Prayer, Education, Outreach & Word
Vision
To enable staff and learners at Rabboni Christian School to reach their full potential in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. To prepare them body, mind, spirit and soul for their future. To be an influence to people, schools and organisations through fellowship, friendship, service and in all things to be imitators of Jesus Christ.
Mission
Educating staff and learners in the Madibeng District in a Christian environment to produce optimum Christian character using highly equipped curriculum to develop body, mind, spirit and soul through an inter-phased, Christ-centred Biblical Worldview. Daily prayer, worship and Bible studies by means of a spiritual formation programme. Encouraging spiritual growth through assemblies, integrated Biblical class teaching, camps, choir festivals, prayer groups, Bible Quiz tests and outreach team.Trusting for the guidance and council of the Holy Spirit. Maintaining a high level of excellence in discipline, personal neatness and respect. Continuous assessment of performance. Employing qualified Christian Education
Unpacking the Vision
Our Educational Frameworks & Teaching Strategies
Introduction
Rabboni Christian School (RCS) introduced Projects Based Learning (PBL) as part of its curriculum in 2018 through a pilot project. The success of 2018 led to the school opening a second studio in 2019. Studio education is the process where learning happens on the principle of work by learning and learn by working. PBL focusses on creative thinking, problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, entrepreneurial development and other 21st century skills.
PBL (Play-Based Learning)
Play-Based Learning is an educational approach that uses play as the central method through which children explore, learn, and make sense of the world around them. It’s not just “free play,” but rather structured, intentional play guided by educators to develop key skills and knowledge.
Play-based learning transforms education by seamlessly integrating educational concepts into play. Unlike traditional methods that treat games as supplementary, this approach blurs the boundaries between play and instruction. The entire educational experience becomes a dynamic play space, fostering curiosity and discovery.
Imagination
This method leverages imaginative play to organically introduce and reinforce abstract ideas, fostering deep understanding without the need for explicit instruction. In this innovative approach, students engage in interactive activities that intuitively embed mathematical concepts, such as building blocks or designing a pretend store, all while unaware they are partaking in a structured lesson. Play-based learning transcends the traditional dichotomy between education and entertainment.
Holistic Learning
It advocates for a holistic learning environment where the joy of discovery propels learners forward, equipping them with a profound understanding of the subject matter.
Promoting Essential Social Skills
Rooted in the belief that children learn best through hands-on, interactive experiences, play-based learning prioritizes the integration of educational content into enjoyable and spontaneous activities. This emphasizes the interconnectedness of cognitive, social, and emotional development. This approach is not merely about adding games to education but making the entire learning experience inherently playful, promoting a love for learning, creativity, problem-solving, and essential social skills.
Coding and Robotics
In our play-based learning environment, coding and robotics come alive through hands-on exploration, creativity, and curiosity. Young learners build foundational STEM skills as they design, construct, and program using age-appropriate tools and technologies. Through open-ended challenges and guided discovery, children develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and teamwork—all while having fun. This playful approach makes complex concepts in coding and robotics accessible, meaningful, and deeply engaging.
Biblical Foundation
As a Christian school, our mandate is to weave the Word of God into every aspect of learning, ensuring that faith is not compartmentalized but integrated into daily life and education. Rooted in the biblical principle to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6), we are intentional in nurturing each child’s personal relationship with God. Through a Christ-centered approach, we aim to raise prayerful, compassionate individuals who seek His presence, walk in His truth, and grow in their God-given purpose and gifts. Every lesson, activity, and interaction becomes an opportunity to cultivate a life of faith, character, and calling.
PBL (PROJECT-BASED LEARNING)
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic, student-centered teaching method in which learners acquire knowledge and skills by actively engaging in real-world and meaningful projects over an extended period of time.
Rather than learning through traditional instruction alone, students explore, investigate, and respond to complex questions, problems, or challenges that require critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. PBL integrates content and skills across multiple subjects, encouraging learners to apply what they know in authentic contexts. It is not simply a “project” at the end of a unit, but a comprehensive and structured learning experience where the project itself is the vehicle for deeper understanding.
