What needs to be learned is offered here and the road of learning, which previously was filled with difficulties, you will now be able to walk with more ease. So much more than just "learning" takes place here.

Paarl School accommodates learners from the age of 3 years up to grade 9, six practical classes and a work preparation group.

In all sections the same curriculum as in mainstream is followed but smaller class groups ensure more individual attention. Teaching methods to address specific problems in reading, spelling, written work (literacy), handwriting (writing skills) and mathematics are applied. Adjustments and amendments are made for the learners’ special education needs. We strive towards a holistic educational approach and a multi-disciplinary team approach (educator / therapists / psychologists) is followed.

The school consists of a:

The Pre-school section has 4 class groups (± 12 learners per class). Junior / middle group (3 – 5 years), pre-primary (5 – 6 years), preparatory Gr 1 (6 – 7 years) and a group for English speaking learners A qualified teacher is responsible for each class group. Adult class aides assist her. The prescribed departmental teaching and educational program for pre-school learners is followed.

The foundation phase consists of learners from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A maximum of 14 learners per class are accommodated.

The class groups are as follows: • One Grade one class (Afrikaans) • One Grade two class (Afrikaans) • One Grade three class (Afrikaans) • One Grade one class (English) • One Grade two class (English) • One Grade three class (English)

Adult class aides according to need also assist these classes.

This section follows exactly the same curriculum as mainstream schools.
The learners receive much individual attention. The New Revised Curriculum has been succesfully applied, but adjustments were made in order for all learners to benefit according to their specific needs.

The intermediate phase consists of learners from grade 4 to 6. A maximum of 15 learners per class group are accommodated.

The class groups are: • Two Afrikaans Grade 4 groups • One English Grade 4 group • One Afrikaans Grade 5 group • One English Grade 5 group • One Afrikaans Grade 6 group • One English Grade 6 group

Job preparation for 16 - 18 year-olds

There are approximately 70 learners in this group which consists of six(6) class groups.

Afrikaans & English Learners are being accommodated in seperate classes where possible. • Learners with serious reading problems in the last two phases receive their subject content on tape • Learners with serious writing- and spelling problems may make use of a transcriber during tests and exams • Individual computers and typewriters are supplied to physically handicapped learners with motor coordination difficulties, for written tasks.

A language laboratory has been equipped so that learners can listen to their work on cassette and can record answers to questionnaires on cassette. 'n Taallaboratorium is ingerig waar leerders na hul werk op bande kan luister en self vraestelle op band kan beantwoord.

Criteria for admission to practical classes
Learners that are mentally as well as physically or cerebrally disabled.

The class groups are as follows: At present there are five practical classes and a work preparation group, managed by five teachers and an occupational therapist. · P1 ± 7 – 10 years Level 0 – 1 · P2 ± 10 – 11 years Level 1 – 2 · P3 ± 12 – 13 years Level 2 – 3 · P4 ± 10 – 13 years Level 3 – 4 · P5 ± 14 – 15 years Level 4 - 5

Promotion
The five teachers and occupational therapist promote a learner to the next group according to age as well as emotional and social skills after careful consideration.

After P5, if a learner as reached the required standard, application to a school such as Westcliff or De Grendel can be made.

Most learners are transferred to the Work Preparation Group where an occupational therapist will prepare them for sheltered or protective workshops after the age of 18 years.

Time Allocation
There are four academic days and one practical day per week.
All learners in the practical classes attend practical sessions according to their level of practical skills.

At present there are (5)five groups:
1. Groups 1 – 3: General hand function and socializing
2. Group 4: Cookery
3. Group 5: Paper technology