Girls are empowered to contribute to reduction of GBV in communities at Roedean
PARKTOWN – The Roedean school is well underway to keeping up with technological and innovative changes while the girls are still taught values to live a life of significance.
The executive head at Roedean School (SA) Fiona Rogers acknowledged the current exciting times of human history as she summed up the year.
Rogers said, “We live in a time when technological breakthroughs have become a common, everyday occurrence; the question is, what does all this innovation mean for us and how should we, as a school, respond? There are many implications, but I will focus on just two which I believe are important for us right now.”
She said that firstly, schools need to reinvent their curricula to make sure they remain relevant for a future in which our brains may connect directly with electronic devices. Many emphasise the importance of the Stem (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects, but there is also a strong call for a focus on developing the so-called ‘soft skills’ and creativity, as well as for the teaching of ethics as machines will be a long way from being emphatic or truly creative.
Secondly, while many will be delighted to hear that they will have the potential to live much longer, this makes the need for a strong environmental programme in our educational institutions an imperative for the future.
“Roedean, I am pleased to say, has already started to respond to the requirements for a change in the curriculum through several initiatives. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels; further changes to the curriculum are essential and in 2020 will see the start of a series of anticipated changes in the LV and MV curricula and lesson structure.”
She added that recent tragic events in our country have highlighted the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa, and Roedean’s aim is to assist their girls in developing a profound understanding of issues around violence so that they become empowered to develop programmes which will hopefully have a meaningful and sustained effect on reducing violence in some local communities.
The executive head said during 2019, Roedean set up a Transformation Strategic Planning Committee, which consists of members from all stakeholders in the community. The committee is developing a strategic plan; a road map for its transformation efforts.
Yet another exciting development at Roedean is related to the Roedean Academy. In 2020, lessons in maths and science, developed at Ligbron Academy will be live-streamed to all Grade 11 and 12 learners at Barnato Park High School. Roedean will be responsible for the cost of installing and maintain the e-learning system.
“Matrics of 2019, remember the values you have learnt at Roedean – these are your non-negotiables. Find your own unique contribution and work hard; so that you can create value. After all, you are Roedean girls, lasses unparalleled, and Roedean girls strive to live lives of significance. I know that you will make us proud.”
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