Hatfield Online School

A Highlight in Hatfield Online School’s Calendar – the Annual Practical Sessions

Hatfield Online School provides world-class online education, culminating in an IEB-accredited NSC matric qualification. Our model is ideal for students who require the support and flexibility that the confines of a traditional classroom cannot offer them. Students between grades 7 and 12 are provided with a comprehensive, in-depth IEB curriculum. Fully qualified teachers provide instruction, assessment and accreditation. We offer nine subjects in grade 7, twelve subjects in grades 8 and 9, and seventeen subjects in grades 10 to 12.  We are an online school – education that takes place over the internet. However, we provide an annual opportunity for our older students to gather together and interact with each other – with some learning on the side! Each year in the third term, our Grade 10, 11 and 12 students meet up at a number of venues around the country to attend compulsory practical sessions in selected subjects. The students get to meet each other and their teachers in person, usually for the first time – whilst learning fundamental practical skills. It is a highlight in the year, where friendships are forged, and learning is elevated to new levels. Outside of these practical sessions, though, our fully-qualified and South African Council of Educators (SACE) accredited teachers are always available to support their students via email or video call. In July of this year, our students and teachers in grades 10 to 12 are travelling to Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town for hands-on and interactive practical sessions in Physical Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Accounting and Geography.  Does your child need the kind of education that surpasses, and escapes the confines of the traditional classroom? Hatfield Online School not only bridges the gap between the present and the future, but also the gap between a world-class education and affordability. Please contact us to find out more about world-class online IEB education for your child, from as little as R2 295 per month for full time tuition, or from R590 per month per single subject: [email protected]

Cartoon Network Africa

We Love Gumball: A Waterson Family Celebration!

Join us for a weeklong celebration of chaos, comedy, and heart with your favourite animated family — the Watersons! In We Love Gumball, each day spotlights one beloved character from The Amazing World of Gumball with a special 1 day – 1 character marathon that’s full of laughs, lessons, and over-the-top antics. 👨‍👧‍👦 Here’s who’s taking over your screen each day: 💗 Richard – The stay-at-home dad who may not have it all together, but he’s full of love (and snacks). This pink rabbit brings big laughs and even bigger naps! 💼 Nicole – The fierce and focused blue cat mom who balances her workaholic tendencies with fierce love and loyalty. Don’t mess with her family — especially when she’s off the clock! 😼 Gumball – The drama king of the house. With wild imagination and teenage energy, Gumball is always up to something outrageous. 🐟 Darwin – Once the family pet, now the adopted 10-year-old brother and best friend. Darwin is sweet, thoughtful, and a little too trusting for his own good. 🎀 Anais – Don’t let her age fool you! At just five, this pink bunny is the brainiac of the bunch, with razor-sharp wit and wisdom beyond her years. Whether you’ve been watching since day one or just discovering Elmore’s quirkiest family, this marathon is the perfect way to spend quality time with the Waterson crew. 💫 Why You’ll Love It: So grab some popcorn, find your comfiest spot on the couch, and get ready to laugh (and maybe cry a little) with the Watersons. After all, The Amazing World of Gumball is anything but ordinary! 📺 Premiere: 30 June 2025⏰ Tune-in: Monday to Friday @ 8:25 CAT

Cartoon Network Africa

⚡ Pokémon Indigo League & Adventures in the Orange Islands: The Classic Journey Continues!

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with Ash Ketchum, the aspiring Pokémon Trainer, as he begins his quest in the iconic Pokémon Indigo League and continues the excitement with Adventures in the Orange Islands! 🎉 Season 1: Indigo League On his tenth birthday, Ash Ketchum sets out from his hometown in the Kanto region with one goal—to become a Pokémon Master. Along the way, he captures Pokémon, battles gym leaders, and makes lifelong friends. This season is packed with thrilling battles, surprising encounters, and the start of an incredible journey that captured the hearts of millions worldwide. 🌴 Season 2: Adventures in the Orange Islands Having completed his journey in Kanto, Ash and his friends are sent by Professor Oak to the tropical Orange Islands. Here, they explore new landscapes, meet unique Pokémon, and face fresh challenges in exciting battles. This series expands the Pokémon world with vibrant settings and fresh adventures that will keep viewers hooked! 📺 Programming Details 👨‍👩‍👧 Why Watch Pokémon Together? Pokémon is a timeless series that teaches values of friendship, perseverance, and teamwork. It’s a perfect show for parents and kids to enjoy together, sparking nostalgia for adults while introducing kids to the thrilling world of Pokémon battles and adventures. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, join Ash on his journey to catch ‘em all and create lasting memories with your family!

