The School for the Blind was established in 1881.
Today the Pioneer School caters for:
- blind learners
- partially sighted learners
- deafblind learners
- learners with learning barriers
- multiple disabled learners
- career development
and remains a beacon of hope for many parents and learners.
The campus for Visually Impaired consists of 3 sections:
- Foundation Phase (Gr R – 3);
- Intermediate Phase (Gr 4 – 7) and
- Senior Phase (Gr 8 – 12),
- as well as a Department for Learners with Special Educational Needs (DELSEN).
The main aim of this campus is to ensure that our visually impaired learners are educated in a safe and happy environment. We strive towards empowering our learners to become responsible and independent citizens who have reached their full potential and who can serve their communities with self-respect and self-confidence. In addition to the academic curriculum, we also offer certain auxiliary services, i.e. psychological, orientation and mobility, speech therapy, school nursing services and occupational therapy. We also encourage all our learners to take part in the extra-mural activities we offer.
On the Langerug Campus of the Pioneer School (with hostel and after school care facilities) we offer specialized teaching to learners with developmental deficits and specific barriers to learning. Learners from grade R to 9 (GET phase) follow the mainstream curriculum in small class groups. Learning support includes remedial intervention, audiovisual support, alternative and adapted assessment (e.g. amanuensis) and an adapted code of conduct to re-enforce positive behaviour and life skills. After grade 9 learners may choose between the FET course at the Central Campus or a FET college.
Learners with high levels of support are on individual educational programmes (IEP) and the skills department prepares learners for the world of work.
A trans-disciplinary team (psychologist, medical staff, occupational therapist, speech therapist and remedial teacher) offers further support and assistance.