. Life skills addressed the need for the child to achieve greater independence.

INTERMEDIATE PHASE

MISSION AND GOALS

• To nurture a love of learning within an environment of respect, honesty, compassion and laughter. We aim to create a happy atmosphere for pupils, in which they feel safe, are extended, and stimulated in all areas of learning.
• The building of self-esteem and confidence is vitally important. It is important the pupils strive to be the best they can be. We work towards building on the individual strengths each pupil has. To equip the pupils with the necessary skills in order that they can cope independently as possible.

• Five Intermediate classes.

• A balanced learning programme is emphasised to encourage the academic and practical abilities of our learners.
• Learning areas covered are Literacy, Numeracy, Human Social Science (History and Geography), Natural Science, Daily Living Skills, Personal Social Skills, Health and Nutrition (Cookery ), Art and Crafts, Design and Technology, Physical Education and Computer Skills.
• It is important to have the pupils functionally literate in both Literacy and Numeracy. They also need to develop a general knowledge of the world around them.
• Besides the theoretical and practical side of the teaching, pupils are also encouraged in creative thinking skills and problem solving within the specific topics.
• Learning takes place individually and in groups.
• Differentiation is an important part of our planning.
• An integrated whole language approach is used when teaching the subjects.
• The subjects are taught within the parameters of the national OBE principle. We are fortunate in that we are not bound to any prescribed syllabus thus allowing for more relevant and appropriate individualised teaching to occur.
• We aim to develop the Independent Development Plans (I.D.P.’s) further, in order to enhance the individualised education of each child.

SENIOR PHASE

MISSION AND GOALS:

It is important that each child becomes the best they can be. We strive to provide opportunities to become productive, integrated members of society. Skills to encourage independence are emphasised.

CLASSES:

Three senior classes.

GENERAL:

Our senior programme offers a fifty-fifty split between academic and practical skills.

The Numeracy and Literacy curriculum we follow are ABET based. ABET is the ADULT BASIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING programme and is recognised and accredited throughout South Africa. It has four levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. We are registered with the IEB (INDEPENDENT EXAMINATIONS BOARD) and our examinations are marked externally. We do have pupils who do not cope with ABET and we have introduced a Functional Numeracy and Literacy programme.

A Work Experience Programme runs on a Tuesday. Pupils learn work behaviour and ethic. From a sheltered workshop environment they move on to a more independent job e.g. data capture at I.B.M., assistant chef at Broadacres Spar.

COMPUTERS:

Unity College has entered into a partnership with Knowledge Network for the development of learners in the field of information technology and integration of technology in the classroom.

Pupils learn how to use a computer as a tool for life. Knowledge Network equips the learner with computer and life skills needed in the business world.

SENIOR DANCE:

At the end of every year we have our Senior Dance. All Senior pupils participate in this matric-dance like event and it is usually eagerly anticipated.

School Phase:

• Primary
• Secondary
• Post-Secondary

Lowest Grade: Junior 1
Highest Grade: Senior 3
Boarding: No
Number of Pupils: 114
Founding Year: 1990
Religious Affiliation: Secular
Lowest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R45375
Highest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R45375
Postal Address: PO Box 1028, Witkoppen
Postal Code: 2068
Telephone: 011 465 2422/2
Fax: 011 467 3501
Website: http://www.unity-college.org.za/
Suburb: Fourways
City/Town: Johannesburg
South African Province: Gauteng
Country: South Africa