Children are vibrant and colourful.
Education should be too.
Bring Life to Learning.
DOWNLOAD a FREE PDF copy of our
“HOMESCHOOLING HANDBOOK”
– A Guide To Educating Your Child At Home –
Book a FREE Online or
Telephonic Consultation with
Marc Ries – MD of Love2Learn:
The Unique Value We Bring To Education
Our paramount goal is to bring LIFE to learning
as we equip families and educators to raise children of good character.
CHILD CENTRED
Education tailored to fit the unique needs
of your child, rather than the reverse.
EDUCATOR FRIENDLY
With Love2Learn you have very limited admin responsibilities, making space for your creativity!
UNIQUE TRI-LOSOPHY
A dynamic blend of Charlotte Mason, Classical Education and our own experience since 2000.
The implementation of all of the above will result in children who are fully empowered with 21st CENTURY SKILLS –
critical thinkers and problem solvers – able to take their place in the world of today – and of tomorrow…
Children who will mature into Godly men and women of faith and love, who seek justice and love mercy;
the hope-bearers committed and equipped to create a better world, a people set apart for God’s purposes!
How To Choose Your Subjects
Love2Learn is a modular Curriculum.
This means that you can choose as many or as few subjects as you would like.
Our curriculum subjects are grouped into two major categories.
1. CONTENT STUDIES
Content or cultural subjects, like Bible, Geography, Biology, Science, History etc., can be taught using what’s known as the “one-room schoolhouse” approach; i.e. these subjects can be taught to multiple grade levels simultaneously.
We call these subjects: CONTENT STUDIES.
2. DISCIPLINE STUDIES
Subjects that are foundational, linear and sequential in nature, like Maths, Languages, Learning to Read and Write, Critical Thinking etc., must be taught at a specific grade level, as each year a child builds on the knowledge they acquired in the previous year.
We call these subjects: DISCIPLINE STUDIES.
Video Explanation
For a comprehensive overview of the structure of Love2Learn,
as well as guidance on how to select and combine subjects
to suite your family’s unique needs, please watch this video.
News and Features
How To Do An Autopsy on your 2020 Homeschooling Year
FIVE simple and practical steps to help you as you conduct your “autopsy” into the success of your 2020 Homeschooling year.
Love2Learn’s NEW English Curriculum – Literacy At Its Very Best!
As a result of many Scholastic resources going out of print in our English offering for Grades 1 through 9, Love2Learn has redesigned its English First Language offering - and, even if we say so ourselves, it is SUPERB! In addition to certain changes which are...
Experience has shown us that parents come to homeschooling for a variety of reasons –
be they Spiritual, educational standards, safety,
life-style or whatever…
…and in far and away the majority of cases,
they realise when they’re in it, that it should have been their first choice all along!
News and Features
How To Do An Autopsy on your 2020 Homeschooling Year
FIVE simple and practical steps to help you as you conduct your “autopsy” into the success of your 2020 Homeschooling year.
Love2Learn’s NEW English Curriculum – Literacy At Its Very Best!
As a result of many Scholastic resources going out of print in our English offering for Grades 1 through 9, Love2Learn has redesigned its English First Language offering - and, even if we say so ourselves, it is SUPERB! In addition to certain changes which are...
Learning Styles – why are they important to your child?
A simple definition of a Learning Style is the way a person (in this case your child) takes in, understands, expresses and remembers information. There are as many as eight Learning Styles, but I want to highlight what I believe are the three principle ones: ...
Transform An Educational Emergency Into An Emergence.
Education In Crisis It's no secret that education in South Africa was in poor health long before the COVID-19 virus raised it's prickly little face. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the education year in South Africa is bordering on terminal...! Schools have already...
Homeschooling! But What About Socialisation?
A Contentious Issue. When it comes to contemplating whether or not to homeschool, "But what about their socialisation?" is possibly the singularly most raised question by parents - AND their surrounding family AND friends (AND even complete strangers for that matter!)...
Experience has shown us that parents come to homeschooling for a variety of reasons –
be they Spiritual, educational standards, safety,
life-style or whatever…
…and in far and away the majority of cases,
they realise when they’re in it, that it should have been their first choice all along!
FAQ
Accreditation
Is L2L SAQA or Umalusi Accredited?
The short answer is “No.” But please read on for why it is not necessary…
At present, neither the DBE nor SAQA (South African Qualification Authority) are able to produce a set of criteria by which to evaluate Love2Learn, nor any other homeschooling curricula for that matter.
It is important to note that the Pretoria High Court (in March 2011) confirmed that the state curriculum (now known as CAPS – Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement) is not binding on (amongst others) parents who educate their children at home. This means that children who are educated privately, including homeschoolers, are not required to follow the CAPS curriculum.
