Classes

Stages of Learning at Bishopslea

At Bishopslea, our academic programme is carefully structured to support every stage of a child’s development—from the foundations laid in Early Childhood Development to the challenges and growth of Grade 7. Each level is designed to nurture confidence, curiosity, and competence, with support systems like the Enhanced Learning Programme ensuring that every learner is guided to reach their full potential.

Early Childhood Development

Teachers

Mrs. Sheila Murphy
Miss Bridget Beechey
Mrs Kelly Baisley

Overview

  • Bishopslea’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) class provides a healthy and safe environment for its pupils. It reflects our ability to provide a caring and stimulating environment, where the girls can grow in confidence, and develop to their full potential through interactive learning. We are a dedicated team of teachers working hard to prepare our pupils fully for Grade 1. The various skills we teach include:
  • School readiness. The overall aim of the ECD department is to prepare the girls for school readiness. No formal reading or writing is done.
  • Language and social skills, which enable the girls to ask questions, follow simple instructions, and mix easily with their peers.
  • Self-care and behavior, with manners playing a crucial role.
  • Gross and fine motor co-ordination and pre-writing efficiency. These play an integral part of development, as does visual and auditory perception.
  • Shona, music, computers, and physical education
  • all taught by specialist teachers.

Enhanced Learning Program

Our “Enhanced Learning Program’” for pupils with Dyslexia and/or ADD/ADHD

Our ELP Programme is often misunderstood as it is presumed that the program is a Remedial Program. The ELP classes, of which there are four from Grade 3 to Grade 6, are mainstream classes as they follow the syllabus and the curriculum as prescribed for each of the Grades. Each class has their own teacher and follows the same routine, extracurricular, specialist teaching and sporting activities that all Bishopslea pupils do.

What differs is that the ELP classes cater to pupils with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADD and ADHD, but who have high potentials as ascertained by Educational Psychologists. Generally, these pupils under achieve significantly compared to their potentials, but given the right environment, support and guidance can excel.

Historically, these pupils would receive extra assistance from our Remedial Department. However, as these pupils needs differed significantly from others in the Remedial Department, we saw the necessity for a dedicated programme and classes.

The significant differences in the ELP classes are that they are limited in size to a maximum of nine pupils per class and the teaching methods are personalized and objective orientated so as to keep pupils’ attention, interest and, indeed, appeal to their intellects.

We are extremely proud of our unique ELP department, which has helped so many children.

The overall objective is to build confidence and self-esteem and to identify and develop pupils’ individual strengths and interests while simultaneously offering support and assistance in weak areas.

Our ELP classes were established in May 2016. The success of the program has far exceeded our expectations. The caring environment has given the pupils, who have been in the classes, a chance to progress, succeed and, most vitally, enjoy the educational process.

The invaluable lessons we have learnt from these teaching methods, styles of learning and catering to individual pupils’ needs have been invaluable, not only to our ELP classes, but to the entire school, as we incorporate and share ideas and methodologies.

Teachers

Miss Sandra Blanckenberg
Mrs. Debbie Gibson

Overview

In Grade 1, the girls will have an exciting and productive year, and will learn to read, write and do number work.

  • We teach reading phonetically, supported by the Letter land program. By now the children will be excited by what they learn, and this bodes well for their transition into reading books.
  • In class, ‘number values’ and ‘bonds to ten’ are done, covering the concepts of ‘plus,’ ‘minus’ and ‘sets of.’
  • The school has the use of the “Active Learning Centre” for children who need extra help.
  • Sports undertaken are athletics, swimming and ball skills/games, culminating in an inter-class competition.
  • Day boarding facilities are offered at the hostel, as well as lunches for day-boarders.
  • The Infant department also puts on a play production in the third term, in which all children in ECD, Grade 1 and Grade 2 participate.
  • For ECD, Grade 1 and 2, extra-curricular activities include ballet, modern dance, gymnastics, tennis, piano and violin lessons.

From this year in Grade 1, the children will grow in self-esteem and confidence.

Teachers

Mrs Barbie Horsfield
Mrs Tino Bimha

Overview

Grade 2 is an exciting year, during which the girls become more confident, independent, and proficient in their use of English.

