Academics
Penryn College does not have an exclusive academic admissions policy, and scholars are admitted to Grade 8 if in our opinion they will be able to pass their Grade 12 assessments. This allows us to follow the dictates of our Mission where we encourage scholars to achieve individual academic excellence. This we believe enables each and every one to be globally effective. In concentrating on perseverance and hard work, and expecting scholars to give of their best we believe we allow scholars to leave us and achieve according to their wishes when they leave us to further their studies in the Senior Phase of the College and in tertiary education structures.
Once admitted to the College learners are taught in an innovative yet rigorous academic environment that demands of each scholar to do their best in order to leave school with the best possible marks. We are also committed to continually develop and refine the education we offer to our scholars, and use a variety of teaching and learning approaches and techniques, including groupwork, individual teaching and research. An ongoing evaluation of our educational theories and systems is something Penryn College undertakes in order to ensure that we remain at the forefront of this development. This is undertaken by scholars who evaluate their teachers on a continual basis and by College management. The College is wholly committed to providing its scholars with a dynamic, individualised education that will equip them to meet the challenges that lie ahead in the 21st century.
All Grade 8 and 9 scholars do the following Learning Areas:
• Communication –- broken into English lessons and a second language consisting of either Afrikaans or Siswati (for South African citizens) or French or Portuguese (for foreign nationals)
• Mathematics
• Natural Science – Physical Science, Biology and Geography
• Human and Social Sciences – History and Geography
• Arts and Culture – Art and Music
• Life Orientation – Life Skills and Divinity
• Economic and Management Sciences - Accounting and Enterprise Dynamics
• Life Skills – Bible Education and Guidance
• Technology – Technology and Computer Literacy
The assessment of scholars is both formative (consisting of a portfolio of work that comprises the year's work) and summative (consisting of a middle of the year and end of the year examination). Scholars are required to do homework in all areas. A copy of the academic assessment programme for Grade 8 and 9 is attached in the downloads section below. This acts as a planning tool for the year for the scholars as well as ensuring that they are not overburdened in any one week given the holistic nature of the College programme.
