Hillcrest High School (HHS) has been an integral part of the upper high way community since 1976 and focuses on developing academic, cultural and sporting excellence in all their learners. HHS provides a holistic and caring environment that encourages respect for others, including individual, spiritual and social values. Students are offered the opportunity to reach their own full potential in a disciplined, progressive and stimulating environment, as well as encouraged to look outside of themselves to how they can serve their community. Hillcrest High’s values are that of Honour, Hard work and Service.
Hillcrest High School prides itself on the investment and development of their Learner Support Unit (LSU) and is one of the few schools in Kwa-Zulu-Natal that is able to provide the needed support, skills and confidence required by learners with barriers to learning for ongoing development and progress.
The LSU was established in 2006, in response to a need to offer additional learning support to prospective high school learners. The programme started with nine learners but has grown substantially, and is now able to accommodate up to 60 learners.
The LSU is committed to offering their students various forms of learning support, and is well-known for its high academic standard. Since 2010, when the first group of LSU students wrote Matric, the unit has achieved an impressive 99% pass rate.
LSU Founder and former head of the LSU, Mrs Jenny Steytler urges all parents to accept their child for who they are. “Inside every naughty child, there is just a child who wants to be accepted and who wants to please. One of the challenges with parents is based on their often unrealistic expectations for their children. Parents need to allow their child to find their own passion which will assist them to grow into independent beings, and to acknowledge that success is different for everyone”.
The current heads of the LSU are Mrs Carol Edy and Mrs Jo Leuschke. Their team of dedicated and experienced teachers run the LSU, and have the ability to mentor and teach children with learning barriers. Learners from Grade 8 to Grade 9 are accommodated with a maximum of 15 learners per class. The smaller classes allow teachers to spend the time needed to help and assess learners’ needs, while building mutually beneficial relationships with them. As a self-contained section of HHS, the LSU can provide more differentiated teaching methods to suit various learning styles.
The LSU is able to provide support to learners with a range of barriers to learning, including Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and hearing impairments. Each child’s individual needs are assessed before admission to the LSU, as it is vital to ensure that the team is able to meet those needs, and that the LSU is the right place for each student.
Hillcrest High School’s LSU distinguishes itself from other support centres, by including the integration of LSU learners from grade 10 into the school’s mainstream. Ex-LSU learners are still kept a parental eye on and, where needed, offered extra academic support up to matric.
Hillcrest High’s LSU is the best of both worlds, whereby learners follow the same curriculum as mainstream learners but with learning support aided by different teaching methods. They are also able to integrate into the mainstream, and participate in the vast range of extra-murals our school has to offer.
The key to success though, lies in each child’s attitude. The LSU offers all sorts of support, but the student must want to work hard and own their learning.
Teaching methods differ: academic pace is slower, which allows the LSU teachers to blend contemporary and old approaches, by utilising printed notes and writing on the board, and incorporating active, practical and physical learning by giving learners opportunities to work in pairs and in groups.
The school also takes the lead in technology integrated learning, by using learning apps to boost learners’ participation in and commitment towards their education. To maintain high standards of education, teachers offer extra guidance and support to learners who are struggling grasp content.
One of the goals of the LSU is to mentor learners to develop skills and ways to overcome their barriers to learning. Learners are assessed through formal and informal assessments and activities, and are afforded the relevant examination concessions, approved by the Department of Education.
Discipline is also an important factor when teaching learners with barriers to learning. Our teachers try to be firm, fair and consistent by setting boundaries for learners. Each class provides a safe place and affirmation, and allows learners a sense of belonging. Apart from academics, learners are not treated differently from mainstream learners, as they are encouraged to play sport and take part in cultural and/or service activities.
The LSU focuses on building close relationships with parents which allows for greater involvement and understanding of their child’s education through meetings, visits and contact with staff. It also aids parents to access educational psychologists, behaviour support teams and other agencies.
Learners can benefit from the LSU through:
Hillcrest High School’s LSU prepares learners for the working and tertiary world and the 21st Century. The LSU has many success stories. Some of our past students have achieved degrees in Computer Sciences, Commerce and Education. However, the LSU firmly believes that academic achievement is not the only measure of success. The ultimate goal in life is for children to become happy, contributing members of society. This may be achieved through an apprenticeship, or training in a field that a student is passionate about.
"I am the child, all the world waits for my coming. All the earth watches with interest to see what I shall become. The future hangs in the balance, for what I am, the world of tomorrow will be. I am the child, you hold in your hand my destiny. You determine largely, whether I shall succeed or fail. Give me, I pray you, those things that make for happiness. Train me, I beg you, that I may be a blessing to the world." Mamie Gene Cole
Hillcrest High School believes that each of their students can achieve great things with the right attitude and strives to provide each of their students the tools to be the best they can be.
To book a tour or find out more about the school or its Learner Support Unit contact edyc@hhs.co.za or 031-7651215.
031-7651215 / 087 898 0524
admin@hhs.co.za
