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 is affiliated to ISASA and JENS Senior Primary School is accredited by UMALUSI, Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training.
Our Approach to Teaching
Creative teaching techniques, careful planning and a sound knowledge of the development and implementation of the curriculum over the various grades ensures that learners receive extension of knowledge and skills as well as remediation of foundation knowledge required for comprehension, problem solving and ultimately independent life-long learning.
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This approach to teaching and learning has produced a generation of confident young people who know their worth as unique individuals, have strong leadership skills and who successfully work with others as a team. They boldly face challenges, share ideas, demonstrate resilience and become a productive part in meeting the needs of not only our community, but our country as a whole.
Vision
At JENS Senior Primary School
we aim to:
“Be the Sunshine” in
action and attitude!
Matthew 5:16
Mission
At JENS Senior Primary School we:
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Encourage kindness by showing care and concern for ourselves and others, being thoughtful and helpful.
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Ignite curiosity and foster courage by creating an environment where it is safe to explore ideas, face challenges and build resilience to keep trying.
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Take responsibility by making thoughtful decisions that have a positive impact on ourselves, other people and our environment, learning from experience and controlling our actions.
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Celebrate our rainbow nation by recognizing individual worth, abilities and contributions, and learning more about each other to develop deeper understanding.
Core Values
Kindness
Curiosity
Courage
Responsibility
Individuality
Tolerance through Understanding
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
The co-curricular programme is creatively incorporated into the school curriculum with a slightly longer school day ensuring a holistic education for all learners. The programme fosters both physical and social development in the learners. The activities create a dynamic and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and teamwork. Healthy competition against the local schools in soccer, netball and athletics teaches learners sportsmanship, determination and commitment.
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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
Individual creativity and self-expression are celebrated in the cultural programme through exposure to a range of social skills required for confident communication in society. Learners are taught public speaking and oral presentation techniques, choral verse, debate, mime and roleplay within the school curriculum. Art and Technology lessons allow for creation and experimentation using different techniques and mediums. The innate ability of the learners to move rhythmically, sing and create results in powerful drama productions. 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.
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