The continued surge of coronavirus cases in South Africa has many parents rightfully concerned about sending their children back to school. Parents are looking for a safer alternative, and many may now consider homeschooling as a permanent option.
Homeschooling allows you to tailor your child’s learning to suit their individual needs and foster a love of learning in a safe environment. Impaq is South Africa’s largest home education curriculum provider, and last year they helped nearly 25 000 learners study at home. Whether you are a homeschooling veteran or a nervous newcomer, Impaq is your guide to homeschooling in 2021.
Why homeschooling may be the best choice for your child
Before embarking on the homeschooling journey, it is important to consider whether it is the best option for your child. Below are some of the reasons why homeschooling may be a good fit for your family:
- Children can study at their own pace, anytime, anywhere.
- Children can continue their schooling at home in a clean, safe, and nurturing learning environment.
- Children can follow a flexible study schedule.
- Children can spend more time on difficult subjects.
- Parents can instil personal beliefs, values, and ethics in their children.
What to expect from Impaq in 2021
If you are convinced the pros of homeschooling outweigh the cons, the next step is choosing a curriculum provider to guide you on your learning journey. Impaq has more than 19 years’ experience and provides you with everything you need to complete Grades R to 12 at home, including:
- Lesson material (printed books, e-books, videos, and more)
Impaq’s lesson material is aligned with the national curriculum (CAPS). Most public and independent schools in South Africa follow CAPS. Impaq learners who write and pass the NSC examination in Grade 12 are issued the same National Senior Certificate (NSC) by Umalusi as learners attending public schools.
The difference between CAPS material used in schools and CAPS material used at home is that Optimi Publishing develops learning material for Impaq that provides learners and facilitators with the tools to guide and track individualised learning, allowing learners to work at their own pace. Our benchmark study and facilitator guides are created by a team of subject experts, teachers, moderators, editors, and designers, based on the latest insights from the learning sciences.
- Facilitator guides (printed books and e-books)
Facilitator guides are the cornerstones of homeschooling. These thorough guides empower parents to become their children’s primary educators. The Impaq facilitator guides include year plans, suggested timetables, daily lessons, lesson guidance, and step-by-step calculations and answers for Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy.
- Live online classes
Impaq’s education specialists host weekly online classes to assist Grade R to 12 learners in various subjects. The classes are presented as monolingual classes in English or Afrikaans, or as bilingual classes in both languages. Learners can also catch up on previous classes to ensure they stay up to date with their work.
- Access to education specialists
Impaq learners have access to our team of experienced education specialists who provide additional subject support. If you were concerned about teaching subjects you are unfamiliar with, you can rest assured that support is only an email away.
- Downloadable assessments and support services
Impaq provides a full set of assessment components and services and a pathway to obtain an NSC in Grade 12 (through an independent assessment body).
Impaq’s online portal enables parents and tutors to easily capture marks, generate reports, and monitor learners’ progress.
- Optimi Learning Portal
The Optimi Learning Portal offers additional guidance and support (in selected subjects and grades) including quizzes, notes, previous examination papers, and more than 900 educational videos.
Supplementary products and additional resources
But that is not all – Impaq also offers a comprehensive range of supplementary products and additional resources:
- isiZulu
isiZulu is offered as a First Additional Language for Grades 1 to 4. The learning material includes a CD to guide parents and learners on the correct pronunciation of words. The language of instruction is English but systematically changes to isiZulu as learners progress through the grades.
- Bible Education
Bible Education is offered as a non-examinable additional subject for Grades R to 9. The lesson material is based on the Christian religion and guides parents, teachers, and facilitators to help children discover their unique identity and God-given gifts, talents and blessings.
- Cami Education Software
Cami offers a collection of fun and interactive educational software programs that are available both online and offline. The practice software includes unique programs for mathematics, mathematics for special needs, perceptual skills, reading, and literacy. All the programs are available in English and Afrikaans.
- Robotics
Robotics is the perfect tool to introduce children to robotics, engineering, and programming. Children will learn how to solve real-life problems through engaging projects such as building their own robot, an automated hand sanitiser, and an autonomous line-following car. Impaq offers LEGO® Robotics and Coding for Grades 1 – 5 and Resolute Robotics for Grades 7 – 12.
With Impaq as your guide, homeschooling has never been easier. Ready to get started? All you need to do is pick your child’s grade, and Impaq will provide you with everything you need to complete an academic year at home. Register online for 2021. If you need more information about the registration process, read Impaq’s how-to guide for step-by-step instructions.
By Elmien Ackerman
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