Academics
In all departments, we define our approach through a single, punchy statement that we call the “O’Way”.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is a forward-thinking, ‘cutting edge’ all-girls school with a focus on learning. ‘Strategy 2025’ defines – the key objective of the academic team – the provision of excellent and high-quality education, and skills that will prepare the girls for the future. In this regard, we take academic rigour very seriously but acknowledge that in the pursuit of this rigour, we must also develop a girl into a young woman who takes her future and that of her surroundings equally seriously. As such we promote the development of a well-rounded young woman through pursuits extending into the arts, sport and the environment.
The Academy will continue to grow its technological and robotics initiatives through a range of exciting projects and initiatives. We aim to develop our students into strong, critically focussed and motivated women leaders.
Our goals are centred around the iteration of our Mission and our Vision and wholly align with the Values of the Academy. We pride ourselves on an impressive academic record in which all the students who have graduated from the Academy have qualified for and registered for university courses. Academic rigour from Grade 8 to Grade 12 determines that each student must meet the Academy’s minimum standards.
These are outlined in our Academic Standards document.
In the GET phase, our Grade 8 and Grade 9 students study the following subjects:
Home Language: English
First Additional Language: Afrikaans, isiZulu or Sesotho
Mathematics
Life Orientation
Natural Sciences
Economic Management Sciences
Social Sciences
Creative Arts
Once a student has successfully met the promotion requirements of the Academy she will study the following compulsory subjects:
English Home Language
First Additional Language: Afrikaans, isiZulu or Sesotho
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation
Accounting
Business Studies
Computer Applications Technology
Dramatic Arts
Geography
History
Information Technology
Life Sciences
Music
Physical Sciences
Visual Arts
At OWLAG we aim to develop students into creative, imaginative individuals who appreciate the Arts and who have the basic knowledge and skills to participate in Arts activities as well as to prepare them for possible further study in the art form(s) of their choice. The value of Arts education goes further in that it has been shown to assist students in their personal, social and academic development. Involvement in the Arts is associated with gains in mathematics, reading, cognitive ability, critical and creative thinking as well as verbal and nonverbal skills. Arts learning also improves motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork.
THE INTENTION OF THE ARTS IS TO:
- develop creative, expressive, and innovative individuals and teams;
- provide students with exposure to and experiences in dance, drama, music, and visual arts;
- provide access to basic arts education for all students;
- identify and nurture artistic talent, aptitude, and enthusiasm;
- equip students with adequate basic skills to pursue further studies in the art forms of their choice;
- develop an awareness of arts across diverse cultures;
- expose students to the range of careers in the arts;
- develop arts literacy and appreciation;
- develop future audiences and arts consumers; and
- develop life skills through the arts.
