School program: 07h50 – 13h00
The school program focuses on basic academics (Numeracy and Literacy), life skills, as well as developing speech, gross – and fine motor skills.
We are constantly tweaking and adapting our teaching and assessment in order to suit the learners in our program. At the beginning of the year we set out clear goals for each learner as part of their IEP (Individualised Education Plan). Teaching also incorporates technology in the form of using iPads, an interactive white board and laptops.
A healthy body equals a healthy mind is also true for special needs individuals and therefore we aim to do two physical, extramural activities a week. These activities change from term to term.
The school has four classes: Blue, Orange, Yellow and Purple. Our class sizes vary; our smallest class consisting of 4 learners and our biggest class has 7 learners.
Currently we are following a two week timetable and have incorporated what we call ‘Fun hour’ at the end of each day. Fun hour lessons vary from one term to the next. It can include the following lessons but is not limited to these: baking, science, music, creative play, board games, yoga, gardening, swimming.
Teachers are encouraged to organise one trip per term where learners can learn and experience the subject matter first hand in a fun, practical way.
Adult program: 07h50 – 13h00
The adult program focuses on life skills and income generating projects. It is designed to prepare the young adults for a working and living environment by identifying and building upon the individual’s strengths within their own potential.
Currently there are 15 adults in the Training Centre, our Green team. A variety of projects are incorporated into the full day program, such as cooking, baking, cleaning, laundry, gardening and woodwork. Extramural activities such as swimming and tennis are all very popular within the program. A hair salon, woodwork room, laundry and a very busy kitchen keep the young adults occupied.
A lunch program was introduced a few years ago where the adults prepare and cook meals for the learners and also for outside orders 3 times a week. We are excited to announce that we have expanded on this to include the sale of frozen meals which can be ordered and purchased from the Training Centre.
At the end of last year, Up with Downs added a programme for adults on the autistic spectrum, the Red team. Like the adults in the Green team, they also focus on life skills, facilitating a programme for these individuals to help them function optimally in society and train them for more independent living.
Adult Home
Situated across the street from the school and Training Centre, the Adult Home full time ‘home’ for adults who attend the UWD adult program.
Afternoon programme/aftercare: 13h00 – 16h00
We have an afternoon programme/aftercare for those parents/families who need to make use of it.
Admission to all of the above programmes is subject to terms and conditions.