Just because a child has been referred to a remedial schooling program doesn’t make them any less intelligent than their peers in secular school. For various reasons, children can develop gaps in their schooling faculties. Remediation aims to address these gaps in basic educational skills, commonly involving reading or mathematical developmental challenges. They’re receiving the same education they’d get in any other mainstream school – but taught in a way that suits their unique learning abilities. So, here are a few things parents should know about remedial schooling before seeking help for their children:
“We don’t just prescribe more reading for children who struggle with it. Our aim is to determine WHY they struggle with reading in the first place.” - Dr. Beulah van der Westhuizen, Founder of EduExcellence Remedial Schools
Remedial schooling is about support
Learning challenges can occur for a number of reasons, including the child’s school or home environment, their relationships, social influences, and emotional challenges. The goal of remedial schooling is to support the learner in these various important areas of their educational development, helping them to ‘catch up’ to their peers on the same level academically. Remedial schools are equipped with caring teachers who specialise in giving each student the academic attention they need.
“EduExcellence addresses every possible component that could hinder the reaching of a child’s full potential.” - Dr. Beulah van der Westhuizen
There’s no magic formula involved
Remedial schooling can greatly assist any child with any learning disability, as long as there are certain vital factors at play together. In unison, these create the optimal state for a child to thrive educationally. This includes the necessity for parents to be supportive of their children’s transition into remedial education. Remedial schools like EduExcellence can also direct parents to professional assessors, who can thoroughly diagnose a student’s challenges and recommend remediation measures.
“Remediation has to be a team effort. The parents and the teachers, and the counselors, and the principal … everyone working together for a common goal.” - Tracey Stroebel, Lynnwood Campus Principal & Group Operations Manager
Remedial school success relies on positivity
You’ve heard about the power of positivity, and there’s a reason for that. Positivity has helped man achieve truly great things since the dawn of humanity. When it comes to schooling, remedial progress relies heavily on the fostering of a positive outlook – applicable to both the student and their parents. When students are positive and motivated, surrounded by positive people, they can overcome any issues they may be facing at school. Remedial schooling is not the end of the road, and often remedial schooling students are able to return to mainstream schools.
“Remediation is by no means and in no way a failure on the child’s part.” - Tracey Stroebel
In-class or online remedial schooling in South Africa
Remedial schools like EduExcellence are hives of guided learning, where students set the pace and get the attention they require. We teach the South African CAPS syllabus at our two remedial schools in Lynnwood, Pretoria and Noordhoek, Cape Town. EduExcellence Satellites is our online remedial school, a first of its kind in South Africa.
Connect with Dr. Beulah van der Westhuisen, founder of EduExcellence, to arrange a formal student assessment in partnership with The Assessment Centre.