ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2015
PROTOCOL
Dear Parents
We would like to thank you for sending your daughter to ADP. I, Mrs Robinson, will be the staff liaison for
ADP this year and together with Mrs Hayes-Hill, will be aiming to create and improve a safe learning
environment for your daughter Herewith is an information document that explains the functioning of the
ADP. I hope that you will find it helpful.
AIM and VISION
The Academic Development Programme of DGHS is a facility that provides a venue and an environment in
which learners can do homework and study after school. An adult is present to check homework, motivate
learners and monitor their co-curricular involvement. To ensure that the learners do homework to the best
of their ability and use their time wisely, the learners are encouraged to complete their written homework,
do online research, study for tests and read their library books during this time in a controlled setting.
TALKING
Learners will be allowed to ask questions and talk to their neighbours quietly. ADP does not take the form
of a prep room where silence has to be maintained at all times, but is rather a place for learning and
motivation. This may take the form of questions, intellectual games, reading or even group study and
assistance. Tablets are available for learners to use to do research for projects and orals, or to play some of
the educational games which are loaded onto them. Educational videos may also be used to prompt
conversations and debate. No learner will be allowed to shout, sing, or otherwise disrupt the learning
atmosphere during ADP time.
HOMEWORK
Homework is one of the chief aims of ADP. The learners are encouraged to do their homework and finish it
before being fetched. Every learner is expected to keep a homework book which may be checked and
signed by the ADP supervisor. Homework facilitation is available to the learners who may ask questions of
their peers or of the supervisor. Once the learner has finished her homework, she may read a book,
partake in an educational game, change a library book, do research on the computers or watch an
educational video (on the days when this is provided). Homework books will only be signed if all the
homework is complete. If you do not wish for this to be done, please communicate this to the ADP
supervisor in writing.
BREAKS
Learners are required to report to the ADP venue by within 10 minutes of the final bell. They are expected
to have visited the bathroom and, if necessary, to have had a drink or snack before going into the venue.
Eating and drinking will not be allowed in the ADP venue
They will be expected to work quietly on their homework from 2.50pm to 3.50pm when they will be given
a 15 minute break. During the break they may purchase food at the tuckshop and or chat with friends.
There is a microwave available for any learner who needs to heat up food. Learners may continue to work
in the ADP room during breaks should they wish.
TIMES and VENUE
ADP runs from 14.45 till 17.30 Monday to Thursday and 14.05 till 17.00 on Fridays (please note the
earlier time on Fridays. We use Room D3 which is the end classroom in the new Victor Daitz Wing in
Penzance Rod. On arrival outside the school (Gate 4 in lower Penzance Road), parents who wish to do so,
may contact ADP via cellphone to ask that their daughter come to the gate. The number to call/SMS is 071
421 3971.
Parents are to contact the ADP supervisor on 071 421 3971 if they are going to be late to collect their
daughters. The supervisor will not be permitted to transport any learners home and is also not responsible
for learners after closing time. If you are late to collect your daughter and the supervisor is not able to
contact either you or the emergency person you have listed on your registration form, the Principal will be
contacted for her decision on how to proceed. In extreme cases, learners may be taken down to the
Umbilo Police Station in Deodar Road, Glenwood.
CELLPHONES
Learners are allowed to have their cellphones on their person but may not take phone calls during ADP
time. They must ask for permission to make a call to parents ONLY and this must be done outside the
venue so that they do not disturb other learners. They may not use their phones to chat to friends, play
games or go onto social network sites during ADP time. They may use their phones during the break
outside the venue. If a call comes through from a parent, the learner may request permission to take the
call and this must be done outside the room. In emergencies only, the ADP phone is available for learners
to use.
FEES
There is a once-off Registration Fee of R150 per learner. This is held by the school until such time as the
learner leaves. Parents are advised to apply for a refund of this fee which will be done on condition that
the learner’s ADP account is fully paid up. A daily charge of R25.00 will be levied (to a maximum of R300
per month). Accounts will be sent out once a month and payment of such should be made promptly to the
school.
We look forward to your daughter’s participation in the Academic Development Programme and trust it
will be of benefit to her.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Linda Robinson
031 274 2708 (9.30-2.30)
[email protected]/ [email protected]