Love2Learn was originally designed after researching curricula from USA, Canada, UK, Australia and the SA National Curriculum; and from there we compiled the scope and sequence of our offering .
One very important criteria to bear in mind in all of this, is the fact that Love2learn does not culminate in the SA National Senior Certificate (CAPS). Rather, we prepare students to write the prestigious AS-Level examinations from Cambridge, through our sister company, Imperial International College – www.iic-online.com.
The AS-Level qualification is fully endorsed by USAF (Universities of South Africa) and thus recognised by every public University in South Arica, as well as a number of institutions across the world.
The need for Umalusi accreditation
is thus irrelevant.
What Accreditation Does Love2Learn Have?
Love2Learn may not be accredited by the DBE (not that we need it – as per above); but we are humbled to share with you that we are currently used by families in more than 25 countries around the world and by Learning Centres in 3 countries.
We believe that their endorsement speaks volumes as to the standard and international level of what we offer.
Testing and Exams
Does L2L Have Official Testing and Exams?
The perceived “need for exams” is largely a throw-back to our “12 year degree in ‘how to do school'”…
Aside from cycle and revision testing, schools traditionally conduct a mid-year and end-of-year exam sitting… mid-year exams, so that they can determine what areas they need to “patch”; and end-of-year exams, so that they can determine if student’s know enough to move up to the next grade level.
This begs the question: “Why doesn’t a teacher know what his student know and don’t know?”
The reality is, it is virtually impossible for one person to know what 20, 30, 40 (and in some schools) 50+ students in a class all know and don’t know.
Hence the need for regular cycle tests and examinations.
There are prescribed revision tests in some of the resources for various subjects throughout the Curriculum, however there are no compulsory tests or exams up to the end of Grade 9.
How Does One Assess Children Using L2L?
In contrast to the above mainstream school scenario, in a homeschooling and cottage schooling environment, where you the parent/educator are one on one or perhaps a maximum of a handful of children, you know what your children know and don’t know, because you are with them all the time as you homeschool together.
In keeping with Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy – there is a chance for narration (verbal or written) – after every lesson, which is your chance for ongoing summative assessment.
From the start of International GCSE (Gr10/11 combined) onwards, through Imperial International College – Online Education for High School (our sister company), we offer an extensive range of assessments and past papers to ensure a thorough preparation – both as regards subject comprehension, as well as invaluable exam technique – for the International GCSE and AS-Level examinations. For more on this please visit www.iic-online.com.
School Leaving Certification
What School-Leaving Qualification Does L2L Offer?
Our sister company, Imperial International College (I.I.C.) is an online learning institution that offers comprehensive support to independent students wishing to write the prestigious International GCSE and AS-Level qualifications (Gr10 – 12), which are recognized by tertiary institutions worldwide.
I.I.C. is not a registered Cambridge centre however our courses are all aligned to the Cambridge syllabus and fully prepare students for these examinations.
How Does A Child Retun To Mainstream School?
In terms of re-entering mainstream, there are essentially the following options:
- You can compile a Report and present it to the school. (You may download a Report Template as part of Love2Learn’s FREE Educator’s Support Pack).
- You can have your child assessed by an independent assessor or Educational psychologist and present that report to the school.
- You can have your child write an “entrance exam”, which many schools these days offer; and gain eligibility once they pass.
- Our personal favourite would be that you take the portfolio of work completed in the past year of h-s and present that to the HOD or other Grade teacher.
If you have been h-s with diligence, commitment and regularity, it is my firm belief that you will generate a portfolio of work that supersedes ANY school on the face of planet earth; and any teacher should be able to see that your child is comfortably on par with the students in that same grade in their school.
L2L Literacy And Numeracy
Gr00 - Gr6: PR1ME Maths
Love2Learn offers the world-class PR1ME Mathematics syllabus for Grades 1-6.
So, why is this such good news? Here are 5 great reasons!
- It is proven to be the world’s best practice!
PR1ME Mathematics is a world-class programme based on the effective teaching and learning practices of Singapore, Republic of Korea and Hong Kong – all three of whom are consistent top performers in international studies.
- Your child will develop deep conceptual understanding!
PR1ME Mathematics follows the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach. That sounds complicated, but it’s great actually! What it means is that your child will learn to make connections between physical materials, visual representations and mathematical symbols. And what’s so great about that? It helps your child develop deep conceptual understanding, which is one of the secrets to Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong’s incredible success in Mathematics.
- Your child will learn to think critically and develop problem solving skills!
You probably already know that Love2Learn is completely crazy about children learning to think critically. Well, our new PR1ME Mathematics offering consciously develops problem-solving skills and addresses both the process and the method of solving problems. Your child will learn to use different strategies and solve problems effectively and confidently. Again, this is another secret of the success of the leading nations in mathematics instruction.
- Your child will learn to control their thinking processes!
