Learners who are cerebrally, physically as well as intellectually challenged are admitted to the Functional Phase.
Curriculum:
A customized CAPS curriculum, called D-CAPS (Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement), is currently being used in the phase to meet learners’ specific needs.
From the age of 8 – 13 years they do academic subjects called Mathematics, Home Language and Life Skills. From 14 – 18 years (this is our Vocational Phase) we continue with the mentioned subjects, but then the electives we offer at Paarl School are added. The three electives are Agriculture, Ancillary Health Care as well as Arts and Crafts. Furthermore, the learners have Additional Language, Natural Sciences and Creative Arts as subjects.
Ancillary Health Care is about empowering learners to take care of themselves safely, especially assisting learners in wheelchairs with food preparation, home cleaning using cleaning equipment and products. Emphasis is placed on personal hygiene.
In Agriculture, learners are exposed to basic plant care, plant production, and the maintenance of a beautiful garden, while developing knowledge of animal care, environmental practices, general farming, horticulture, and fundamental business principles within the agricultural field.
The Art and Craft learning program explores knowledge and understanding variety of materials, techniques and work processes, from developing ideas and solving problems, to the production of creative works of art. Art and Crafts awaken the creative powers in each learner. This creativity can be applied in all spheres in later life and work.
An occupational therapist provides assistance for activities of daily living.
Computer training and TIPS (Therapeutic Intervention Program in Schools) are also provided to the learners.
Class Groups:
There are eleven (11) class groups with ages ranging between 7 and 18 years.
Learners in the Functional Phase require lots of individual assistance and therefore every educator has a class assistant. Many learners have facilitators, who are remunerated by their parents, to provide assistance to more handicapped learners.
Most learners in the Functional Phase receive physiotherapy.
Learners in the Vocational Phase are prepared for the World of Work. At the end of their schooling, learners are supported with future planning and applications for work in a protected / sheltered or open job market. An occupational therapist is involved in finding suitable positions in the labour market, liaising with businesses, and placing learners. For this, we need the willingness of business enterprises to provide learners with appropriate opportunities. It is very important that the parents of these learners are also involved in the whole process.
