In a world where each part of our lives is customised based on our preferences, it only makes sense to have an education system tailored to each learner’s interests, strengths, and future aspirations. Customised education is the future of learning.
This is the challenge accepted by Woodridge Connect Business Manager, Dave Emslie, who argues that bricks-and-mortar schools no longer meet the needs of today’s learners, and most certainly do not prepare them for the working world that awaits them.
“Today’s learners live in a world they are largely able to personalise based on their interests, needs, and aspirations. Technology has given them the power to watch or consume what they want, how they want and where they want, giving them the freedom to live life to the full, and make the most of every moment.
“And, they’re not alone in recognising that the era of brick-and- mortar schooling is slowly failing to meet their demands, as well as that of the working world that awaits them. Their parents, too, if not digital natives, are certainly digitally savvy and smart enough to acknowledge that the education they received just doesn’t ‘make the grade’.
“What’s needed are new generation learning facilities that have the freedom and flexibility to give learners ultimate control of their learning experience,” Emslie said.
And Woodridge College is putting its money where its mouth is with the launch of Woodridge Connect, a new generation online school.
One of South Africa’s leading private schools, Woodridge’s intention is to reimagine education and disrupt the online learning space in South Africa. Catering for Grades 8 and 9 when the new school year kicks off in 2022, it will expand into other grades in 2023.
“Woodridge has long been recognised for its rich experienced-based education system. This ensures learning occurs through doing something and then reflecting on, and learning from, the process. It combines active learning with concrete experience and contemplation, enabling learners to reach their full potential,” explained Emslie.
“Nurturing each learner’s natural sense of curiosity, and their passions, is imperative to the Woodridge Connect purpose. Through our three-pronged approach to learning, we customise content to cater to each learner’s unique needs.
“With a combination of self-paced learning, peer-to-peer learning, and live facilitated tutorials, we design each learner’s experience in a way that harnesses their true potential. Here we build students who can navigate today’s world and be prepared for the future.”
Important, too, for many parents is Woodridge’s understanding that there is a fear of being excluded from society that comes with online learning.
To address this, it has built an integrated community within the Woodridge Connect ecosystem. Through peer-to-peer learning and personal mentoring, the community enjoys the fun of interactive group sessions, which encourages us to connect, share knowledge, and empower each other.
“In our community, everyone has a role to play, even the parents. Each parent plays a role by ensuring their child commits to the learning process and structure. Even though children grow in self-discipline and accountability, we still need each parent to stay connected to ensure that we all move into this new and exciting learning space together,” Emslie said.
To find out more about this new generation online school and register your interest, visit www.woodridgeconnect.com.
About Woodridge College
Woodridge College is a private, co-educational school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is situated near the small town of Thornhill, halfway between Jeffrey’s Bay and Port Elizabeth. The school is attended by both boarders and day-scholars.
