Project Summary: Co-construction of a School Development Programme and a Community of Practice
 
Project Contact Person: Bruce Damons and Deidre Geduld
Contact Numbers: 041 504 3895  and 041 504 2375
Email Address: Bruce.Damons@mandela.ac.za and Deidre.Geduld@mandela.ac.za
 
What is the project about?
 
The launch of the programme was in the form of a workshop directed towards creating the enabling conditions for the co-construction of a sustainable education and development School Development Programme (SDP) for Normoyle Primary School (NPS). The programme forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Nelson Mandela University and the Missionvale Care Centre (MCC).
 
Aim of the project - The overarching theme for the programme is SUPPORT: 
 
1. We do not see this as an intervention but rather a programme of support.
a. Under the tree vision was born – the school started under a tree in the area of Missionvale by a Catholic nun, Sister Ethel
b. Grounded in faith – holy trinity – the foundation of the founder
c. Colour blocks represent the values that guide us, which were derived from the start-up workshop
d. The Four Key areas focus on, Learner support, Teacher development, Community and Systems.
 
2. The method of engagement will be:
a. Approach – Critical Participatory Action Research
b. Method will be Participatory Action Learning and Action Research – responding to real life challenges and all persons affected are actively involved in finding solution
 
Stakeholders
 
The representatives who are either directly or indirectly linked to the activities of Normoyle Primary School as well as guests who form part of a different MOU with Mandela University:
  • Parent and Community representatives from the Missionvale community
  • Teachers representatives from Normoyle
  • The Principal
  • Representatives from MCC Board
  • Representatives from Mandela University Education, Music and Marketing, the members of the Faculty of Education (FOE) leading the workshop facilitation.
  • Educator representatives from Willowvale, who were participant observers
Champions:
i. Community – Bruce
ii. Teacher Development – Deidre / Sanet
iii. Learner Support – Deidre/Bruce/Sam
iv. Systems – Bruce / Heloise
 
Successes obtained/events held
 
*Start-up Workshop
 *Establishment of a joint stakeholder team that will coordinate the engagement. The programme coordinating team (PCT):
  • Head of Programme (HOP) Foundation Phase
  • The Director of the CCS
  • A member nominated by the Faculty of Education
  • Three members nominated by the MCC
  • The principal, a parent, an educator and a community member (not a parent) from the school