mORNING PROGRAMME
ATLAS dIGIBUS
Morning Program: The Digibus works with Grade 4 and 5 students from five primary schools in Langa, focusing on two key areas:
Grade 4 Language Transition: To address the shift from mother-tongue instruction to English, Grade 4 learners use the Reading Eggs platform, which strengthens their English skills through phonics and reading comprehension. This critical intervention ensures children are better prepared to engage with the full curriculum as they progress.
Grade 5 Coding Lessons: With Code4Kidz, Grade 5 learners are introduced to the basics of coding, fostering early digital literacy that aligns with the needs of a tech-driven world. This platform introduces children to programming fundamentals, preparing them with the skills needed for future learning in STEM.
Afternoon Program for After-School Learners: After school hours, the Digibus serves an additional 200 children aged 9-13 as part of VUSA’s after-school program. The curriculum here focuses on:
Math Support through Matific: Using interactive and engaging tools, children are taught maths concepts, helping to reinforce classroom learning and build confidence in numeracy.
Beginner Coding Skills: The after-school coding lessons allow learners to dive deeper into programming, encouraging creative problem-solving and analytical thinking.
Program Impact: This tailored approach addresses specific learning needs and fills critical gaps in education. Results from last year’s assessments, especially among Grade 4 learners, show significant improvements in both English and Math, attributed to their mastery of foundational phonics. This success has led VUSA to replace other language programs with Reading Eggs, allowing a more streamlined and effective approach to literacy.
ECD PROGRAMME
Early Childhood Development (ECD) Program
9.30AM-12.30PM
Monday-Friday
Overview: VUSA’s ECD program provides a comprehensive foundation for young learners through play-based learning that enhances language, literacy, numeracy, and physical skills. The curriculum is designed to foster essential skills through engaging activities, preparing children for success in formal schooling.
Program Focus Areas:
English as a Second Language (ESL): Structured ESL sessions introduce children to basic English vocabulary in themes like colors, shapes, and familiar objects. To enhance this learning, the ESL activities include fine motor skill exercises—such as crafts, drawing, and small object manipulation—building children’s coordination and foundational literacy skills.
Numeracy and Literacy Through Play: These interactive sessions consolidate the vocabulary and concepts learned in ESL by integrating them into numeracy and literacy activities. Games focus on counting, patterns, and shapes, providing hands-on learning that reinforces and expands on the language introduced in ESL.
Gross Motor Skill Development: Physical play is key to our program, with activities that support gross motor skill development. This includes exercises that build balance, such as crossing the mid-line, as well as kicking and catching games. These activities develop coordination, strength, and physical confidence, which are essential for children’s overall growth and learning readiness.
Mobile Library Project: The mobile library brings a diverse collection of books directly to children, inspiring a love for reading and storytelling. This initiative has significantly boosted literacy engagement, giving children early access to books and enhancing language skills, comprehension, and curiosity.
Why It Matters: VUSA’s ECD program combines structured ESL learning, interactive play, gross motor development, and reading to ensure children have a well-rounded foundation for school and life. By supporting both cognitive and physical growth, the program equips young learners with the skills, confidence, and excitement for learning that sets them on a path to success.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMME
Rugby
3.30pm– 5pm
Monday & Wednesday : U12 & U13
Tuesday & Thursday : U9, U10 & U11
Friday : All Agegroups
Teams participate in the Western Province Rugby League and compete against other participating schools in Cape Town.
Promotes a physical, healthy life-style.
Rugby teaches incredible life-skills such as discipline, team work, leadership, sportsmanship.
Coaches are employed from within in the community and thus understand the challenges and needs of children they work with.
Coaching partners include UCT and Bishops Diocesan College
Academic Support
3.30pm– 5pm
Monday & Wednesday : U9, U10 & U11
Tuesday & Thursday : U12 & U13
Friday: Pop-up Library
Overview: The VUSA Afterschool Academic Program provides well-rounded educational support for primary school learners, reinforcing essential skills and offering engaging, practical learning experiences. With a blend of digital tools and interactive activities, the program ensures that each child has the opportunity to succeed academically and develop valuable life skills.
Program Elements:
Maths: Using the Matific online program, children engage with interactive math lessons that build foundational numeracy skills. Matific’s games and exercises enhance problem-solving abilities, making math fun and accessible.
English: The Reading Eggs platform supports English language development through phonics, reading comprehension, and vocabulary-building activities. This personalized approach helps children improve both literacy and confidence in language.
Coding: Our coding curriculum uses Code4Kidz to introduce children to the basics of coding. Through practical lessons, they learn about sequencing, logic, and problem-solving, gaining early digital literacy skills that are essential for the future.
Young Entrepreneur Program: In partnership with Capitec, this program teaches children the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Children learn about identifying market needs, creating products, budgeting, and marketing, culminating in the annual Market Day, where they showcase and sell their products, applying what they’ve learned in a real-world setting.
Homework Support: Our team provides one-on-one assistance to ensure students have the guidance needed to complete assignments and reinforce classroom concepts effectively.
Pop-Up Library: Held every Friday, the pop-up library offers a rotating selection of books, encouraging a love for reading and improving literacy. It provides a dedicated space for children to explore new stories, supporting their language and comprehension skills in an enjoyable environment.
Why It Matters: The Afterschool Academic Program at VUSA combines academic support with entrepreneurial and digital skills, preparing children not only for school success but for broader future opportunities. Through resources like Matific, Reading Eggs, Code4Kidz, and the Market Day experience, VUSA empowers young learners to excel and approach their education with enthusiasm and resilience.
rECREATIONAL OUTINGS
Passion and dreams are inspired by experiences.
This programme takes children from the Langa Community on educational and recreational outings, creating experiences they do not ordinarily have access to and exposing them to new opportunities thus creating possibilities for a very different future.
Food security
FOOD
5pm
Overview: At VUSA, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food, supporting their growth, learning, and overall well-being. Our Food Security Program donated by the Lunchbox Fund, provides a hot, fortified daily meal, helping children maintain the energy and focus needed for academic and extracurricular activities. This essential program addresses not only immediate nutritional needs but also long-term health.
Shoprite’s Act For Change Partnership: Through the generous support of Shoprite’s Act For Change, we are able to further enhance our food security efforts. Shoprite not only supplements the daily meals with nutritious ingredients but also provides food for children on outings and match days, ensuring that they are well-nourished and supported both on and off the field.
Why It Matters: Good nutrition is a cornerstone of academic and athletic success, enabling children to stay engaged, active, and healthy. By providing a reliable source of fortified meals, the VUSA Food Security Program plays a vital role in each child’s development, creating a strong foundation for their future.
