INTERMEDIATE

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 as independently as possible.
   

CLASSES
Four Intermediate classes

GENERAL

• A balanced learning programme is emphasised to encourage the academic and practical abilities of our learners.
• Learning areas covered are Literacy, Mathematics, 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 Mathematics. 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 develop the Independent Development Plans (I.D.P.’s), in order to enhance the individualised education of each child.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
In Design and Technology we aim to contribute towards learners technological literacy by giving them opportunities to:

• Develop and utilize specific skills to solve technological problems.
• Interact with each other when they develop technological solutions.
• Understand the concepts and knowledge used in technology and be able to use them responsibly and purposefully.

The Intermediate phases will be introduced to:

• Newer devices that are integral to skills development in the technology arena and will be used thereby taking the Intermediates further than the junior phases.
• The design process encourages the development of critical and creative thinking skills. The learner will be made aware of the need for investigating before designing, making and evaluating. Within this phase technology becomes more exciting as learners begin to make choices from a given number of appropriate resources, knowledge, skills and values to develop practical solutions.

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. Knowledge Network was established in 1994. 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.

The Knowledge Network project/outcomes-based curriculum incorporates five key elements in every session:

• fun
• technology
• the application of technology to every day life
• using technology tools for overall development – creativity, logical thinking, lateral thinking, listening skills, general knowledge and life skills
• personal achievement and growth for every learner

CURRICULUM

• The design, content and approach is highly successful in school classroom situations where there is often a difference in the knowledge and skill levels of the learners of the group
• Sessions are project/outcomes-based and goal-oriented. Every Knowledge Network session has a purpose and every child can achieve.
• Sessions provide an integration of knowledge – learning is relevant and connected to real life situations e.g. an example of a project:
  • Running a tuck shop for one week using Excel to calculate sales. Business scenarios
  • release of new chocolate, weather, loss of stock through theft etc.
• There is a different curriculum per age group and skills level. A skills evaluation system forms part of the curriculum
• The curriculum is recognised internationally.
  Knowledge Network SP Level 01 – ICDL (Intermediate 5 and Senior 1)
  Knowledge Network SP Level 03 – MOUS Proficiency (Senior 2 & 3)

Thank you
Anita Wylie
HOD Intermediate Phase