Project-Based Learning purposefully addresses the gaps left by traditional teaching methods by actively developing Executive Functioning Skills—skills that are critically needed in today’s workforce. By engaging students in meaningful, real-world projects, this approach cultivates essential abilities such as problem-solving, time management, collaboration, adaptability, and self-regulation, equipping learners not just to succeed academically but to thrive in a dynamic, fast-changing world.
The BIG Question
Inspired by Jesus’ teaching style, our Biblical foundational curriculum uses thought-provoking questions and real-life stories to integrate Christian values with interdisciplinary learning. Like His parables, we present ethical dilemmas and real-world scenarios that connect subjects like science and technology with moral reflection. Through collaborative projects, students develop critical thinking while embodying Christ-like values of service and compassion, nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to impact the world with purpose and integrity.
SwitchedOn Education (SOE)
To add value to this process RCS introduced SwitchedOn Education (SOE). SOE is an online Christian curriculum that is integrated with PBL and offers 2 international exit qualifications, thus making Rabboni a truly international school. SOE focusses on the mastering of concepts and concentrates on individualised and personalised learning interfaced with higher order thinking.
In 2023 Rabboni introduced a third international exit qualification through SOE and in Partnership with Pearson International in the form of a BTEC Advanced Level 3 Diploma. The BTEC qualification is a career directed study course preparing students for the marketplace as well aligning it with their choice of study at an Institute of Higher Education.
Our Three Academic Exits
1. Advanced High School Diploma
This international matric diploma is based on a 24-credit system where students already start to work for their exit in Gr 9. Each year they achieve 6 credits building towards their exit. Through SOE the student works on 5 basic subjects with the option of over 200 additional electives. This qualification is recommended at students that want to pursue careers in higher academic programs at university.
Cognia
SwitchedOn Education is accredited by Cognia as an international digital, curriculum provider. Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). COGNIA is a global non-profit working in over 80 countries, with 36,000 institutions that serve and support nearly 25 million students and five million educators every day. COGNIA serves as a trusted partner in advancing learning for all. (www.cognia.com)
2. Pearson BTEC International Extended Diploma
Pearson BTEC is a career directed qualification with vocational training and development as focus. The advanced level 3 program is a NQF level 4 exit equivalent to 3 A Levels (Cambridge) thus giving the student an option of entering the market place or studying at a university. Areas of learning will be as follows: Art and Design, Creative Media Production,Engineering,Hospitality,IT,Land-based Industries,Music,Performing Arts,SportTravel and Tourism.
3. GED (General Educational Development)
The GED® (General Educational Development) is an internationally recognized high school equivalency credential. In South Africa, it serves as an alternative to the traditional Matric certificate (National Senior Certificate) and is ideal for students seeking a flexible, modern approach to completing their secondary education.
Message From Principal
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
At Rabboni Christian School, our mission is to Serve the Master, and we do so through our vision: Educating Christ’s Way. We are committed to nurturing each learner through a thoroughly Biblical worldview and a Christ-centered educational approach. Our foundation rests on four key pillars: The Word, Prayer, Education, and Outreach. It is our highest priority to lead every child into a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ.
As a school situated in a rural town, we are intentional about being innovative in our teaching and learning practices. To this end, we have adopted a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach—fully aligned with CAPS and in harmony with the Department of Basic Education’s vision. This methodology allows us to create engaging, real-world learning experiences while also integrating international programs that prepare students for life beyond the classroom in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Through this approach, our students acquire critical 21st-century skills including innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. In our FET phase, learners can tailor their Grade 12 exit pathway according to their strengths and future goals. Options include:
- An academic stream that leads to the American Advanced High School Diploma
- A vocational stream through the BTEC Level 3 International Diploma
- The GED, providing a flexible alternative for students with diverse learning needs or talents
Our students also thrive in a variety of sporting and cultural activities, competing with both Christian schools through SACSSA and public schools across various codes.
As proud members of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), we are part of a global family of Christian schools in over 110 countries, committed to advancing God’s Kingdom through quality Christ-centered education.
We warmly invite you to visit us and experience first-hand the Rabboni difference.
Blessings,
Cobus Sipsma
Principal
Rabboni Christian School
