3 Schools today and we traveled to Cape Town South Africa. I am having trouble loading my Twitter feed. The wifi is inconsistent. Truth be told I was exhausted yesterday and got into the room and collapsed. Thus the later post. I apologize guys!
School #1 - Durban Girls College (K-12) It's important to note that a college is not the same as a college in the United States. A college is simply a place for 'learners' (another South African colloquialism). It was amazing! Music and art programs are a priority in the schools. We entered the building and sat in the audience of a musical showcase of Grade 2. There were small groups of musicians that played the following instruments: recorders, violin, drums, and xylophone. I recorded a lot of video to post on Twitter. Hopefully, it will 'boot' up soon! This is a girls boarding school. Uniforms are worn; and are distinguished by style and color. All 26 Global NC teachers played the bongo drums as a group and did individual solos. Who knew that playing the bongo hurts? : ) We were immersed in the music program and will never forget the Marimba band led by Calvin. Calvin studied at Berkeley in California and is a professional musician and teacher extraordinaire. Everywhere we go they serve us tea and South African pie and donuts. I'm loving the Rooibos tea. Emphasis in this school is in developing a strong sense of family; and celebrating each child's strengths. We finished our tour and hopped on the bus for our next stop!
School #2 - Livingstone State Primary (Remedial Grades 1-7) This is a Class-C school - which means it was an all white school during apartheid; and now it's a public school that charges fees. The fees you pay are based on income; usually no more than $100 American/month. In South Africa an American dollar is worth a little more than 15 Rand. Students are sent here that are working below grade level that need intensive remediation. Students only stay 1-3 years then they go back into the regular school. There are 10 occupational therapists; 4 speech therapists; and 4 psychologists. The remedial needs are varied. The children are assessed and IEP's are written and followed. Much time is spent here by the teacher working closely with each child's family. The children behave just like they do at Oak Grove with the exception that they all stand when an adult enters the room; and they will offer you their chair. We got tea, cookies and sandwiches here! : )
School #3 - Clifton Boys School - This was an independent (private) school that's primarily tuition based. Strong emphasis is placed on the arts and sports. They were having a music festival and we got to sit-in for an hour before we headed to the airport. Most of the schools here have swimming pools. We are in the middle of South Africa's winter. It is akin to our fall in terms of temperature.
Off to the airport! Oh my goodness! This is the definition of hurry up and wait! : ) We passed through the gate.....boarded a mini-bus to drive us to the plane.....unloaded and walked on the tarmac to the steps of the plane. This is different. I was a little nervous because the plane was small. There are 29 of us traveling and there were only 40 seats! Go Global NC!