  • Their Grade 1 reading and writing skills are consolidated and developed as is their understanding and knowledge of numbers, through learning bonds up to 20.
  • The pupils learn to join their handwriting often writing their own notes.
  • They have a full and varied timetable including Shona, music, computers, sport, drama, and art lessons.
  • They will advance their social skills and discover the mysteries of nature.
  • The infant sports day is held in the first term, ball skills in the second term, and the swimming gala and infant play in the third term.
  • The girls flourish in Bishopslea’s Christian environment, during this happy, academic year.

Teachers

Mrs Sandy Harley
Miss Lorna McCallum
Miss Abby Meikle

Overview

Grade 3 at Bishopslea is a crucial year as it is a transition year from Infants to the Junior part of the school. There are many changes for them as we help the children mature into responsible and independent young girls and boys (Boys can join ELP from Grade 3). We try to make the change as enjoyable and as easy for them as possible.

  • From grade 3 pupils go home at 1 pm on non-sporting days and have at least two days with full afternoon activities.
  • Pupils no longer use chair bags but have a desk and a locker to store their belongings.
  • Pupils are issued with textbooks for which they will be responsible.
  • Homework increases during this year.
  • In Grade 3 we introduce pupils to exams. They will write exams in June and November. Reports will be sent home with the exam marks.
  • Pupils will learn how to choose their own library books as our class libraries are well equipped.
  • On the days they have sport, there will be an afternoon prep session.
  • Pupils will begin to attend chapel services weekly. Each year they will present a chapel play to the school which parents may come to watch.
  • In term 2, the Grade 3s are involved in a school production with Grades 4 and 5.
  • There are class outings during the year.
  • Those pupils that are chosen for the school sports teams will do more than two afternoons, and possibly will have to travel to other schools for matches, which is very exciting.
  • Our aim in Grade 3 is to help children to mature into responsible and independent boys and girls and to have lots of fun with all the new changes.
  • Compulsory sports are:
    • i) athletics, cross country, and tennis in term 1
    • ii) hockey and netball in term 2
    • iii) swimming and tennis in term 3

Teachers

Mrs. Marian Cox
Mrs. Debby Derry
Ms. Stacey Hardy

Overview

Grade 4 is a pivotal year for the learners, as it marks the transition from the lower to the upper grades of the school

  • In Grade 4 we consolidate all that has been taught in the first four years of schooling and build a firm foundation in the topics of Reading, Mathematics, English Language, Spelling, Shona, and the Content subjects.
  • We extend and expand the pupils’ knowledge in all the subjects.
  • Learners are taught to be more independent in their thinking processes, problem solving and organizational skills.
  • Pupils make use of the very well stocked school library. They are encouraged to utilize the research section for projects and borrow from the extensive literature section. These help them with poetry, creative writing, comprehension work, grammatical accuracy, and other important parts of the Grade 4 syllabus.
  • Projects on endangered species, animal habitats, the food chain, and dwellings around the world are promoted. These projects develop the children’s investigative skills. The pupils present their projects to their peers, which not only passes on knowledge but also develops their self- confidence in public speaking.
  • We introduce the new Agriculture syllabus which covers the practical aspects of weather influencing agricultural production, soil cultivation and the growing of vegetables. Visits to Gosho park in Marondera and Mukuvisi Woodlands bring the children into close contact with the animals and indigenous trees of our country.
  • The children take delight in using the class shop to buy goods, produce bills, and pay for their purchases using toy money.
  • Sewing is a favourite subject. The girls learn basic stitches and make toys such as star babies and Easter baskets.
  • The pupils all take part in a Chapel presentation once a year.
  • In the second term, the class participates in the Grades 3 to 5 musical production.

Teachers

Mrs. Tatendwa Wanyanya
Mrs. Rakhee Morar
Mrs. K Cowper

Overview

Grade 5 is the last year the girls are in the junior part of the school

  • To prepare them for greater independence they are taken for two nights to Imire Bush Camp. This is to foster an interest in the outdoors, as well as an understanding of principles of wildlife and ecology. These principles include the all-important need for environmental awareness and conservation.
  • In Grade 5, the girls write an ICT exam for the first time after years of introduction to the basics of the subject.
  • The second term sees them take part in the Grade 3 to 5 musical play.

Teachers

Mrs. Tricia Brooke
Mrs. Lara Holderness
Mrs. Nadene Manning

Overview

There is a big jump from Grade 5 to Grade 6.

