QUALITY & VALUE CLASS
The Quality and Value Classes are two smaller units within the school. They cater specifically for learners whose academic difficulties impede their ability to progress at Mainstream pace, within a large class group.
Learners in these classes range in age from nine to fourteen years, irrespective of the Grade they are currently in.
A selection process, overseen by the relevant authorities in the LSEN branch of the Department of Education is applied to identify prospective candidates for these classes. Much individual consideration is given to every possible placement and the best interests of the learners are upheld at all times in weighing up whether a transfer to either of these classes is warranted or not.
Unlike Mainstream, which is CAPS driven and content-focused, the Q and V-classes operate under the authority of ‘White Paper 6’. This educational document allows for a more personalised and focused approach to academics in order to redress any foundational shortfalls.
It also enables educators to adapt the syllabi to comply with the needs of each learner and to spend additional time on areas which are significant to the development of each learner’s individual growth within a subject.
Whilst the ‘content’ subjects of History, Geography and Natural Sciences are not studied in detail per se, they are covered in a broad sense, within the more language-focused lessons with the skills required for success in these subjects enjoying definite emphasis.
The smaller numbers and improved learner-educator ratio within the classes enable more effective teaching with both the pace and scope of work covered being somewhat slower than Mainstream classes. By imparting sectionalized, as opposed to bulk information, educators afford learners time for reinforcement and repetition and the opportunity to feel a sense of accomplishment in the work they have mastered. Even one to one tuition can be facilitated within these classes.
The Q and V Classes are similar in all other ways to Mainstream classes, with learners attending Specialist lessons and complying with the behavioural code of the school. Homework is given daily, projects are researched and presented and assessments are written on completed sections of work. Integration with learners from equivalent grades is managed through grade participation in Physical Education, as well as through participation in grade trips and any other relevant grade-specific activities.
No holds are barred in supporting the learners in these classes from reaching their full academic potential. Learning skills, coping skills and even inter-personal skills are taught and encouraged in order that learners can be guided into holding their own both educationally and socially before returning to Mainstream whenever applicable. Pelham is proud of the success stories which have emerged from these two classes over the years and intends to continue providing learners with this specialized and individualized type of support for many years to come.