Our School History
In the heart of Bryanston, the story of the Royal Learning Academy began with a vision that grew into a flourishing reality. Founded by Chey Aucamp and her mother, Gwen Cloete, the school emerged from a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of early learning and the aspiration to prepare young minds for a future filled with boundless possibilities.
A Vision for Early Learning Excellence
Their journey commenced from a shared realization - that children in South Africa often lacked the foundational preparation necessary to thrive when they entered primary school. The desire to bridge this gap led Chey and Gwen to envision an institution that would not only impart knowledge but also foster freedom of growth and a profound appreciation for early learning.
The Essence of "Old School" Learning Techniques
As a mother and daughter duo, Chey and Gwen drew inspiration from the timeless wisdom of "old school" learning techniques. These methods are rooted in simplicity yet hold the power to create a lasting impact. They understood that a strong foundation built upon these principles would not only prepare children academically but also instil in them a lifelong love for learning.
Opening Our Doors in 2014
In 2014, RLA opened its doors to welcome its very first cohort of young learners. With just six children, it’s humble beginning marked the start of a remarkable journey. From these small beginnings, they embarked on a path of growth, innovation, and dedication to providing exceptional early childhood education.
Celebrating Growth and Success
Over the years, they have witnessed the incredible transformation of RLA. Their biggest accomplishment lies in observing how their learners not only flourish within the school’s walls but also continue to grow from strength to strength when they transition to "big school."
Our Facilities
At the Royal Learning Academy, we believe that a nurturing and stimulating environment is essential for your child's growth and development. Our home-away-from-home facilities are thoughtfully designed to provide the perfect backdrop for their educational journey.
Spacious Classrooms
Our large, well-lit classrooms offer ample space for young learners to engage in a wide range of educational activities. These spaces are carefully arranged to promote exploration, creativity, and collaboration among students. We believe that a comfortable and inspiring classroom environment is the first step towards fostering a love of learning.
Expansive Outdoor Play Areas
We understand the importance of physical activity and outdoor play in a child's development. Our extensive outdoor facilities provide plenty of space for children to run, play, and explore. The open green area encourages both structured and unstructured play, allowing students to exercise their imaginations and their gross motor skills.
Jungle Gyms for Active Play
For active play and exercise, we have a variety of jungle gyms that cater to different age groups. These structures are designed to promote physical development, balance, and coordination. Our students love the opportunity to climb, swing, and explore in a safe and supervised environment.
Safety is Our Priority
At RLA, safety is paramount. To ensure the well-being of our students, we have installed CCTV cameras in all classrooms and on the playground. This provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their children are closely monitored throughout the day. We take every precaution to create a secure and loving environment where your child can thrive.
Balancing English and Mathematics
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on two core subjects: English and Mathematics. These subjects form the bedrock of academic achievement and critical thinking. However, we are ever-mindful of the importance of nurturing confidence and a love of knowledge. Our teaching approach is structured to maintain high confidence levels among our students, ensuring that the joy of learning remains alive.
Our Curriculum: Where Simplicity Meets Excellence
At the Royal Learning Academy, our curriculum is the heart of our educational approach. We firmly believe that simplicity is the key to unlocking a child's full learning potential. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to provide a strong foundation for academic success while nurturing a genuine love for knowledge.
Phonics: A Sound Foundation
Central to our curriculum is the principle that hearing words is just as important as reading them. We focus primarily on phonics—a fundamental approach to literacy that allows our learners to not just read but truly understand words. By mastering phonics, our students develop strong reading and language skills, empowering them to explore the world of literature with confidence.
Setting Goals for Success
In each classroom at RLA, we set clear and achievable goals for our students to reach by the end of the year. These goals serve as motivators, encouraging our young learners to push their boundaries and strive for excellence. We believe that by setting targets, we empower our students to take ownership of their learning journey.
A Loving and Nurturing Environment
Above all, our facilities are designed to create a warm and loving atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and supported. We understand that a caring environment is essential for optimal learning and emotional well-being. Our dedicated staff members are not just educators; they are mentors and caregivers who are committed to providing the highest quality of care and education.
We invite you to explore our facilities in person to see how we create an environment that is conducive to learning, growth, and happiness. At RLA, we are not just shaping minds; we are creating memories and fostering a sense of belonging that will stay with your child throughout their educational journey.
Join us in providing your child with the best possible start in life, where safety, love, and learning come together to create a truly exceptional early education experience.
Nurturing Lifelong Learners
Beyond academic proficiency, we are dedicated to nurturing lifelong learners. We encourage our students to ask questions, explore, and discover. We believe that curiosity is the cornerstone of a love for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.
At RLA, our curriculum is not just a set of lessons; it's a blueprint for fostering well-rounded individuals who are not only academically adept but also emotionally resilient and inquisitive. We take pride in our commitment to simplicity, setting goals, and balancing excellence with a love for knowledge.