JENS Primary School
Introduction
JENS Primary School was established by Jen Ciro in 2001. The school later adopted the Acronym ‘JENS’ (Jesus Equips, Nurtures and Saves), in her honour as the founder, and as a constant reminder of the Christian principles underlying the school. Ownership changed in 2003, and the school grew in grades and enrolment. Mrs Amanda Chapman is now the owner of Grade R, 1 and 2 and Mrs Nadine Wolhuter the owner of Grade 3 to Grade 7. JENS Primary School is registered as an independent co-ed school with The Department of Education (EMIS numbers:500492766 & 500498168). The school is a Christian School, and incorporates Christian principles, teachings and values. Any learner, from any religion may attend the school but only Christian practices, customs and traditions are conducted on the school premises. The school became affiliated to ISASA in July 2017 and JENS Senior Primary School accredited by UMALUSI, Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training on 15 December 2019.
What We Stand For
Learning can only take place in a safe and structured environment and the ability to meet these criteria, is what makes the school special. It is The School’s policy to create and maintain a safe physical environment conducive to learning as well as a dynamic yet controlled classroom environment to allow the learners to work to the best of their ability using resources at their disposal. Educators and staff celebrate the individuality and uniqueness of each learner and pursue a variety of teaching techniques to meet learner needs and to develop them into life-long learners and independent thinkers.
Vision
JENS Primary School aims to develop citizens for our country who will be accountable individuals, with unique talents, who acknowledge a responsibility to work together as a team, to create a self-sufficient economy and peaceful society built on sound moral standards.
Mission
JENS Primary School aims to equip learners with a sound foundation and knowledge in all academic fields required, to enable them to enter any school, at any grade and to be able to complete high school successfully. The School aims to find each learner’s strengths and endeavours to create a positive image by promoting Christian principles and teachings.
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JENS Primary School aims to do this by:
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Recognising that learning can only be achieved in a safe, caring, controlled and structured environment.
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Recognising that all learners should have access to quality education.
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Putting learners needs first by identifying gaps in the learner’s education and difficulties that the learner may have and suggest ways that these can be overcome.
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Emphasising the importance of developing the learner holistically. This includes inter alia: Academics, Sport, Culture and Social Skills.
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Identifying learners’ talents, strengths and interests and developing these.
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Emphasising the importance of developing independent thinking.
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Installing pride in our school, its facilities, its ethos and its traditions.
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Identifying with the fact that the school is part of the local community and must have a positive impact on it.
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Installing a pride in the diversity of our country by recognising individuality and promoting tolerance through understanding.
Core Values
The core values for JENS Primary School were defined by learners, teachers and the School Governing Body as representative of the parents of the learners. These core values are evident in the Vision and Mission Statement of the school, as well as various other policies developed by the school. JENS Primary School Core values are:
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Life-long learning and independent thinking
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Acceptance and tolerance
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Respect
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Integrity
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Self-discipline and sound work ethic
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Individuality and self-worth
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Equality
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Responsibility
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Fairness
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Pride and loyalty
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Compassion
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Honesty
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Creativity
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Recognition
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Leadership by example
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Dedication
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Unity and teamwork
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Being prepared to serve
Our School Environment
Kokstad has become a hub of economic activity and provision of services for people from East Griqualand as well as the Eastern Cape. Two old homes within the town have been converted into classrooms, and house the two sections of JENS Primary School, grade R to grade 2 and grade 3 to grade 7. The big, old rooms, wooden floors, enclosed verandas and wide passages create a charming environment for learning to take place. JENS Primary School can proudly state that many of our learners have excelled not only at JENS Primary School but also in high school, shown strong leadership and many have gone on to be graduates of various tertiary institutions. The school has developed its own framework as an independent school and aims to equip learners with a sound academic foundation and knowledge in all fields required for them to enter any school, at any grade and to be able to complete high school successfully. The CAPS curriculum is followed and a variety of teaching methods used are to creatively ensure the developmental process of learning.