PR1ME Mathematics encourages the development of metacognition and mathematical thinking. This is fantastic too because it teaches your child to think about their thinking! Thinking mathematically will become a conscious habit and your child will learn to monitor their thought process and communicate their thought processes and mathematical thinking.
- Your child will love the full-colour, easy to use books; and you will love the added “surprises”!
Not only are the books beautifully laid out in full-colour and easy to use, but there are ample opportunities for extra practice. PR1ME Mathematics has a few other welcome surprises in store: Maths Manipulatives – relating directly to the course – are available for each year. Detailed Teacher’s Guides tell you exactly what to do every lesson. There are regular tests and opportunities to check if your child has grasped and understood the concept just taught. So Assessment forms a routine part of the ongoing lesson.
Gr7 - Gr9: International GCSE Preparation
What is important to point out is that we are not grooming our students for the SA mainstream NSC (National Senior Certificate) Matric.
Instead, we are grooming them for the prestigious International GCSE (Gr10/11) and AS-Levels (Gr12), which is recognised as of the highest standards of Matric offered in the world – which is where Love2Learn Curriculum students ultimately culminate, through our sister company – Imperial International College – www.iic-online.com.
For this reason, Our Grade 7, 8 and 9 have been designed with International GCSE and AS-Levels in mind. In addition, we have included a spread of Cambridge Checkpoint and pre-International GCSE resources across our Grade 7, 8 and 9 subject offering, so that these levels create even more enhanced stepping-stones of preparation for the start of International GCSE in Grade 10.
English / Literacy
Love2Learn English is an amalgamation of tailored resources.
Grade 0 starts laying the foundation for Phonics and Reading. Our Grade 1 standard is high and assumes children can already read and recognise 3-letter words; and our Grade 0 English builds into this.
In Grade 1 children commence formal Grammar studies, Creative Writing (Character, Setting, Plot, Structure etc.), Formal Comprehension, Phonics, Spelling Tests, Poetry, Copy work and so on and so forth.
In addition, we have included a spread of Cambridge Checkpoint and pre-International GCSE resources across our Grade 7, 8 and 9 subject offering, so that these levels create even more enhanced stepping-stones of preparation for when students start the prestigious International GCSE (Gr10/11) and AS-Levels (Gr12) Examinations, through our sister company, Imperial International College – www.iic-online.com.
Is Homeschooling Legal?
Laws and Regulations
Each country has its own laws and regulations that govern homeschooling.
We would recommend that you contact the Home Schooling Legal Defence Association in your country in order to get clarity on what these are.
In South Africa, homeschooling is 100% legal.
We would also recommend that you contact the Pestalozzi Trust in this regard. Their contact details are as follows:
Pestalozzi Trust
Contact: Karin van Oostrum
Tel: 012 330 1337
defensor@pestalozzi.org
www.pestalozzi.org
Kindly note that the decision to/not to register, with the Dept. of Basic Education rests with you, the parent and NOT Love2Learn Curriculum. We would encourage you to seek advice before making your decision.
How Do I Notify The School?
In regard to removing your children from school – there is no hard and fast answer to this, save to say that a school may not interfere directly with your decision.
At best they may require you to sign a “release form”, which states that due to the fact that your child is no longer under their “jurisdiction” from an educational point of view, you release them – with immediate effect – from the obligation of having to educate your child.
This we believe is quite justifiable; and given that you are going to be the person responsible, you should have no qualms with signing such a form.
2nd Language Options
French Second Language
We comprehensively cover French at 2nd Language level from Grade 1 – Grade 9; and then students have the option to continue on with French at International GCSE Level as a school-leaving credit, via our sister company, Imperial International College – www.iic-online.com.
Afrikaans / Other Subjects In Afrikaans
1. Afrikaans Huistaal (Eerste Taal):
We comprehensively cover Afrikaans Huistaal from Graad 0 – Graad 9.
Please note that Cambridge no longer offer Afrikaans Huistaal at either International GCSE or AS-Levels (Gr10-12).
2. Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal (2nd Language):
We comprehensively cover Afrikaans EAT from Grade 1 – Grade 9; and then students have the option to continue on with Afrikaans EAT at International GCSE and/or AS-Levels, both of which can constitute a school-leaving credit.
Additional Subjects Available in Afrikaans:
We offer these subjects as compete offerings including Engine Rooms (lesson plans) –
1. Afrikaans Lees – Graad 0 – Graad 6
2. Afrikaans Skrif – Graad 1 – Graad 3
One important factor to bear in mind is that Love2Learn eventually culminates in the prestigious International GCSE and AS-Level (Grades 10-12) and aside from Afrikaans EAT, all subjects need to be written in English.
Consequently, if you plan to homeschool right through to Grade 12, then at some point you will need to make the switch to English in order to give your children adequate time to prepare and be comfortable, learning in English.
