Acacia School Development Plan Proposal v4

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW 4
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE ACACIA 5
WHERE WE STARTED 6
 TIMELINE 6
WHERE WE ARE NOW 7
 EXISTING BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE 7
 EXISTING SITE PLAN 9
 EXISTING STAFF 9
WHY A SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 10
 OUR STRATEGY 11
PHASE 1 FOCUS AREA 1 - EARLY LEARNING CENTRE 13
 1. BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 13
 2. EDUCATIONAL PROOGRAM 14
 3. RESOURCES 14
 4. STAFF 15
 WISH LIST 15
PHASE 2 FOCUS AREA 2 - BOARDING 16
BOARDING HOUSE PHASES 17
 2. RESOURCES 19
 3. STAFF 19
 WISH LIST 19
PHASE 3 FOCUS AREA 3 – PRIMARY GR1 – GR7 20
 2. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM 23
 3. RESOURCES 23
 4. STAFF 23
 WISH LIST 24 COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
PHASE 4 FOCUS AREA 4 - SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 24
 2. RESOURCES 25
 3. STAFF 25
 WISH LIST 26
ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 2
FOCUS AREA 5 – SCHOOL SPORT 27

 2. RESOURCES 30
 3. STAFF 30
 WISH LIST 30
FOCUS AREA 6 – SCHOOL GROUNDS 31
 2. RESOURCES 33
 3. STAFF 33
 WISH LIST 33
FOCUS AREA 7 - ANCILARY 34
 WSH LIST 36
FOCUS AREA 8 - STAFF HOUSING 36
DEVELOPMENT PLAN OVERVIEW 37
PROPOSED SITE PLAN 38
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 39
OUR EDUCATING FOR LIFE PROMISE 40
ANNEXURES
1. WISH LIST BREAKDOWN
2. QUOTATION FOR TENNIS & NETBALL COURTS
3. KIDS SPACES
4. CLASSROOM FLOORING (6 x documents)
5. CARPARK PLANS

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O V E RV I E W
As Acacia moves into its 17th year the school has learners to face their future and confidently
taken the opportunity to closely consider the vision interact and sustain their communities.
for the future to ensure that we continue to Acacia’s philosophy has always been to take
consolidate our position as the leading independent, every individual and grow their particular
international school in Livingstone. As we peruse the strengths, abilities and talents; developing
road ahead, our vision for a quality, holistic education character, principles, skills and values that will
for all our children remains the one pillar around help grow our children into confident, responsible
which every consideration hinges. The decision to people with the courage and tenacity to engage
create and drive a Development Plan for the School’s life to the full.
future is vital for growth and the words of Max de To fulfil our philosophy, we, as a school, need to
Pree ring loud and clear …….. grow to keep abreast of the ever changing world
”We cannot become what we want to be in which we live, so ‘The Acacia School
Development Plan’ is moving from a discussion
by remaining what we are”
document into a physical reality.
Like many institutions of learning around the world,
Acacia has been reflecting on the changing
paradigms of life, and the fine-tuning necessary to
develop, inspire, support and equip our

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WHY PARENTS CHOOSE ACACIA
 INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL CURRICULUM & TEACHERS
 BEST GR 7 NATIONAL EXAM RESULTS IN LIVINGSTONE
ENSURINGSECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT CHOICE
 CULTURE OF READING
 SMALL CLASSES – INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
 FRIENDLY, FAMILY ATMOSPHERE
 INTERNET CONNECTIVITY FOR TEACHING & LEARNING
 GRADE 7 HOLIDAY TUITION
 ON-GOING TEACHER TRAINING
 INTRODUCTION OF GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES –
TO TEACH THE SKILLS

o RESEARCH
o ANALYSIS
o EVALUATION
o REFLECTION
o COLLABORATION
o COMMUNICATION
 EMMERSION IN MUSIC AND DRAMA
 EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY
 COMMUNITY SUPPORT
 HELPFUL, STRUCTURED PAYMENT PLAN FOR SCHOOL
FEES

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W H E R E W E S TAR T E D
I am sure that those early founding parents who Undoubtedly, the vision for a primary school
brought the school into existence while sitting under offering a quality, rounded education would have
the shade of the trees at Acacia’s first home, Zigzag, been front of mind in the early years, but not
the coffee shop belonging to some founding parents, many would have predicted what has become a
ever envisioned the path that the school has modern, high quality primary school offering a
followed; 2 years under Zigzag’s shade before combined Cambridge/Zambian curriculum, a
moving, lock, stock and barrel, into the house in broad range of extracurricular activities that
Flamboyant Lane in the leafy suburb of Hillcrest, complement the taught curricula and a host of
then, finally putting down permanent roots in the modern facilities in which the school operates.
current site in Nakatindi Rd.
Acacia started as a playgroup with 8 pupils 2003

under a tree at Zigzag coffee house.
2005 Acacia moved to Flamboyant Lane, a

rented residential house; 11 pupils.
Ministry of Education (MoE) issued Acacia 2006
with a license. Head Teachers employed –
Alison and John Curtis; 20 pupils.
2007 Staff and garage block upgraded into 3 new

classrooms, 65 pupils.
Additional temporary classroom added to 2008
accommodate 85 pupils.
2009 Title deed for the new property awarded.