  • The workload increases, as does the speed of learning.
  • The pupils develop the ability to work independently, and be organized, motivated and responsible for their own success.
  • In grade 6, afternoon activities change to Mondays and Wednesdays, but if they are sporty or culturally inclined, you will find them busy almost every afternoon. As seniors, their leadership potential is being assessed.
  • A special focus of the first term is the Shona cultural evening, in which everyone participates.
  • In the second term, one of the highlights is going to camp. The camp is vital for the pupils, in terms of self-discovery and improving their self-esteem and confidence. They are tested in their ability to work together effectively in groups.
  • There is also a field trip to the Heroes Acre, which consolidates all the Social Studies that they have learnt in the first term.
  • Shortly after their return from camp the mid-year examinations are held.
  • They all do individual projects to challenge themselves and present their findings in a mature and considered manner.
  • This is a sporty year with plenty of matches being played where sportsmanship, as well as competitiveness is encouraged.
  • The third term is a tough one academically as preparations begin for the high school entrance exam in Grade 7. The Grade 6 teachers liaise constantly to ensure that all parts of the syllabus are being taught effectively.

Teachers

Mrs. Aisha Omarshah
Mrs. Shahida Bezuidenhout

Overview

  • Grade 7 is the “big” examination year for the pupils, as they write entrance exams for high school in the second term, followed by their ZIMSEC exams in the third term. Much of the teaching is targeted to these exams, though the pupils are still very involved in sport and cultural activities.
  • In Grade 7 we operate a Monitor system, based on servant leadership, which runs on a rotational basis, so that leadership skills are developed in each pupil. This is a valuable experience, which gives them the chance to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. From this grade, we also appoint the various captains.
  • The two Grade 7 classes go on camp together to foster a sense of togetherness in building a strong team within the group.
  • The girls complete a certified Mars First Aid course, and they also have a Team building/Confidence course.
  • The end of the year sees the girls participate in an exclusively Grade 7 musical production.
  • It is certainly an exciting year for the pupils, which creates a firm foundation for them to move into their secondary education as self-assured, well-rounded individuals.

Bishopslea Staff

Back Row: Mrs. T Wanyanya, Miss. A Meikle, Mrs. R Morar, Mrs. K Cowper, Mrs. M Murerekwa, Mrs. D Gibson, Mrs. S Murphy, Miss. S Maritinyu, Mrs. S Harley

Middle Row: Mrs. P Bosha, Mrs. K Baisley, Mrs. D Derry, Mrs. S Bezuidenhout, Mrs. D Victor, Mrs. N Manning, Miss. L MacCallum, Sr. Q Kubara, Miss. B Beechey, Mrs. P Theron, Mrs. T Chirara, Mrs. B Horsfield

Front Row: Miss. S Blanckenberg, Mrs. T Brooke, Ms. P Kudita, Miss. M Cox, Mr. RJ Crook, Mrs. L Holderness, Mrs. T Bimha, Mrs. A Omarshah, Mrs. H Dahwa

ECD – Early childhood development

Teachers

Mrs. Sheila Murphy
Miss Bridget Beechey
Mrs Kelly Baisley

Overview

  • Bishopslea’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) class provides a healthy and safe environment for its pupils. It reflects our ability to provide a caring and stimulating environment, where the girls can grow in confidence, and develop to their full potential through interactive learning. We are a dedicated team of teachers working hard to prepare our pupils fully for Grade 1. The various skills we teach include:
  • School readiness. The overall aim of the ECD department is to prepare the girls for school readiness. No formal reading or writing is done.
  • Language and social skills, which enable the girls to ask questions, follow simple instructions, and mix easily with their peers.
  • Self-care and behavior, with manners playing a crucial role.
  • Gross and fine motor co-ordination and pre-writing efficiency. These play an integral part of development, as does visual and auditory perception.
  • Shona, music, computers, and physical education
  • all taught by specialist teachers.

Teachers

Miss Sandra Blanckenberg
Mrs. Debbie Gibson

Overview

In Grade 1, the girls will have an exciting and productive year, and will learn to read, write and do number work.

  • We teach reading phonetically, supported by the Letter land program. By now the children will be excited by what they learn, and this bodes well for their transition into reading books.
  • In class, ‘number values’ and ‘bonds to ten’ are done, covering the concepts of ‘plus,’ ‘minus’ and ‘sets of.’
  • The school has the use of the “Active Learning Centre” for children who need extra help.
  • Sports undertaken are athletics, swimming and ball skills/games, culminating in an inter-class competition.
  • Day boarding facilities are offered at the hostel, as well as lunches for day-boarders.
  • The Infant department also puts on a play production in the third term, in which all children in ECD, Grade 1 and Grade 2 participate.
  • For ECD, Grade 1 and 2, extra-curricular activities include ballet, modern dance, gymnastics, tennis, piano and violin lessons.

