Academics

Cooper College is an independent school situated in Johannesburg North, Gauteng that provides high-quality education for learners from Grade R to Grade 6. 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.

Foundation phase: Grade R to Grade 3

Cooper College follows the Cambridge Assessment International Education enhanced curriculum which takes learners on an exciting educational journey from a young age. As a Curro Select school, our method of teaching helps to develop young learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. Learning is presented in such a way that learners discover the material rather than simply memorising it, thereby developing an enquiry-based approach to learning, developing their thinking skills and encouraging intellectual engagement. In this way learners receive a solid foundation that allows them to progress successfully to the next stage of education. The three main subjects are Mathematics, Science and English. Learners can also acquire Afrikaans, French and isiZulu as additional languages. Learners in the foundation phase also benefit from specialised offerings such as Cambridge Global Perspectives, which develops young learners’ research, analysis, evaluation, reflection, collaboration and communication skills.

We use SMARTboards in class

From this phase onwards, our classrooms with small class sizes 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 learners develop 21st-century skills.

Intermediate phase: Grade 4 to Grade 6

In these grades, the emphasis is still on establishing basic foundations, but learners are led into more abstract thought and independent work. We prepare them for high school by teaching them how to apply the 21st-century skills and concepts they have learned, all within small class sizes We also promote creativity and critical thinking by encouraging children to make their own choices within well-established boundaries.

The curriculum allows us to adapt our offerings around how we want learners to engage with the material. This means that we can present the material to learners in a manner that they can comprehend. This approach helps to develop learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. Some of our specialised subjects as part of our enhanced curriculum include Cambridge Global Perspectives, Science, and Computer Studies, and learners may choose Afrikaans or French as additional language options.

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, a Curro Select school, 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.