Parenting Hub

Screen Time Guilt: Let’s Talk About the Realities

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere — from tablets and smartphones to TVs and computers. Many parents feel guilt or anxiety about how much screen time their children get, worrying about the impact on development, behaviour, and family connection. But it’s time to unpack the realities of screen time and approach it with balance and understanding. 📱 Why Screen Time Guilt Happens Parents want the best for their children and often hear conflicting advice about screen use. The pressure to limit screens strictly can create stress, especially when screens offer convenience or educational value. According to a Pew Research Center survey, many parents feel judged for their screen time rules, adding to their guilt. ⚖️ The Good, the Bad, and the Balanced 🛠️ Strategies to Manage Screen Time Without Guilt 🧠 Understanding the Impact Research from Common Sense Media shows that moderate, purposeful screen use can support development, while overuse without guidance may lead to challenges. The key is intentionality and parental involvement. Sources:

Parenting Hub

Mindful Mornings: Starting the Day Without Screaming (Almost)

Mornings in many households can be a whirlwind of rushing, frustration, and sometimes shouting — as parents try to get everyone out the door on time. But starting the day calmly is possible with mindful morning routines that reduce stress and set a positive tone for the entire family. 🌅 Why Mindful Mornings Matter How the day begins often sets the emotional tone for everyone. According to a study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, children’s behaviour and mood are strongly influenced by the morning environment. Calm, structured starts can lead to better focus, mood regulation, and fewer conflicts. 🧘‍♀️ What Is a Mindful Morning? Mindfulness means being fully present and aware of the moment, rather than rushing on autopilot. For parents and kids, this translates to routines that focus on gentle transitions, patience, and positive communication. 🛠️ Tips for Creating Mindful Mornings 🧠 The Benefits of Mindful Mornings By reducing morning stress, families see improved mood, less resistance, and stronger parent-child bonds. Over time, mindful routines can foster children’s emotional regulation skills and resilience. Sources:

DIBBER SA

Raising a Future-Ready Child:Why the Early Years Matter More Than You Think

By the time a child turns six, up to 90% of their brain development has already taken place. This startling fact underpins the mission of Dibber International Preschools, which is equipping South African children from six weeks to six years with essential life skills through play-based learning and globally respected best practices. Early childhood is not just ‘babysitting’ – it is a once-in-a-lifetime window for cognitive, social, and emotional growth that can shape a child’s future. Research shows that the first 1,000 days of life could be key to unlocking a child’s lifelong potential (statssa.gov.za). In these formative early years, positive experiences and stimulation have profound effects: neural connections form at lightning speed, influenced by the environment and care a child receives (thehumansafetynet.org). Early experiences are pivotal in shaping children’s ability to learn, socialise, and thrive.  “The early years are when children’s characters and capabilities are built – it’s when they learn how to learn,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “At Dibber, we recognise that investing in quality early education is an investment in our children’s future and society’s well-being.” Critically, experts note that play-based learning is one of the most effective ways to nurture this development. Young children learn best through play, maximising their natural curiosity and enthusiasm. Studies have found that playful learning supports growth across all cognitive, physical, social, and emotional domains and boosts learning outcomes more than formal, desk-bound instruction (naeyc.org). In other words, play is not ‘just play,’ but a powerful teaching tool that helps children develop creativity, problem-solving abilities, language skills and empathy in an age-appropriate way. South Africa’s Early Learning Challenge South Africa’s context underscores why starting early is so important. The country has approximately seven million children under the age of six, making up a significant portion of our population (statssa.gov.za). Yet many of these children do not have access to quality early childhood programmes. In fact, less than one-third of children aged 0–4 attended any sort of preschool or early learning program in 2021 (statssa.gov.za).  This gap in the early years has led to downstream challenges in the education system. One alarming statistic reveals that 81% of South African Grade 4 students cannot read for meaning in any official language (unicef.org). This finding from an international literacy study is a stark indicator that the foundational skills, like language and understanding, are not being solidified early on. Educational experts warn that children are more likely to struggle later without a strong base in the preschool years, leading to higher dropout rates and fewer opportunities in adulthood. High-quality early childhood development (ECD) programmes have thus become a national priority, seen as a way to ‘future-proof’ a child’s education by addressing learning gaps before they widen. Quality early education has proven long-term benefits for children and society. Research indicates that children who participate in enriching ECD programmes experience: These outcomes show why early childhood development is not just a parental concern, but a national one. As Assis notes, “Investing in early childhood development not only sets children on a path to success but also contributes to the overall well-being of society.” Play-Based Learning at Dibber: Future-Proofing Education Dibber International Preschools has placed these principles at the heart of its curriculum. Drawing on globally respected best practices and a Scandinavian heritage of early education excellence, Dibber’s approach is play-based, holistic, and child-centred. “Our approach goes beyond traditional education,” explains Assis. “Through the Dibber Heart Culture and customised learning, we focus not only on children’s cognitive achievements but also on their health, happiness, and social growth. We want children to become keen explorers who love to learn, developing the confidence and competencies needed for everyday life.”  In Dibber classrooms, you might find toddlers building towers together, dancing and singing, or experimenting with sand and water – all guided activities that teach teamwork, creativity and critical thinking in an age-appropriate way. A warm, inclusive environment is another cornerstone of Dibber’s philosophy. International research by Harvard’s Centre on the Developing Child has highlighted that supportive relationships and a sense of safety are the roots that allow children to thrive. Dibber educators therefore prioritise emotional security and individual attention. Whether a baby in the infant class or a five-year-old in the preschool group, each child is nurtured to feel valued and heard. This emotional confidence, built early, becomes the bedrock for resilience and adaptability later in life. Importantly, Dibber also involves parents as partners in the early learning journey. The school provides guidance to families on extending play-based learning at home, emphasising that everyday moments – like storytime, playtime, or even cooking together – are golden opportunities for development. “Parents are children’s first teachers, and when we work together, we amplify the benefits,” Assis says. This collaborative approach reflects a broader understanding that education doesn’t begin at Grade 1 – it starts from birth, with each loving interaction and playful learning experience contributing to a child’s growth.

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.
Scroll to Top