With the necessity of social distancing in the time of Covid, it is important to offer students avenues for learning to continue so that learning loss can be curbed – because even with schools closed, learning must continue.
As an educator, I miss being in our schools and interacting with our students. Hearing laughter in class and along the corridors as I watch students explore their individual interests.
However, the reality is that Covid-19 has presented the unimaginable for teachers and learners across the world.
Keeping up with the rest of the world
International organisations that work to safeguard the rights of children such as Save the Children, UNICEF, Plan International and many others have come together and given recommendations on finding ways to keep children safe and learning during and after Covid-19 crisis.
Many of the current estimates of learning loss from COVID-19 already present a worrying picture for young Africans.
Our colleagues at the Brookings Institution and the World Bank estimate that, with just four months of lost schooling and little change in the quality of education, the lifetime earnings of today’s students in the United States will be greatly reduced, representing a loss of nearly 13 percent of U.S. GDP over subsequent generations.
What might that look like for us as Kenyans? What ripple impact will that cause for us? This is a global challenge and we therefore can’t ignore what statistics from across the globe indicate.
At Nova Pioneer, we believe it is our duty as educators to still forge forward, despite existing challenges, so students experience as minimal disruption as possible.
We are committed to staying up to date with what the rest of the world is doing in matters education so your children, our students, are well-equipped to solve real world problems.
Introducing a Virtual Learning Programme
At Nova Pioneer, we decided to design and offer a Virtual Learning Programme to families for two reasons:
- so our students experience minimal learning loss during this time while they are physically away from campus; and
- to help students retain some form of normalcy by providing them the opportunity to connect with teachers and other students, giving them a sense of connection amidst all the changes they are experiencing.
We believe that keeping children engaged in meaningful learning experiences while at home during this time, will help them improve and maintain the skills they need for once they are back in the classroom.
We have made the switch
Our Virtual Learning Programme has been designed to ensure learning milestones are achieved and offers children the opportunity to stay ahead of the curve so that they are ready to begin the 2021 school year feeling confident and prepared to do well.
The programme is structured to run in three consecutive 4-week periods, spanning a total of 3 months and starting 7 September.
It also offers parents flexibility to choose preferred classes and activities. The programme comprises of three blocks a day and they focus on [1] Academic Mastery, [2] developing Innovation and Leadership Skills and [3] participating in Enrichment activities. Families can select up to two classes from each of the blocks.
See the full course catalogue
Why should you make the switch?
The Virtual Learning Programme offers parents flexibility. It’s not a one size fits all. You decide what you want your child to focus on.
You may want your child to (1) improve and master their academic skills; (2) develop their character and entrepreneurial skills; (3) Or cultivate skills in new areas. The programme offers the opportunity to opt into classes and courses that appeal most to you and your child.
The programme is aimed at encouraging students to:
- adapt to a new way of learning;
- connect with students beyond our national borders through cross geo classes with peers from South Africa and Korea through a virtual exchange programme;
- continuously reflect on their own personal development; and
- contribute to finding solutions to real world problems through projects set out in their classes.
Academic Classes
Our Academic classes encourage inquiry instruction, critical thinking, project based learning, independent learning and self-discovery. Our teachers are well trained to deliver the curriculum in a fun and interactive virtual environment.
Innovation & Leadership Classes
In our Hallmark classes, we focus on ensuring that our students are learning to think and behave like innovators and leaders. Students are given the opportunity to develop their character and entrepreneurship skills at an early age. Students are exposed early to finance and savings and learn about African history as they grow to become our leaders of today. In these classes, students gain an appreciation for research and analytical thinking as they explore solutions to problems that they observe, and test them with their peers and in the community.
Enrichment Classes
Our Enrichment classes are designed to allow our students to focus on skill based classes that they are personally passionate about in a fun and interactive manner. Skills from art and drawing to public speaking, digital literacy and many more.
Students can cultivate skills in new areas, explore and develop their interests and ultimately strengthen their values while gaining skills that go beyond the classroom walls. Enrichment classes allow students to use Math to calculate measurements in plants, Geography when learning about Bible characters and the value of collaboration through group Music lessons.
Speak to our Admissions Team
Are you ready to take this journey with us and start your child’s application process to enrol into our Virtual Learning Programme? We will work with you closely to ensure your questions are answered and that your child’s application is submitted. Complete this form and we will reach out to you!
