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Ellerton Primary School

Page history last edited by Phil Pierce 10 years, 4 months ago

 

Partner institution: Ellerton Primary School

Website: 

 

Contributors (2013):

Naomi Hodnett-Howard

Sarah Quine

 

Instructions:

Contributors: for details on what is required in each section, please look at the Guidance Notes

Contents: 

Placement Information

Accomodation

Transport

Social life

Things to do, things not to do

Useful Contacts

Before you go

Costs

Placement Information

Ellerton Primary School is an English speaking school teaching 320 children from reception up to year 6.

The school day starts at 8am and finishes between 12pm and 3pm depending on the grade.

 

All schools in Cape Town are fee paying, with this particular one being in the middle price range. It gets little Government funding and the majority of income is raised through school fees and fundraising activiteis involving the whole school.

 

The majority of children at the school are from townships and are sent to the school by their parents or carers to learn English, as for most their first language is either Xhosa or Afrikaans. For some children this means travelling up to three hours each way to get to and from school.  

The school follows a curriculum loosley similar to the English curriculum. The curriculum is heavily based around Christianity. Although this particular religion is not forced upon the children, they are not taught about alternative religions, despite a number of the children belonging to different faiths.

 

"Ellerton has a unique child-centred educational approach, which provides for a healthy self concept in every child.  We search for the diversity of attributes within our classrooms and we consciously seek to develop and foster this diversity in an atmosphere of tolerance, understanding and love.  This means that we deliberately seek to know each child as a unique person, to create opportunities for that person to grow in understanding of themselves and the world around them."

 

Although teaching is based around a plan, teaching can vary greatly depending on facilities and resources available.In general, teachers do not have to follow a specific curriculum as long as they meet basic requirements termly; they are relatively free to teach how and what they please. Music and dance is heavily encouraged, with all children singing and dancing confidently. Every Friday the whole school has assembly which is nice to be a part of as it encourages children to express themselves through creative song and dance.  

 

As a volunteer, the teachers used the extra help effectively, ensuring that we always had something to do. There was never a time that we felt surplus and staff made us feel valued and appreciated any help or ides we provided. The staff allowed us alot of responsibility and on occassions we were given our own class to teach for a few hours, and in some cases a whole day. 

Accomodation

There are two options when volunteering at Ellerton, these are either staying with a host family or staying in a volunteer house located in Sea Point (Sasts House). We chose the latter as it was situated just yards from the school. We also chose this option as we were keen to enjoy the social aspects of Cape Town and were to see the sights. A lot of people chooose to stay with host families in order to truly experience South African culture and are generally less concerned about having as much freedom as those in the volunteer house. They are however able to visit and stay at the volunteer house when there is a bed available if they are keen to engage in social activities and meet fellow volunteers. Staying at the Sasts House cost us 120rand per night, approximately £8. The volunteer house is comprised of five dorm-style bedrooms sleeping between four-eight people. They have bunk beds and large storage boxes that are lockable, so it is advisable to take your own padlock and keep valuables locked away, as you need to remember the other people in your dorm are strangers! Despite the large volume of people living in the house, it was very rare that you would have to wait to use the bathrooms. There is a large living room which has sky tv in and people put notices on the walls of activities and trips that are going on so noone gets left out. The price also includes three meals per day so is excellent value for money. Meals are toast or cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch, all of which you help yourself to from the kitchen and there is an unlimited supply. Dinner is a set meal at a restaurant round the corner called Richards. They serve english food which even the fussiest eater could enjoy. On Fridays the house hosts a braai (bbq) or pizza night. The manager of the Sasts House is a jokes African guy called Sam who is friendly from the minute you walk through the door and made everyone feel welcome and included. He is there the majority of the time, (and is available 24 hours should you have any problems) to answer any questions no matter what they are regarding. He also gets involved in social activites and is more of a friend than a manager. He's great!

Transport

There are three main options when getting public transport, these are private taxis, mini buses and public buses. Private taxis are pretty much the same as those at home and are the safest way to travel at night or if you are alone. However be sure to agree on a reasonable price before starting your journey as some do try and rip you off. Mini buses run practically 24 hours a day between Sea Point and Cape Town city centre. They are groups of locals with minibuses who charge a set fee of 7rand (50p). You can get on and off these anywhere along the route so are a very practical and effiecient way of getting around. Some people say that they are not safe, but as long as you use common sense and avoid them at night they're fine; it's how all the locals get around. Publis buses are the same as at home and are used for longer journeys. They do however, like the minibuses get very busy during peak times.  

Social life

In Sea Point, the obvious thing to do is visit the beach which is less than a 5 minute walk from the house; literally down one road! You can walk along the sea front to a number of different beaches, the nicest being Clifton beach which is accesible by mini bus or is about a 40 minite walk. In the opposite direction is Waterfront; a large shopping centre with market area, aquarium and usually live local music or entertainment. This was our favourite place to visit as it was a pleasant 40 minute walk along the sea front and was more 'touristy'. (It also has a McDonalds, KFC and English shops!) Visiting Cape Town centre is a must for the shops, markets, restaurants, bars and clubs. Long Street is a favourite with tourists, comprising of many lively nighclubs and bars with something for everyone. (Our favourite being Wednesday with all shots 7pence/1rand!!)  

 

It is very easy to make friends in the volunteer house as everyone is in the same position. 

 

Things to do, things not to do

Things to do:

  • Cimb Lion's Head to watch the sunset (but get down before it's dark as we know from personal experience that it gets pretty scary!)
  • Do Table Mountain
  • Visit Green Market in Cape Town 
  • Visit the aquarium
  • Clifton beach
  • Robben Island 
  • Make sure you take clothes for all weathers (appropriate clothes for work and something warm as the weather can be tempremental)
  • 1rand (7p!!) shots are a must! 
  • GO ON A SAFARI! (

 

Things not to do:

  • Hang around the 7/11 at night time (a lot of homeless people will bug you)
  • Get internet at the house (very expensive; there is a cheap internet cafe next to Richard's)  
  • Be scared of going places alone; it is the same as any other city, you just need to be careful 

 

Useful Contacts

http://www.hotspots2c.co.za/ (really good tour company)

http://www.sasts.org.za/abouttheprogramme.php (volunteer house) 

 

Before you go

Make sure you have the appropriate immunisations; Hep A and typhoid which are both free, then Hep B which is three installments of anywhere between £20-£50 depending on your doctors. Some doctors may advise malaria tablets but they are not necessary in this area. It is however adviasable to take plenty of bug repellant and bite cream as you will inevitably get bitten.   

 

 

Costs

 

 

 

 

 

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