Our educationStructure and routines
The education system of the Evangelical Primary School ‘Online’ is characterized by structure and routines. We have a fixed day schedule for all groups, which gives students guidance and predictability. When children know what to expect, it gives them peace of mind and a feeling of safety.
Every six months, we check with each student whether he/she is receiving education at the right level. In this way we prevent a student from working above or below his/her level for too long, and from getting bored or feeling insecure.
Learning at one’s own level Sufficient challenge for each student
Every child learns in their own way and own pace. Therefore, in every group instruction is given in 3 levels. In this way we can offer sufficient challenge to students who have already mastered the lesson material, and for the students who need additional support there is time for extra instruction. Because the daily schedule of groups 3 to 8 run parallel, students can join a math class in a different group (of higher or lower level) to work at his or her own level.
Independent learning Learn to take responsibility
In all groups we use timetables and/or weekly planning to help students be independent and take responsibility. With a set of tasks with which students can solve problems independently, they learn to take responsibility for their task. The teacher guides the students in finding a solution by teaching them to think and act creatively.
Half-yearly indent progressionCorresponding to personal development
Our school year is divided in two equal parts of approximately 20 weeks, this ensures that the level of the teaching material corresponds to the development of each student individually. Twice a year we determine per student whether s/he can move to another level. We look at the way of learning, at the skills and talents, and what s/he needs to be able to learn. In this way we prevent a student from working above or below his/her level for too long, and from getting bored or feeling insecure.
Bible-Based Teaching Live out our faith
Based on our Christian identity, we as a school want to offer students a safe basis. Our teachers actively live out their faith and show students how to live as followers of Christ. This is reflected in how we interact with each other, in our lessons, in the atmosphere at school and in our Christmas and Easter celebrations.
In each group we use the method ‘Startpunt’ (Starting Point), a Biblical method that teachers use as a guideline for Bible teaching. We read from the Bible together, help students to understand the words and show them how to apply it in their daily lives. We praise and thank the Lord for each other, for those around us, and for a blessing at work. We love to sing for the glory of God and may teach our students how His Spirit can help you and how prayer and worship can bring you closer to Him.
Based on our faith in God, we teach our students to deal with sexuality in a positive way. We use the method ‘Wonderlijk Gemaakt' (Wonderfully Made), in which self-esteem, sustainable relationships, values and resilience are discussed. The method offers interactive ways of teaching to talk about sexuality in a positive way, with the Bible as a guide and wonder towards our Creator and each other.
Thematic learning Think creatively and see context
By integrating reading comprehension, science & technology, art & culture and global citizenship into our thematic education, students learn to think creatively and see context. We work in groups, pairs or individually with challenges that are tailored to the learning ability of each student. With thematic education, students learn to associate new information with their own lives, experiences, and society. This inquiry-based learning increases the involvement of students, helps them to see coherence in the world, and to apply this knowledge in daily life.
Challenging learning environment for preschoolers Learning through play and discovery
Learning through play is central to the first and second year. In an inviting learning environment, the preschoolers are challenged to discover and develop their talents. The classrooms are therefore furnished with various play and discovery areas, such as a math corner, reading corner, home corner and a construction corner. Every 5 weeks we work with a new theme, which we also feature in the play areas. In this way, toddlers can playfully discover the world around them. By combining ages in our kindergarten classes, children learn to help each other and work together.
Because every child is different, we give them the opportunity to choose their own activities. In this way they learn to make their own choices, discover what they like and dislike, and who they like to play with. The children start the morning with an activity from a free-choice-bulletin, and during the lessons they also choose an activity themselves: drawing, cutting, and pasting, building or creating things, working on themed projects or playing with developmentally suitable materials. Language and math skills are practiced in an interactive way while the group is gathered in a circle. In this way the children can help each other, learn to listen to each other, and learn from each other.
Dutch as a new languageAdditional language support
To children who come from abroad and for whom Dutch is a new language, we offer Dutch lessons, either individually or in a small group with peers. An NT2-teacher gives them lessons in speaking and understanding Dutch a few times a week.
Children who need extra language support are offered this at least twice a week. Classroom exercises are practiced in a small group. This form of language support is very effective. Repeating the exercises helps with development and gives the child more self-confidence.
