Focus on talent

As a Dalton school, we look at what a child can do. With us your child grows their responsibility and independence. In this way, children see what their talents are and how they can grow them. Students also learn to ask for help or look for solutions when facing difficulties. The unique format of weekly task-list helps them to organize work. Children are given some freedom to choose which tasks they want to tackle and keep an eye on their goals themselves.

In addition, we offer extras for children to distinguish ourselves from other schools. For example, physical education by a specialist, unique programs (Dokhaven) to stimulate practical and theoretical challenge or nurturing a growth mindset.

‘I have autism, and it's not always easy. But at De Klipper, the teachers take that into account. Here I can just be myself.’
- Sem, groep 7

Sportfolio: Get fit through movement!

Motor development is crucial for children, which is why we use 'Sportfolio'. When children play sports, they experience success, which positively contributes to various social aspects such as teamwork, self-confidence, dealing with disappointments, and adaptability. Each child is unique, and this also applies to motor development. However, with the right guidance, children can develop further at their own level.

Motor and social goals

We determine together with the children what they can already do, what they still want to learn, and what step they can take next. This might involve swinging on rings, playing tag, or cooperating and taking the lead in the game. The child is responsible for their own development, and the Sportfolio is a tool to grow or set boundaries. The children move during gym class, in the classroom, and outside on the playground.

Dokhaven:

Dokhaven is our unique program to further challenge students either practically (Dok 10) or theoretically (Dok 9). Based on their performances in the classroom and our professional’s recommendations, they can enroll in these programs. Dokhaven is provided once a week.

Working on personal development

At Dokhaven, like a dock where boats are built or repaired, students work on their personal development, their skills, and talents. A child’s need is different for each child, which is why there is Dok 9 (head) and Dok 10 (hands). They are our ‘9th' and ‘10th' grades alongside the regular grades. At Dokhaven, students meet like-minded peers, which we see they really enjoy.

Dok 9

For some children, the regular program in the classroom is too easy. They then receive deeper or enriched learning materials from their teacher. If this is not enough, then Dok 9 is the solution. Children learn from and with each other to tackle learning material that is truly challenging for them, guided by our giftedness specialist. They can spar with like-minded peers and discuss their giftedness. This leads to recognition and a better understanding of oneself and others. This, in turn, helps during the daily routine in the regular class.

Learning to learn

As the learning material becomes more difficult, a student sometimes encounters frustrations. After all, everything used to be quite easy. What do you do if you cannot solve a problem right away? Do you give up, get angry, persevere endlessly, or ask for help? What is your mindset? How do you feel about learning? With the 'learning to learn' method, students work on their thought process.

Participation in Dok 9 is discussed with the teacher, internal supervisor, our Dok 9 specialist, and parents. Students attend Dok 9 once a week.

Dok 10

For children who are practically inclined and struggle to keep up cognitively, there is Dok 10. Often, these children already receive support in or outside the classroom. All that extra learning sometimes has limited results, while it asks much of the child. These children need a unique way of learning than what the regular curriculum offers. A practical way. At Dok 10, children are challenged to process the learning material in a practical way. For example, they bake a cake together and need to apply language, maths, reading comprehension, and social-emotional development.

Our powerhouses

We emphasize children's talents and how they can use them to achieve success. We also look at the skills needed to continue developing themselves. We work with ‘brain powers’:

Start power
Stop power
Remember/do power
Flex power
Perseverance power
Mirror power
Emotional power
Planning/regulation power
Time power
Attention power

This way, children gain better insight into their own way of working and thinking and what they need to work on

Participation in Dok 10 is discussed with the teacher, internal supervisor, our Dok 10 specialists, and parents. Students attend Dok 10 once a week.