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Veritas College has had Knowledge Network
tuition at the School since January 1998.
In
previous years we had approached our computer tuition on basic learning of applications
such as wordprocessors and spreadsheets and mathematics tuition applications.
While this method of training has its merits, it is very
focused and can be repetitive and uninteresting to the students.
Stimulates students’ minds
We have found the Knowledge Network learning methodology
to be ideal - it has an outcomes based education approach, which stimulates the
students’ minds and makes the subject interesting and fun.
Prepares students for the
business world
The Knowledge Network curriculum encompasses a wide range
of subjects, not limited to only computer based applications, while at the same time
teaching the students the practical use of computer technology, thoroughly preparing them
for the business world in the future.
The message we get from the students is very positive,
other than they would like to spend more time using computers!
Increase in creativity
We have certainly seen an increase of creativity and
skills in the period of time that Knowledge Network has been associated with us - of which
we are very proud.
Jonathan
Jandrell, a learner at Veritas College reports on the
programme The Knowledge Network
programme is a wonderful way in which to teach people who don’t know how to use a
computer, and people who already know computers, basics and then more advanced skills.
Development
of creativity
With Knowledge Network, the pupil is first taught the
basic ideas and skills. All pupils are given the same training even though some are more
knowledgeable when it comes to this field, but there is one challenge that the more
computer literate pupils do face, and that is to be more creative with the designated
tools and no more.
Thinking skills
The first exercise we were instructed to carry out was to
make a picture, but not only just any picture. It was to create a background for the
computer the person was sitting at. The tools for this project were described and
explained to us and we then had to make the graphic.
Incidental learning
The pupils were instructed to take their favourite music
group and type a few lyrics from one of their songs. The trick here was to acquaint the
pupils with a word processor and the tools that are used in the making of a document.
The tuitions that follow, such as creating slide-show
presentations and learning the powerful CorelDraw graphic development will also be
invaluable to the pupils of Veritas College, Springs.
Different levels of benefit to learners in lower grades
The younger pupils will gain a greater advantage during
their schooling career than the more senior pupils because every standard started on the
same level, and it is the younger pupils that will have the wonderful opportunity to be
taught the basics of computer programming.
Knowledge Network is truly
a great course to teach both computer literate and
illiterate about how to handle a computer and how to use it
to its full capacity.
About Veritas College High School
The Veritas College High School campus first
opened it's doors more than thirty years ago on 21 May 1964 on what used to be the
property of Springs Mine. After gold production ceased in 1963, the property was sold to
the Christian Brothers.
It was then known as St
Brendan's Christian Brothers College, Springs. St Brendan's opened as a preparatory school
with standards two and three initially available. By 1968, what had initially been only a
primary school became a high school as well, with its first standard six classes.
Over the years the school continued to thrive under the
guidance of committed staff and principals and was perhaps best known for its academic
excellence with many a year reflecting a 100% matric pass rate. There has been a long
association between the college and the Springs Junior Town Council and being involved in
local debates and quiz competitions become a regular activity.
In 1992 the College was amalgamated with The Convent of
Our Lady of Mercy - Springs, to form what is Veritas High School. The school has changed
much over the years to meet today's challenges, however the spirit and commitment of the
early founders of St. Brendan's is still very much in evidence.
The vision of the school is to create a culture of
academic excellence, leadership, enthusiasm and participation within the ambit of the
Catholic ethos and to be the school of first choice for parents and pupils in the
multicultural area of Springs.
Values
- Respect for the individual and the dignity of life in all
its forms
- Honesty, openness and integrity
- Quality education and service
- Empowerment of and participation by all its families
- Search for trust, justice and peace
- Responsiveness to the needs of all the Veritas community
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