Book a FREE Online or
Telephonic Consultation with
Marc Ries – MD of Love2Learn:
Where To Find Us
Love2Learn Curriculum
Send Us A Message
CONTENT STUDIES
Certain subjects - specifically the content/cultural subjects - can be taught using what’s known as the "one-room schoolhouse"; concept. Viz. these subjects can be taught to all of your children (within reason) all at the same time on a single topic per lesson, without holding the eldest child back, or compromising the understanding of the youngest child.
At Love2Learn we group these subjects under the banner, which we call CONTENT STUDIES.
We are intimately aware of the difficulties facing a family trying to teach multiple ages simultaneously. For example, let’s assume you have been blessed with three children. How will you cope if you have to teach three lots of History lessons (all on different topics!), three lots of Geography lessons (yes… all on different topics!), three lots of Biology lessons (again...all on different topics!), three lots of Art lessons (oh no!....all on different topics!)... Need we say more? It is quite likely that you will want to give up homeschooling after a week!
One LEVEL of CONTENT STUDIES can be used to educate students in up to 3 grade levels simultaneously; viz. all the students in these 3 grade levels will be covering the same material at the same time, however their output will be different.
Our "CONTENT STUDIES" are a sanity preserver for parents and educators
working with more than one grade level of children simultaneously!
Our CONTENT STUDIES (CS) span levels from as young as Grade 000 (+/-3 years old) using CS Level 000 right through to Grade 9 (+/-16 years of age), using CS Level 9.
They are sequential in offering, being: CS Level 000, CS Level 00, CS Level 0, CS Level 1 etc.
through to CS Level 9.
A new CS Level is completed every year, gradually working through all the Levels until completion of Level 9; and then you commence with International GCSE (Grades 10 and 11) and AS-Levels (Grade 12).
For guidance in choosing a CS Level to suite your child/children’s needs, click on "Selecting a Content Studies Level for my Family" in the left margin? (Insert link)
CONTENT STUDIES comprise the following subjects:
- Bible (Bible Study, Christian Character, Scripture Memorisation, Theology etc.)
- History (World History, Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, 20th Century + Extra Module South African History)
- Critical Thinking (Traditional and Material Logic)
- English Literature (Great Books, Classics, Biographies, Historical Novels & Wholesome Books)
- Business Skills and Economics (With an Accounting Option in High School)
- Art (Practical, Art Appreciation and History of Art)
- Music (Music Appreciation)
- Global Perspectives (Developing 21st century skills and understanding perspectives from around the globe.)
- Geography (Map-work, Physical Geography, Geology, Astronomy)
- Biology (Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Microbiology)
- Science (Physics and Chemistry)
- Technology
- Human Anatomy (Including Physiology and First Aid)
- Life Skills (Various)
For a comprehensive education of your child, you will require a combination of subjects from both CONTENT STUDIES as well as DISCIPLINE STUDIES.
DISCIPLINE STUDIES
There are certain subjects in Love2Learn Curriculum that, unlike the cultural/content subjects that make up our CONTENT STUDIES, cannot be taught to multiple grade levels simultaneously because they are linear and sequential in nature.
For example, you cannot teach Grade 3 Mathematics to your Grade 1 child, as there are specific foundational concepts that they need to still acquire in Grades 1 and 2 Mathematics, before they can tackle Grade 3.
These subjects that cannot be taught to multiple grade levels of children at the same time, we at Love2Learn Curriculum call, DISCIPLINE STUDIES.
DISCIPLINE STUDIES are foundational in nature, as each year a child will build on the knowledge they acquired in the previous year.
DISCIPLINE STUDIES need to be ordered by child per GRADE.
DISCIPLINE STUDIES comprise the following subjects:
- Mathematics (Gr 00 – 9 and then Int. GCSE and AS-Levels)
- English (Including Phonics, Spelling, Writing, Grammar etc. – Gr 00 – 9 and then Int. GCSE and AS-Levels)
- Afrikaans (Home Language Gr 00 – 9 only and First Additional Language Gr 1 – 9 and then Int. GCSE and AS-Levels)
- French (Gr 1 – 9 and then Int. GCSE Level)
- isiZulu Coming in 2022 (First Additional Language – Gr 1 – 9 and then Int. GCSE Level)
- Computing (Gr 1 – 9 and then Int. GCSE Level)
- Latin (Gr 4 – 9)
- Critical Thinking (Gr00 – Gr9)
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (Gr00 – 6)
- Creative Writing (Gr1 – 6)
- Vocabulary Building (Gr 1 – 6)
- Poetry (Gr 1 – 9)
- Learning to Read (Gr 0 – 3)
- Handwriting (Gr 1 – 6 culminating in Calligraphy)
- Foundational Skills (Skills Readiness, Foundational Concepts, Gross & Fine Motor Development: Gr 00 – 0)