From this year in Grade 1, the children will grow in self-esteem and confidence.

Teachers

Mrs Barbie Horsfield
Mrs Tino Bimha

Overview

Grade 2 is an exciting year, during which the girls become more confident, independent, and proficient in their use of English.

  • Their Grade 1 reading and writing skills are consolidated and developed as is their understanding and knowledge of numbers, through learning bonds up to 20.
  • The pupils learn to join their handwriting often writing their own notes.
  • They have a full and varied timetable including Shona, music, computers, sport, drama, and art lessons.
  • They will advance their social skills and discover the mysteries of nature.
  • The infant sports day is held in the first term, ball skills in the second term, and the swimming gala and infant play in the third term.
  • The girls flourish in Bishopslea’s Christian environment, during this happy, academic year.

Teachers

Mrs Sandy Harley
Miss Lorna McCallum
Miss Abby Meikle

Overview

Grade 3 at Bishopslea is a crucial year as it is a transition year from Infants to the Junior part of the school. There are many changes for them as we help the children mature into responsible and independent young girls and boys (Boys can join ELP from Grade 3). We try to make the change as enjoyable and as easy for them as possible.

  • From grade 3 pupils go home at 1 pm on non-sporting days and have at least two days with full afternoon activities.
  • Pupils no longer use chair bags but have a desk and a locker to store their belongings.
  • Pupils are issued with textbooks for which they will be responsible.
  • Homework increases during this year.
  • In Grade 3 we introduce pupils to exams. They will write exams in June and November. Reports will be sent home with the exam marks.
  • Pupils will learn how to choose their own library books as our class libraries are well equipped.
  • On the days they have sport, there will be an afternoon prep session.
  • Pupils will begin to attend chapel services weekly. Each year they will present a chapel play to the school which parents may come to watch.
  • In term 2, the Grade 3s are involved in a school production with Grades 4 and 5.
  • There are class outings during the year.
  • Those pupils that are chosen for the school sports teams will do more than two afternoons, and possibly will have to travel to other schools for matches, which is very exciting.
  • Our aim in Grade 3 is to help children to mature into responsible and independent boys and girls and to have lots of fun with all the new changes.
  • Compulsory sports are:
    • i) athletics, cross country, and tennis in term 1
    • ii) hockey and netball in term 2
    • iii) swimming and tennis in term 3

Teachers

Mrs. Marian Cox
Mrs. Debby Derry
Ms. Stacey Hardy

Overview

Grade 4 is a pivotal year for the learners, as it marks the transition from the lower to the upper grades of the school

  • In Grade 4 we consolidate all that has been taught in the first four years of schooling and build a firm foundation in the topics of Reading, Mathematics, English Language, Spelling, Shona, and the Content subjects.
  • We extend and expand the pupils’ knowledge in all the subjects.
  • Learners are taught to be more independent in their thinking processes, problem solving and organizational skills.
  • Pupils make use of the very well stocked school library. They are encouraged to utilize the research section for projects and borrow from the extensive literature section. These help them with poetry, creative writing, comprehension work, grammatical accuracy, and other important parts of the Grade 4 syllabus.
  • Projects on endangered species, animal habitats, the food chain, and dwellings around the world are promoted. These projects develop the children’s investigative skills. The pupils present their projects to their peers, which not only passes on knowledge but also develops their self- confidence in public speaking.
  • We introduce the new Agriculture syllabus which covers the practical aspects of weather influencing agricultural production, soil cultivation and the growing of vegetables. Visits to Gosho park in Marondera and Mukuvisi Woodlands bring the children into close contact with the animals and indigenous trees of our country.
  • The children take delight in using the class shop to buy goods, produce bills, and pay for their purchases using toy money.
  • Sewing is a favourite subject. The girls learn basic stitches and make toys such as star babies and Easter baskets.
  • The pupils all take part in a Chapel presentation once a year.
  • In the second term, the class participates in the Grades 3 to 5 musical production.

