Developing personal excellence and helping all boys reach their fullest potential has always been our priority. From Pre-Primary to Grade 7, boys at Cordwalles are extended and encouraged to exert their individualism. Guided by experienced, professional, passionate teachers and support staff, our boys are encouraged to become confident, independent and creative problem solvers.
A Relevant, Holistic Academic Programme
We offer an exceptionally well-structured and balanced academic programme, which teaches the essential skills of reading, writing and mathematical reasoning, all with an emphasis on learning for understanding.
Our Cordwalles Curriculum is focussed on developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving, research skills, study skills and cooperative learning. Project work provides a learning experience in which the boys have to synthesise knowledge from various areas of their learning and apply it critically and creatively to a real-life problem.
Academic Subjects
In the Senior Primary Phase (Grade 4 to 7), we offer the traditional languages of English, Afrikaans and isiZulu, along with Mathematics and the natural sciences of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Social Science combines the human and social sciences of Geography and History, allowing us to focus on the skills required in these subjects. Specialist teachers are employed to develop pupils’ technology skills, entrepreneurial skills, as well as for the subjects of Music, Drama and Art. We also offer environmental education in our Outdoor Classroom.
Online Learning
Even before the pandemic, the whole school was using the Google Classroom platform. Teachers and the boys are well-equipped with IT skills, which made the transition to online learning during lockdown relatively easy. Every staff member has a school laptop, and we were able to loan devices to parents who needed them. Day-to-day, we use various apps and programmes to enhance learning experiences.
Facilities and Resources
All classrooms have multimedia installed and are big enough for collaboration and peer learning. With mobile furniture, classes can easily be reconfigured to suit the learning outcomes. Classrooms are also equipped with air conditioners. We supply all technology and a variety of devices (including 80 Chromebooks, 140 iPads, and two computer labs).
Our cutting-edge Media, Information Technology (including Robotics), Design Technology and Art Centres are staffed by professional specialists in each field.
Media Centre
The Media Centre is an inspiring space with informative displays and a research room that boys can book out for project work. The centre also plays host to general knowledge and literature quizzes, as well as media lessons for Grades 1-6.
IT Centre
Our dedicated, superbly equipped IT Centre is home to IT lessons and is open to the boys for their own research and learning. Boys learn skills in both Microsoft and Google Suites, with learning outcomes linked to the topics and themes covered in their other subjects. Boys are also taught coding from Grades 1-5.
Design & Technology Centre
The Design and Technology Centre has been recently renovated and has a laser cutter, 3D printer, and other tools. Design and Technology is part of the curriculum from Grades 4-7.
Art Centre
The recently renovated Art Centre is conducive to creating multiple media. Along with an area for experimental painting and tables for sketching and drawing, the centre boasts a dedicated pottery area with two kilns and five pottery wheels. Every boy has an hour Art lesson per week.
ROBOTICS AND CODING
We offer Robotics and Coding as a subject in the Cordwalles Curriculum for boys in Grade 6 and 7. Boys work with virtual simulations to learn the basics, before moving onto physical boards and electronics using Arduino kits.
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Cordwalles has a unique forest and natural outdoor area, our “Environmental Classroom”. There is a classroom building where lessons take place, and the wider forest area is used as context for the lessons, which are integrated into the natural outdoor setting.