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Saturday 13 June, 2009 |
Taking Learning A Notch Higher
Story by GRACE MUIRURI
Pictures by ELVIS OGINA
Daily Nation, 2007
Potterhouse School and Kindergarten is a Christian school based in Runda, Nairobi. Established six years ago, the institution has been at the forefront to teach, train and provide quality education to hundreds of students.
Based on strong Christian values, the institution has strived to mould and inspire children – through educational expertise and Christ-like example – to a life of excellence and impact.
This unique institution was established by a group of families to bridge the need for quality education in Kenya.
“What we insist on is teaching that is guided by Christian principles to develop critical, independent thinking and character as the basis of the continuous process of learning that equips students with values and information necessary for living in today’s global village,” says Mrs. Florence Wanyoike, the Executive Director.
“We undertake our work with enthusiasm and inspiration, spurred on by the hope and character we see in every child. We endeavour to make learning an enjoyable experience to the young and growing mind that needs proper guidance and instillation of good morals from a young age,” she adds.
Purpose built to provide quality education, the only school in Runda has an established kindergarten and a growing primary school comprising children from different nationalities representing the wider community that the school diligently serves.
Curriculum
Offering learning to children of all nationalities, Potterhouse School and Kindergarten has been imparting an education foundation adapted from the British National curriculum that covers the Kindergarten classes, Key stage 1 and two.
The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of both the local and international community that the school draws its students from. A team of dedicated staff of 20 teaching and non-teaching staff is at hand to make the learning smooth and up to set standards.
The school which boasts well-stocked libraries, computer laboratories and a modern office block encourages students, parents and teachers to work closely together to maximize what it has to offer. These three pillars of the school’s success work hand in hand in the collective task of fostering the growth of sound values and self–discipline and achieving acceptable norms of behavior as the institution’s way of life.
“At Potterhouse, we are extremely keen to establish mentoring systems that enable children to build close relationships with teachers. This ensures that each student is treated with care and as per his/her special need and capabilities. That open environment cultivates a culture of oneness, enabling students and teachers to act swiftly to resolve any problems encountered,” she affirms.
Classes are small with just a few students, thus enabling teachers to reach out to individual students, build up on their strong character and work on weak points at the student’s pace.
As a norm, the practice of open-door policy has encouraged parents with concerns about the academic progress or any other areas that relate to their children’s well-being and development deal with issues responsibly for the benefit of all.
Assessment and Reporting
“This is aimed at availing information about the student’s progress to the teacher, the parent and the student. The reporting strategic systems work such that all the three parties are in touch with each other before the main assessment at the end of the term,” says Mrs. Wanyoike
Internal Examinations
To prepare students for board examination, teachers put in lots of effort to make preparations as effective and realistic as possible. The structure and content of internal examinations are determined by teachers in charge of subjects areas based on the requirements of the internal syllabus for each subject.
A modern resource centre well-equipped with computers, an audio visual section, a books section and ample study area has imbued students with the zeal to learn and add on to the knowledge they already have.
Landscaping and Extra Curriculum
Potterhouse school prides in its’ landscaping that gives students a cheerful and serene environment to study in. With a football pitch, tennis and basket ball court, running track and free playing grounds, the management of the school is confident that students keep healthy.
“We are environment conscious and encourage children to take care of themselves and the environment as well as engage in various games,” says Mrs. Wanyoike.
Holiday School
Potterhouse has developed a student-friendly range of extra-curricula activities including piano, holiday school, horse riding, cookery, scouting, board games, and Kumon, a self-learning programme where students compliment school work through studying hard without teachers.
The activities expose students to creative and useful means of spending their extra time well that would otherwise be spent on destructive habits, which most young people get into because of idleness, she said.
This is why the school is not just concentrating on school work and excelling in grades which is what most private schools are doing. “We want our students to leave school having mastered the techniques of going the extra mile in life and leading responsible lifestyles,” she said.
Holiday school is fun time and students engage in drama, music, art and crafts as well as dance in a stage presentation.
That is why the school’s objective is to see discipline taught at early age because indiscipline is not an option at the institution. Potterhouse Kindergarten and School is built and will continue building on the same principles of moulding learners into responsible adults and future leaders.
In conclusion, the Executive Director affirms that the institution’s vision, ‘To establish a learning institution that will produce the best future leaders not just in the country but also internationally” has come true judging from the schools success.
Copyright © 2009 Potterhouse School. All rights reserved.