Academics

Cooper College is an independent school situated in Johannesburg North, Gauteng, that provides high-quality education for learners from Grade 7 to Grade 11, with Grade 12 phasing in. As a Curro Select school, our small class sizes, enhanced curriculum and dedicated teachers provide learners with 21st-century skills and knowledge to develop into self-confident world leaders. Our school offers the Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum with qualifications designed for an international audience. Education curriculum with qualifications accepted at top-ranking national and international universities.

Senior phase: Grade 7 to Grade 9

At Cooper College we have built the Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum around our specific needs. By starting from a foundation of core subjects and adding breadth and extramural perspectives, we encourage learners to engage with a variety of subjects and to make connections among the subjects, which is fundamental to our learning approach. Our offering ensures a flexible and stimulating educational environment, supported by excellent resources and training.

As a Curro Select school, our enhanced curriculum taught in small class sizes places a great emphasis on problem-solving and individual thinking, while 21st-century skills are implemented in subjects such as Science and Computer Studies. Learners are taught to maintain a sustainable work ethic so that they can find a healthy balance to reach their academic expectations. Furthermore, learners may choose French or Afrikaans as an optional first additional language. Our learners also receive guidance, supplemented by aptitude tests, when choosing their elective subjects in Grade 9.

FET phase: Grade 10 to Grade 11

At Cooper College the FET phase develops learner knowledge and understanding in the areas of subject content, intellectual enquiry, flexibility and responsiveness to change, working and communicating proficiently in English, influencing outcomes and cultural awareness. We emphasise a greater world-readiness rather than a purely examination-driven approach. Within small class sizes, learners are taught to think innovatively, express their ideas and take charge of their own lives to one day reach their goals and become self-confident, achieving adults. In Grades 10 to 11 learners work within a two-year programme – the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) which leads to externally set, marked and certified examinations from the University of Cambridge. As part of our enhanced curriculum, some of our specialised subjects include Business Studies, Art and Design, Chemistry and Global Perspectives. Learners may also choose Afrikaans or French as additional language options.

What about Grade 12?

As higher grades are phasing in annually, Grade 12 classes will be available from 2022. Grade 12, the AS Level (Cambridge Advanced) is aimed at preparing learners for higher education and is equivalent to matric.

We use SMARTboards in class

As a Curro Select school, our classrooms are equipped with SMARTboards which enable the teacher to use interactive teaching methods to engage with the learners. SMARTboard technology follows the ‘tell me, I forgot; show me, I remember; involve me, I understand’ philosophy. This way we ensure that learners develop the necessary 21st-century skills.

See which subjects we offer on our fact sheet (see Downloads).

Cambridge Assessment International Education

What is the Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum?

Cooper College has been awarded Cambridge international school status by Cambridge Assessment International Education. We design all curriculum and assessments with the Cambridge learner’s attributes in mind. Cambridge programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts and reflect the latest educational research.

Why should I consider a Cambridge education for my child?

• The overarching focus is on developing learners to be ready for education, university and the adult world.
• Offering a wide array of subjects, the emphasis is on in-depth subject knowledge combined with developing skills that make study and work easier in future.
• Learners develop advanced writing skills and have a high reading load.
• Learners are challenged to think for themselves, using their curiosity, creativity and collaboration skills.
• Cambridge encourages learners to develop higher order thinking and comprehension skills that will last a lifetime:
  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Independent research
  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
  • Engaging socially and intellectually
• Because of this, self-discipline, responsibility and time-management skills are second nature.

What is the approach of the Cambridge pathway?

Cambridge helps learners discover their individual abilities, broaden their horizons, and gives them the skills they need for life, so they can excel at school, university and work.

How does it work?

The Cambridge pathway has four stages that lead seamlessly from primary to secondary and pre-university years. Each stage builds on the learners’ development from the previous one and offers a wide range of subjects with an emphasis on English, Mathematics and Science:

• Cambridge Primary (5 to 11 years old)
• Cambridge Lower Secondary (11 to 14 years old)
• Cambridge Upper Secondary or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) – IGCSE Core or IGCSE Extended (14 to 16 years old)
• Cambridge Advanced AS and A levels (16 to 19 years old)

You can read more on choosing the Cambridge pathway, the difference between a Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) qualification and a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or IEB (Independent Examinations Board) matric qualification as well as the benefits for your child by downloading the relevant information (by downloads) or visiting the Cambridge webpage.