Our Mission
Who we are
Our mission at The Bay Academy is to provide quality education through the Pearson International Curriculum that meets the individual needs of each student. They are entering a rapidly changing world, and the knowledge they acquire today is different from the skills they will need when they leave school. Therefore learning how to learn, be creative, experiment, communicate, disseminate, take responsibility, work together, exchange and respectfully discuss opinions are some of the competencies we seek to develop. The teacher is responsible for understanding the student’s individual learning needs and supporting them. The focus is on their learning process.
WELCOME
The principles of “EDUCERE” (Latin: To draw out from within”) means to open a whole new world of possibilities by creating environments and situations in which abilities are developed, knowledge created, the world is interpreted in a unique way, and full potential as a human being is realised.
The Bay Academy High School, which follows the curriculum of Pearson International, is the perfect development from the pure Montessori Primary school, where students continue to develop their critical thinking skills, adaptability, perseverance and independence in readiness for university and the work place.
We hold steadfast in our vision and take pride in the young adults that leave us to continue their life’s journey as best equipped for success and happiness as we can help them to be.
A Message From
The Principal
I do sincerely believe that The Bay Academy offers a unique opportunity for students to learn through innovative and inquiry driven approaches. Having experience of teaching and leading schools that offer a variety of curricula, I am an ardent supporter of the current Pearson International Curriculum that the school teaches through a flipped hybrid classroom. I have proudly witnessed students taking joint ownership of their learning journey and consequently, developing valuable skills, knowledge and experiences that endow them for an ever-changing world. Every day when I enter the creative classroom layout design and observe bespoke teaching, I perceive the nurturing of the natural curiosity in each child. As you may imagine, this in turn, leads to motivated students who deliver work to the very best of their ability. The students and I appreciate the beautiful campus that we are privileged to work in and the sincere care and support provided by the dedicated and passionate team of teachers.
The High School Campus
An environment which feeds your soul
We believe that school should be a place where students are excited to go. We aspire to create an environment which feeds your soul and energy because you learn and develop there, because it’s a place that you are passionate about. A place where time flies.
The 10 000 sqm of pristine natural environment along the banks of the Disa River, provides a rich learning canvas for subjects like Biology, Environmental Management and Science. Students apply their subjects experimentally in these surrounds by analysing soil, weather and aspects of the Hout Bay river. The flow from the classrooms into nature provide not only outdoor “classrooms” , but a sense tranquility facilitates all learning.
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Academics
Learn Without Limits
Continuing the Journey: The Uninterrupted Flow
As they leave Primary school, the child moves from “the Great Lessons” of childhood to Adolescence. Here they focus on Languages, Literacy and Communication, Mathematics and Numeracy, Environmental and Physical Sciences, Humanities and Sociology, Art and Design, Physical and Emotional development and Character and Ethical development. Here opportunities for “Vertical Teaching” or mixed age teaching are retained wherever possible through Drama, Physical Education and Environmental Education.
Although Maria Montessori never envisaged formal, summative assessments as part of her philosophy, they are a cold hard reality of 21st Century Education. The students are slowly introduced to the concept of Assessment FOR Learning, not just the observational Assessment OF Learning. Although teachers continue in their roles as defined by the Montessori method and the Ethos of the Bay Academy, they begin to share more of the Learning Objectives and Success Criteria with the students, allowing them more awareness of their own progress and outcomes.
The Bay Academy’s Virtual Learning Environment.
The flipped classroom is a concept for teaching and learning that best brings the Montessori Philosophy of developing independence, together with the most current models of teaching with the brain in mind.
Using cutting-edge Virtual Learning Platforms, the students are provided with their whole curriculum; from Learning Objectives and Success Criteria, to Learning resources and visual aids. Thus, the student engages with the material BEFORE the lesson and the time with the teacher is spent processing the information, accruing understanding and gaining mastery of the concepts.
This also allows us to flip to distance learning if COVID regulations require it. We have not missed a single day’s school since the first lockdown of the pandemic.
The International Middle Years Programme:
Through the “International Middle Years Programme” Grades 7-9; the child continues incrementally and consistently to develop their focus into even more compartmentalised subject areas. By the time they leave Middle School they will have become proficient at separating their focus into English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Environmental Management, Art and Design, Spanish or Afrikaans as well as Drama and Physical Education.
However, the most important skill they have developed in Middle School is how to communicate their understanding in a variety of ways.
They are ready to “Graduate” from Middle school when they are ready to present themselves to their teachers in their chosen seven specialist subjects, and convince them of their aptitude, passion, and motivation to continue to study in their chosen fields.
The Final Product
As they enter High School, their Middle School journey has not only equipped them with the ability and confidence to choose, but the understanding to make the right choice of the seven subjects in which to specialise. Here the development of Information Literacy, Study skills and Examination Skills continues in preparation for the International General Certificates of Education. These are recognised worldwide as the Gold Standard of High School accreditation, and the ultimate golden ticket to a world of opportunities and any University of their choice, either locally or Internationally. Students who complete their studies with us are not judged by the grades of their exams, but by the evidence of their character. They will be either welcomed by the finest Universities in the world or be equipped to make their own way in the world.
See Full Curriculum >
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INSTILLING characteR:
Students are encouraged to partake in enriching activities while attending The Bay Academy.
We believe that healthy students are balanced students, and have dedicated time and effort to ensuring their physical, spiritual & mental needs are met.
Testimonials
What Parents and Students are Saying
“Thanks Dan for all the splendid work you and your team has done/are doing. As a parent, very much appreciated.
David: Parent
“Max LOVES the Bay Academy and we could not be happier with our choice of high school!!
He loves the inspiring teachers, the beautiful classrooms, your motivational speeches and his wonderful classmates. I have been advising everybody to send their child to your beautiful and innovative creation.
Keep going, you are doing an amazing job!!!.”
San: Parent
“The Bay Academy is probably the best school I have ever attended, the school constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself. This school strives to constantly keep me engaged but also independent. I wish everyone could experience waking up excited to go to school like I am.”
Naomi: Student