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The Verve Way

Learning is something you do.

Verve College gives every learner an environment that helps them learn in the best way possible and prepares them for the real world, through a progressive school model.

What we believe Book a visit

In her own words

What Verve is about, from our Principal.

Why we exist

What we are working towards.

Vision

World-class, holistic education.

To provide world-class holistic education through a student-centred approach in a progressive educational environment.

Mission

Free thinkers who contribute.

We aim to grow students who are creative, free thinkers, questioners, collaborators and active learners, focused on self-mastery, contribution and the world around them.

FreedomSelf-masteryCreativityIndividualismContributionCommunity

Traditional and progressive

Same curriculum. Different school.

Traditional schoolThe Verve way
The adultThe teacher talks, learners listenFacilitators guide; learners ask, test and explain
SubjectsEvery subject in its own boxProjects that join subjects up, the way real problems do
AssessmentMemorise, write, forgetBuild it, present it, reflect on it
PaceSame page, same day, for everyoneEach learner at their own pace, often in multi-grade classes
TechnologyScreens as digital worksheetsDevices for making: code, design, film, publish
SuccessThe report card is the whole storyMarks matter, and so do confidence, curiosity and character

Our facilitators

Facilitators, not lecturers.

At Verve, teachers are facilitators. They create the conditions for learning, ask the question that moves thinking forward, and mentor rather than simply instruct.

  • Problem first, then explanation
  • Learners reason out loud and teach each other
  • Reflection and self-assessment built into every week
  • Strong relationships with every learner and family

Our ethos

Eight promises we keep.

  1. Provide an environment in which students can freely learn, express and develop themselves.
  2. Grow the intention, enthusiasm and diligence to master and use what they learn.
  3. Promote creativity to motivate learners and broaden their skills.
  4. Foster individuality, so each student develops their own agency and identity.
  5. Encourage students to value their contribution within a shared space.
  6. Establish the importance of inclusion and involvement in a community.
  7. Keep a close relationship with parents and guardians, and welcome their active part in the school.
  8. Provide a holistic, progressive learning environment that puts transdisciplinary education first.

People of progressive education

The thinkers behind the way we teach.

Participation of the individual in the social consciousness of the race.
John Dewey
Creativity now is as important in education as literacy.
Sir Ken Robinson
Children learn and remember better what they discover for themselves.
Jerome Bruner
It's not how smart you are that matters, what really counts is how you are smart.
Howard Gardner
What the educator does in teaching is make it possible for the students to become themselves.
Paulo Freire

Co-founder, Head of Pedagogy and Principal

Jade Hall.

Jade has taught in public and private schools, and in her own drama academy. She is fascinated by education for the future, arts education and whole-bodied learning, and her mission is to transform education in South Africa.

  • BA Drama and Film Studies, University of Pretoria
  • BA Hons Drama and Film Studies (cum laude), University of Pretoria
  • Certificate in Education, UNISA
  • Certified Movement Analyst, Laban Institute of Movement Studies, New York
Watch Jade talk about Verve

See it for yourself

The best way to understand Verve is to visit.

Walk the classrooms, meet the facilitators and watch learning happen.

Book a visit Admissions