The School Leaders for Excellence (SL4E) Programme is Uplands Outreach’s apex programme from which all other programmes and activities take root. The purpose of this programme is to nurture capable and confident school leaders who focus on improving four evidence-based areas at their respective schools: the school vision, curriculum management, staff engagement and the overall learning environment. Skilled leaders empower teachers who unleash talents and potential in pupils. In existence since 2007, the SL4E programme at Uplands Outreach is accredited by the University of Johannesburg and participants receive the Advanced Diploma in School Management and Leadership (AdvDipSML). SL4E is uniquely effective programme, with long-standing relationships in place.
Uplands Outreach Programmes
School Leaders for Excellence (SL4E) Programme
SMILE (Conversational Literacy Programme)
SMILE is the longest running community service programme at Uplands, having started at Uplands College in 1998. Facilitated by Uplands Outreach, this well-loved programme builds bridges between two distinct communities of pupils: Uplands College pupils and Maqamela Primary School pupils. Through peer-peer learning and the love of English, this programme builds confidence in conversational English in Grade 4 pupils from rural areas in Mpumalanga, while developing leadership skills in Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 pupils from Uplands College. Highlights include singing, dancing, playing games, sharing stories and visiting the Equestrian Centre on campus.
Digital Literacy
Having run for many years due to ongoing requests, this popular teacher development programme aims to boost effectiveness through the acquisition of Digital Literacy skills in hardware, software and digital etiquette. Digital Literacy is taught within a vibrant Professional Learning Community of teachers from our partner schools in Mpumalanaga. The programme supports teachers in adapting to the demands of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the rapidly evolving technology-driven era. Every year there is a waiting list for this in-demand programme!
Early Learning Programme (ECD)
To boost school readiness and improve education trajectories for children in the Insikazi School Circuit in Mpumalanga, the Uplands Outreach team has embarked on a new journey with several key partners and stakeholders in an innovative and responsive Early Learning Pilot Programme. The purpose of the Early Learning programme is to boost teacher and practitioner effectiveness through the acquisition of cutting-edge Early Learning Skills, in order to set children up for life-long learning and success. Early Childhood Development (ECD) is part of Uplands Outreach’s long-term strategy, together with effective school leadership. Indeed, it is a national imperative. The initiative also aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 17 (Partnerships) and the Nurturing Care Framework (NCF).
Coding & Robotics
The purpose of the Coding & Robotics Programme is to address a critical need for digital literacy and STEAM education in rural areas of Mpumalanga. Focused on empowering local teachers, the programme equips necessary skills and tools to integrate coding and robotics into their curricula, fostering an environment of innovation and problem-solving among pupils.
