Vista Nova School
Vista Nova School (www.vistanova.co.za) cares for 400 children with special needs from all over the Cape Peninsula. Remedial education and therapies are provided to learners from the age of three to 18, spanning from nursery school through to Grade 12. Many of the children have learning barriers, are physically challenged or have cerebral palsy. Teachers and therapists work together to ensure that all children are empowered to perform to the best of their abilities and to lead happy and productive lives.
As a highly specialised school, the running costs are proportionally higher than those of a standard mainstream school and thus fundraising is an integral part of the school, enabling them to purchase specialised equipment and procure specialised teaching and mobility aids. Subsidies are given to those learners unable to afford school fees. In addition, transport is provided to many of the children to ensure that disabled children are not denied education for lack of reliable transportation.
The school comprises the following learning areas:
Pre-Primary Phase catering for children from the age of three, as early intervention is essential. By focusing on specific needs, the development of the child is enhanced, including language development, perceptual skills, motor co-ordination and cognitive, social and emotional development.
Foundation Phase (Grade 1-3) where learners range in age from 6 to 11 years of age. The three basic areas of learning are covered (Literacy, Numeracy and Life Skills). The School strives to accommodate all learners’ special needs and to instil in them a need to love and respect one another.
Intermediate Phase (Grade 4-6) where the focus is on independent work and study skills. In a caring environment, pupils are exposed to a variety of practical, physical, social and academic learning experiences.
High School Phase (Grade 7-12) where the pupils are encouraged to achieve scholastically. All mainstream subjects are offered on Higher and Standard Grade.
Enrichment Section where learners who need additional assistance with mainstream classes benefit from this specialised intervention. Individualised teaching methods allow students to progress at their individual pace.
Sport: Many sports which are particularly well suited for the disabled child are offered to all learners, including archery, hockey, table tennis, wheelchair events, and cycling for the disabled, swimming, squash, badminton and soccer. Each year, a specially selected team of learners take part in the National Games for the Physically Disabled.
Therapy: Eighteen therapists provide specialised therapies to some 400 children including Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. 11 of these posts are subsidised by the government, with the Governing Body paying for the remaining 7 posts.
