On 30 October 2022 staff and facilitators at Purple Windmill Academy in Stellenbosch hosted their second open day for 2022 to welcome new and old leaners to the facility. Jana Smith is a tutor and also manager at the academy and says the learners thrive academically in the farm environment. Their aim with the open days is to familiarize parents and learners with the activities at Purple Windmill Academy.
“We want to show learners and parents what we do here every day and the positive results we see in our kids.” -Jana-
Jana goes on to say they enjoy the open days as it gives the opportunity to meet new faces and also re-connect with the familiar ones.
Children attend the academy from a wide area. With children form areas like Paarl, Stellenbosch, Klapmuts, Brackenfell and Durbanville, the academy does have a school bus to transport the children to and from the farm.
Jana says the farm environment has proven to boost the academic performance of the children.
“It is wonderful to see how these children, from different areas and backgrounds can just come together, be a child and flourish academically. The environment and their academy just go hand-in-hand.” -Jana-
Although the academy is not geared for the needs of special needs children, they do take in children with learning difficulties like dyslexia and the children receive individual attention. Jana explains that some children just does not fit in with mainstream schooling and can easily become the target of bullying. At Purple Windmill a zero-tolerance protocol against bullying is in place and any child making him/herself guilty will receive a first and final warning. Jana does say that they will attend to the situation to assist should there by any other matters of concern.
“Bullying can happen anywhere, no matter the area. We have never had a situation of bullying here. Should it happen, we would try to help the child and parents and involve professionals should it be needed. Here the children can thrive. The individual attention we give to each child has a positive impact on their family lives as well.” -Jana-
Purple Windmill Academy is an Impact registered Centre. Exams are taken at the academy. To ensure that the strict rules are adhered to, Matric or NSS exams are undertaken at different location as per SACAI. SACAI is UMALUSI registered and accredited by the Department of Education.
Purple Windmill Academy has openings from Grade 1 to Grade 12. For more information or to book a tour visit: FACEBOOK
Contact: 021 202 5994 or email: academy@purplewindmill.co.za