Founded 112 years ago as a simple tent structure, Arcadia Primary School is the oldest school in the city.
In time, the tent would make way to several other buildings before the one that currently stands there, trees planted and sport fields built.
Little could people back then imagine that one day there would be something called “e-learning” at the school and that learners would use things such as Wi-Fi, TVs, laptops and tablets in class.
Yet, the school today uses an international teaching model that proved successful in countries such as Finland and Sweden, according to principal Sid Vijoen.
“We work with the University of Pretoria and the University of Sweden on finding ways to achieve academic excellence and not just a pass rate,” he said.
The e-teaching programme is designed to stimulate learners by putting colours and pictures into what they are being taught.
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“We have the results to show,” he said, adding that Arcadia was the only primary school in Gauteng that got three spots on the annual national assessment (Ana) for Gauteng list of top 10 schools last year.
Ana tests learners’ literacy and numeracy skills for three days.
“Children respond to the use of technology in the classroom,” he said. “It makes teaching fun.”
“If children are being taught the traditional way – using chalkboard and chalk – they will grasp little, especially in the times in which we live.”
“Children use cellphones, they watch TV and read magazines. All these are colourful media that can be used to educate them.”
Viljoen said the school’s excellent pass rate could also be attributed to its hardworking teachers and parents who cared about the children’s future.
“If teachers and parents work together, we can produce amazing results.”
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Facts about the school:
– Major improvements were made to the buildings and premises in 1999 to ensure a “new” school for the millennium and a new generation of children.
– Arcadia primary school was the top Ana school for 2013 and 2014.
– The school starts at Grade RR for ages 4 and 5.
– The school was recently confirmed as the oldest school on its original premises in Pretoria.
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