Additional challenge or support Tailored to educational needs
We offer education for gifted students personally tailored to his or her specific educational needs. From the first group onwards, gifted children can work together on projects on a weekly basis. In the ‘plus groups’ they can further develop their talents and receive support and guidance from the teacher in developing their project independently.
Group 8 students who have already mastered the curriculum and need more of a challenge, can sign up for an extra program that we can offer in collaboration with various secondary schools. The students who need extra support in learning can participate in the Mosaic group. Here they can work on practical assignments 4 mornings a week, with support from the teacher.
Healthy School Certificate Safe and healthy environment
In our education we pay attention to the theme of health. We encourage students to bring healthy snacks and a healthy lunch. Every Wednesday is ‘water day’ at school. On this day we ask children to drink only water, to make them aware of the sugars in juice and soft drinks. In addition to healthy food and drink, we actively work on a social-emotional safe and healthy environment.
Talent developmentDiscovering personal talents
At our school the students learn that God is their Creator and that He has created each of them with unique talents in different fields. We support them in discovering, developing and deploying their talents. As a result, their self-confidence grows and they learn that the differences between them are valuable. Our students can participate in workshops in different fields: from physical exercises to mathematics, discovering nature, practicing language arts, etc. In this way, children can discover and nurture their personal talents. This all to glorify God.
Task Games (Taakspel) Stimulating desired behavior
In every group Taakspel is used. Taakspel stimulates desired behavior (like not talking while someone else is talking), which ensures a good atmosphere in the classroom. While playing Taakspel, the teacher compliments good behavior and ignores undesirable behavior. Students learn to be responsible for their own behavior and encourage each other to follow the rules. Taakspel ensures that disruptive behavior decreases so that more efficient and task-oriented work can be done in the classroom.
Media Literacy Deal with media responsibly
Digital technology and (social) media play an important role in society today. To prepare our students for the future, we introduce them to the digital world from the first group onwards. In a safe setting that matches our Christian identity, students learn how to use the internet, computers, and tablets. To ensure they deal with this safely and responsibly, we have placed a filter on our network and created guidelines for healthy screen use (this includes balancing screen time with exercise and paying attention to correct posture).
Matching the stage of life, students do educational exercises on a tablet (group 1, 2 and 3), they work (in line with teaching materials and theme) from the Cloud on a Chromebook. Some tests are also taken digitally (group 4 through group 8).
Aspiring Brainport School Learn in an enterprising, researching and designing way
Brainport Scholen is a partnership of schools aimed at further developing education. In the education given at these schools, students and the region are central. As an upcoming Brainport School, we offer future-oriented education, where students learn in an enterprising, researching and designing way. These skills come in handy if one later wants to work in the region because it fits with the working methods of many companies within Brainport. This way of learning is designed in co-creation with the business community so that students can get acquainted with the possibilities for a later career in the region in an accessible way. For example, students can learn to program, work on their own newspaper, or participate in the PSV Brainport Challenge. When students are given the space to form and answer their own questions, curiosity is stimulated and they are more involved in the process, and motivated to learn.
English in practice Lessons in speaking and writing
Already from the first group, our students get English lessons for 30 minutes to an hour a week. During the English lessons, English is spoken by the teacher, also with songs, stories, and group discussions. With spoken text from a native speaker, they not only learn good vocabulary, but good pronunciation. From the fifth through eighth group, students also learn to read and write in English.
After-school activities Activities in different themes
In line with our talent development education, we offer a varied range of after-school activities. Students can participate in fun, educational activities in different fields that help them develop their creative, athletic, and social skills. Students can choose what they want to participate in. To develop musical skills, they can play in our school band or sing in the children's choir. In this way we can also sing together after school and make music to God. In collaboration with an external physical education teacher, we offer various sports activities and draw attention to offers from Eindhoven sports associations. We also hope to organize dance and cooking classes, so that we can offer every child a suitable activity.
Student council A voice within the school organization
Children have their own unique perception of society. They are the reason our school exists, and it is worth hearing their voice. The student council was created to ensure students have their own voice within the school organization and thus can make an active contribution to the quality of our education.
In groups 6, 7 and 8, elections for the student council are held at the beginning of each school year. One student from each group is chosen as a representative. They can share ideas, complaints, or compliments regarding the school organization. By actively involving students, they learn to take responsibility, become acquainted with democratic principles in an accessible way and experience which goals are realistic and attainable.