Vista Academy
Who we are
We understand that the road to success requires more than education alone. We embrace and value the process of laying a foundation from which successful education can be built. Children are our future and we need to do everything in our ability to give them the best chance for success.
Our History
VistaAcademy is the actualisation of a long-standing dream for Mr Koos Engelbrecht, the founder and father of Edulife’s very first school, Academy of Excellence. His dream was to build a school from the ground up with a solid foundation and he did exactly that. With every brick laid, Mr Engelbrecht was present and he still continues to be involved with every phase of development. The school opened in 2016 with 1 classroom, 3 children and 2 teachers. Year after year, the school continues to grow, and presently, we have 240 children.
Our philosophy
At Vista Academy we believe in leading by example. Our goal is to provide learners with a safe environment away from home with teachers who are able to take the role of parents, at school. We understand that children are more likely to succeed if they are taught in an environment where they feel safe and have role models to look up to and to go to, for advice. We discipline with reward, reversing the process of punishment, and implement a system where learners strive to do better in order to do their parents, teacher and fellow students proud. We also understand that every learner is a unique individual and that behaviour is a direct reflection of the emotions that they have, due to experience in their social lives. We strive to get to know all our learners personally and take the child’s circumstances into consideration when dealing with discipline.
Being an independent school
Being independent means having freedom to express ourselves and our beliefs. It also allows us to imagine greatness without boundaries.
Vista Academy is a religious school and we provide our learners a safe place to express and grow their religion. Learners are taught the importance of having a living relationship with God and each teacher does Bible study with their class every morning.
Our development strategy
Exciting times! Developing a strategy for a school’s growth is a crucial step in ensuring the institution’s success. Since you’re planning for the first Matric 2024, I’ll assume you’re looking to develop a strategy for the next 2-3 years.
Future Plans for our School
Our aim is to steadily grow the school at the pace that we are currently on, until we have two classes per grade and to have only the best teachers in each of these classrooms. We want to maintain the excellent discipline that we currently have. We will continue to build on the importance of the preparation for successful education and not just education as such.
We want to coach strong competitive sport teams. We would like to be well-known for having excellent educators.
OUR ETHOS
Our Vision
To be a positive example in education, providing a holistic, balanced, and dynamic education to all our learners in preparation for their effective functioning in a changing society.
Our Mission
To offer all learners the challenges and opportunities, through the guidance of committed educators, the positive, active involvement of parents, and community participation, to develop entrepreneurship, to become self-reliant and multi-skilled, whilst developing their sense of uniqueness in a progressive, happy, and secure learning environment that instils a sense of responsibility and pride.
ACTION PLAN
Conduct stakeholder surveys (students, parents, teachers, staff) to understand their needs and expectations.
Establish a task force to oversee the development process.
Prioritize objectives based on feasibility and impact.
Develop a budget plan that allocates resources effectively across departments.
Monitor progress regularly and make adjustments as needed.
Remember that this is just a general outline, and your specific strategy will depend on your school’s unique needs and circumstances. I hope this helps you get started on developing a comprehensive strategy for your school’s growth!
OBJECTIVES
Academic Excellence:
- Increase the number of students passing Matric exams with high grades (e.g., 80% or above).
- Develop a curriculum that prepares students for national exams.
- Implement teacher training programs to enhance instructional skills.
Infrastructure Development:
- Upgrade existing facilities to meet modern standards.
- Expand infrastructure to accommodate increasing student enrollment.
- Develop outdoor spaces for recreational activities and community engagement.
Student Well-being:
- Establish a comprehensive counseling program to support students’ mental health and emotional well-being.
- Implement programs to promote physical activity, health, and wellness.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity
Community Engagement:
- Develop partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions.
- Establish community outreach programs to engage with local communities.
- Encourage student involvement in community service projects.
Resource Management:
- Develop a budget plan that allocates resources effectively across departments.
- Implement efficient systems for managing student records, attendance, and communication.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of resource allocation.
STRATEGIES
Hire Qualified Teachers:
- Recruit experienced teachers who can deliver high-quality instruction.
- Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities
Implement Technology Integration:
- Develop an IT infrastructure that supports online learning and digital resources.
- Integrate technology into teaching practices to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Curriculum Development:
- Develop a curriculum that is aligned with national and international standards.
- Incorporate project-based learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Student Support Services:
- Establish a mentorship program that pairs students with role models.
- Offer extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests and talents.
Community Outreach:
- Establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide internships, job training, and career counseling.
- Organize community events that promote cultural exchange and social responsibility.
Democracy
Human Dignity
Social Justice
Respect
Equality
Meet our Teachers
Our small classes ensure a close interaction between teacher and child. Our loyal, creative and committed team of in house experts encapsulates the dynamics of our unique approach to education.
Alec Debbo
Anna Lebajoa
Prisca Ndemanje
Caroline Nyaphuli
Tsholofelo Higa
Stephane Ketela
Relebohile Monne
Nthabiseng Sekgalo
Justin Sinakgomo
Louis Moeng
Marriam Leeuw
Matha Mafereka
Tsholofelo Taylor
Ntaoleng Sealome
Tuané Ferreira
Lydia Matlhoko
Matseko Mcela
Aneleh Coetzer
Kelebogile Mosiane
Niëleen Swanepoel
Chane van der Mescht
Keamogetsoe Mabale
Kimberley Gunnell
Palesa Maliboho
Katleho Tsotsotso
Charne Strauss
Mlandeli Radebe
Moeketsi Moloi
Mosa Mosholi