Computer Literacy and Coding
In today’s digital world, an education would not be complete without an introduction to computer literacy and skills. The initial clumsy manipulation of the mouse by grade 3 learners culminates in a confident power-point presentation by grade 7 learners. The computers at the school have proven to be a valuable resource to both the learners and educators. Learners are taught research skills through supervised internet access. Concepts taught in class are consolidated through various activities performed on the computers. In 2023, the school introduced Coding as part of the curriculum, and these lessons are greatly enjoyed as educators and learners grow in confidence in this field of study.
Extra-Curricular Activities
With the Soccer World Cup fever upon all South Africans in 2010, soccer was introduced as a boys’ sport at JENS Senior Primary School. Netball for the girls was also introduced in the same year. Since many of the learners travel far every day, the school time was lengthened to include sport during school hours. Tuesday and Thursday end in an audible excitement and anticipation of some outside physical activity. With the focus on enjoyment, participation and sportsmanship, the learners’ skills and understanding of the various sport codes have developed quickly and the school now enjoys competitive matches against neighbouring schools in Kokstad. With an invitation from a neighbouring high school to take part in their athletics event, the disciplines of sprints and relays were introduced into the third term extra-curricular programme. This athletic event has proven to be a highlight for the learners as, for some of them, this would be the first time to compete on a circular track, running in their very own lane.
Hip hop dance and private sports conditioning fosters both physical and social development in the young JENS Primary school learners. Motor skills, co-ordination, strength and fitness improve as the learners grow in confidence and learn the importance of teamwork but also allow for individual creativity and self-expression. These activities create a dynamic and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and helps children develop healthy habits early on, laying the foundation for lifelong fitness and well-being.
Soccer
Athletics
Netball
Creative Arts
The innate ability of the learners to move rhythmically, sing and create has resulted in powerful drama productions over the years. Learners are encouraged to question the environment around them in positive, respectful and socially acceptable ways. The Christian ethos, the need to be responsible, accountable members of society and a celebration of the diverse South African culture play a pivotal role in drama productions as well as in everyday lessons. Learners are taught public speaking and oral presentation techniques, choral verse, debate, mime and roleplay within the school curriculum. Budding artists create beautiful two-dimensional drawings and paintings, and they create three dimensional structures during art and technology lessons.
Heritage Day is a true celebration at JENS Primary School! Traditional beads and vibrant colours adorn the learners on this day. Girls and boys seem to grow a head taller as they share stories of their heritage and learn more about the diverse, beautiful country that they are privileged to be part of.
Early Childhood Development
Learners in early childhood development are filled with excitement and curiosity as they explore their school environment. Their days are filled with fun activities, from playful interactions with peers to engaging in creative lessons that stimulate their imagination. Whether they are drawing, singing, or playing educational games, these young learners enjoy the process of discovering new things. The supportive atmosphere of their classrooms encourages a sense of belonging, helping them build confidence and a love for learning from a very early age.
Remediation
Not every learner learns at the same pace and each learner acquires knowledge and skills when they are developmentally ready using different learning styles. Learners must therefore be given numerous learning opportunities to ensure that they do make progress and gaps in foundation knowledge can be bridged. At JENS Primary School we aim to do this through the teaching methods adopted by the teachers. Teachers have sound knowledge of the development and implementation of the curriculum over the various grades and how the curriculum builds and works across subjects. Teachers focus on gradually exposing learners to a strong English vocabulary so that learners can read with comprehension and confidently communicate their ideas both verbally and in the written form.
A phonic remedial programme is offered in grade 3 to 5 for learners who battle with reading and letter formation. The timetable has allocated extra time to English and Mathematics to ensure sound foundation in these core subjects.
Defining a Framework
As an independent school, we creatively implement the CAPS Curriculum to meet our learners' needs.
JENS Primary School values and understands the need to stay up to date with trends in education as well as the need to identify and overcome obstacles that face all schools in South Africa. The school’s affiliation with ISASA results in the school staying abreast of new developments and ways that schools can become more effective and overcoming obstacles.
Email
Gr R, 1 & 2: mandschapman@gmail.com
Gr 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7: wolhuter@jenschool.co.za
Address
Gr R, 1 & 2: 164 Main Street, Kokstad
Gr 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7: 101 Hawthorne Street, Kokstad
Gr R, 1 & 2: 083 357 2513 / Gr 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7: 083 321 6936