Teachers

Mrs. Tatendwa Wanyanya
Mrs. Rakhee Morar
Mrs. K Cowper

Overview

Grade 5 is the last year the girls are in the junior part of the school

  • To prepare them for greater independence they are taken for two nights to Imire Bush Camp. This is to foster an interest in the outdoors, as well as an understanding of principles of wildlife and ecology. These principles include the all-important need for environmental awareness and conservation.
  • In Grade 5, the girls write an ICT exam for the first time after years of introduction to the basics of the subject.
  • The second term sees them take part in the Grade 3 to 5 musical play.

Teachers

Mrs. Tricia Brooke
Mrs. Lara Holderness
Mrs. Nadene Manning

Overview

There is a big jump from Grade 5 to Grade 6.

  • The workload increases, as does the speed of learning.
  • The pupils develop the ability to work independently, and be organized, motivated and responsible for their own success.
  • In grade 6, afternoon activities change to Mondays and Wednesdays, but if they are sporty or culturally inclined, you will find them busy almost every afternoon. As seniors, their leadership potential is being assessed.
  • A special focus of the first term is the Shona cultural evening, in which everyone participates.
  • In the second term, one of the highlights is going to camp. The camp is vital for the pupils, in terms of self-discovery and improving their self-esteem and confidence. They are tested in their ability to work together effectively in groups.
  • There is also a field trip to the Heroes Acre, which consolidates all the Social Studies that they have learnt in the first term.
  • Shortly after their return from camp the mid-year examinations are held.
  • They all do individual projects to challenge themselves and present their findings in a mature and considered manner.
  • This is a sporty year with plenty of matches being played where sportsmanship, as well as competitiveness is encouraged.
  • The third term is a tough one academically as preparations begin for the high school entrance exam in Grade 7. The Grade 6 teachers liaise constantly to ensure that all parts of the syllabus are being taught effectively.

Teachers

Mrs. Aisha Omarshah
Mrs. Shahida Bezuidenhout

Overview

  • Grade 7 is the “big” examination year for the pupils, as they write entrance exams for high school in the second term, followed by their ZIMSEC exams in the third term. Much of the teaching is targeted to these exams, though the pupils are still very involved in sport and cultural activities.
  • In Grade 7 we operate a Monitor system, based on servant leadership, which runs on a rotational basis, so that leadership skills are developed in each pupil. This is a valuable experience, which gives them the chance to identify their own strengths and weaknesses. From this grade, we also appoint the various captains.
  • The two Grade 7 classes go on camp together to foster a sense of togetherness in building a strong team within the group.
  • The girls complete a certified Mars First Aid course, and they also have a Team building/Confidence course.
  • The end of the year sees the girls participate in an exclusively Grade 7 musical production.
  • It is certainly an exciting year for the pupils, which creates a firm foundation for them to move into their secondary education as self-assured, well-rounded individuals.

Our “Enhanced Learning Program’” for pupils with Dyslexia and/or ADD/ADHD

Our ELP Programme is often misunderstood as it is presumed that the program is a Remedial Program. The ELP classes, of which there are four from Grade 3 to Grade 6, are mainstream classes as they follow the syllabus and the curriculum as prescribed for each of the Grades. Each class has their own teacher and follows the same routine, extracurricular, specialist teaching and sporting activities that all Bishopslea pupils do.

What differs is that the ELP classes cater to pupils with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADD and ADHD, but who have high potentials as ascertained by Educational Psychologists. Generally, these pupils under achieve significantly compared to their potentials, but given the right environment, support and guidance can excel.

Historically, these pupils would receive extra assistance from our Remedial Department. However, as these pupils needs differed significantly from others in the Remedial Department, we saw the necessity for a dedicated programme and classes.

The significant differences in the ELP classes are that they are limited in size to a maximum of nine pupils per class and the teaching methods are personalized and objective orientated so as to keep pupils’ attention, interest and, indeed, appeal to their intellects.

We are extremely proud of our unique ELP department, which has helped so many children.

The overall objective is to build confidence and self-esteem and to identify and develop pupils’ individual strengths and interests while simultaneously offering support and assistance in weak areas.

Our ELP classes were established in May 2016. The success of the program has far exceeded our expectations. The caring environment has given the pupils, who have been in the classes, a chance to progress, succeed and, most vitally, enjoy the educational process.

The invaluable lessons we have learnt from these teaching methods, styles of learning and catering to individual pupils’ needs have been invaluable, not only to our ELP classes, but to the entire school, as we incorporate and share ideas and methodologies.

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