‘SATS’: Outstanding results – 100% of
pupils well above UK average. 88 pupils –
MoE adding pressure to move to non-
residential area.
Construction on the new site began in May 2010
with a move to the site in Sept. Watoto
Scholarship Fund launched by Alison & John
Curtis
2011 Brychan Gilbert appointed as Headmaster; COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

67 pupils.
Trevor Munroe appointed headmaster. 2013
Cambridge curriculum brought in; 71 pupils.
2015 Start of Acacia academic year changed

from Sept. to Jan. Work on FOA(Friends of
Acacia) funded ¼ Olympic sized swimming
pool compete
89 pupils – all classrooms now in full time 2016
use; need for new multi-purpose hall agreed.
2017 Multipurpose School Hall completed. Kate

Young appointed Headmistress. Acacia is
Cambridge Accredited.
Tim Eburne appointed Headmaster, 95 2019
pupils.

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W H E R E W E AR E NO W
As we roll into 2020 the school has experienced relatively little growth for the last 3 years, currently we
have 95 pupils, divided into the following classes:
Playgroup Nursery Rec Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6 Gr 7
6 6 16 12 5 13 8 5 12 12
EXISTING BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE

All education programmes operate out of the current
infrastructure of 2 classroom blocks, built with custom
designed, local red brick and each designed with 5
classroom sized rooms, some of which have been
utilised and repurposed to house admin offices, 1 set
of girls and boys pupil toilets, a library and ICT centre,
a staff common room and 7 classrooms.
As things currently stand, the Early Learning Centre,
ELC, which follows the UK EYLP, currently operates
from the lower classroom block, which also houses
the front office, the library and ICT centres and the
Headmaster’s office, which doubles as the uniform
shop and the stationary room. With the addition of the
Play Group; 2 year olds who, as the title implies, learn
to socialise and play together with others of the same
age; preparing them in every way for the transition to
the first formal year of school. The Nursery is where a
more structured programme for 3 to 4 year olds
operates. The other group to complete the ELC is the
Reception year which accommodates the 5 year olds.
Also occupying a classroom in the lower block is the
combined Gr1 and Gr2 class.

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The upper classroom block houses Grades 3 to 7 in

the 5 remaining classrooms. As Grades 4 and 5 are
relatively light on numbers, we have combined the 2
classes into 1 which has freed up 1 classroom which
has been turned into a staff common room.
Outside of the classrooms, we boast a magnificent
quarter size Olympic pool but lack any of the
supporting accessories that a swimming pool facility
should offer. A change-room block has been planned
and the foundations have been laid.
As regards the fields, courts, pitches and
accompanying facilities; proper grassing, cement/tar
bases, proper goals, backboards, rings and nets are
sorely needed but we have simply done the best that
we could have with the budget and facilities as they
naturally occur. Within the last month we have received
a donation of a borehole and accompanying
distribution pipes which offer much needed water to
our developing main field adjacent to the main road
and entrance.
Space for 2 further playing fields, a cricket pitch plus
netball and tennis courts have been identified and
basically earmarked for development. (See
accompanying site plan on page 9.) However one
looks at it, if the purpose of our growth strategy is to
grow the pupil numbers, then the concomitant growth
of infrastructure and facilities need to be viewed as
essential and inextricably linked.
The other resource that the school currently boasts is a
multi-purpose hall comprising a floor area with
surrounding walls up to 1m from the floor, a steel
support structure with IBR roof sheeting partly
enclosing from the roof down for about 1,5m to 2m.

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S I TE P L AN S HO WI NG E X I S TI N G BUI L DI NG S & I N F R AS T R UC T U RE
EXISTING STAFF
The existing staff compliment is 1 teacher per class, who volunteer, on a rotational basis with other COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
excluding grades 1 and 2, and grades 4 and 5 which incoming German students and assist with the
have been combined into 2 classes, each with 1 Phys Ed programme under the auspices of the
member of staff. Specialist teachers include music, head of sport.
Chitonga, and physical education. The admin We are also blessed with a number of keen and
department comprises 1 front-office secretary / greatly experienced parents who offer their time
uniform salesperson / stationery vendor combined and expertise to assist and compliment the
and a Headmaster. Two grounds staff and a cleaner sporting programme and the music and drama
completes the personnel contingent. programmes on a regular basis.
We are fortunate to have 2 students from Germany

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W H Y A S C HO O L D E V E LO P M E N T P L AN
Simply answered:
“A school without planning is like a boat without a rudder. We cannot achieve goals unless we plan ways
and means of getting there.” (Bezzina, 1999:58)
In order to keep on course, schools require a clear sense of direction, expressed in vision and mission
statements and aims and objectives, as well as an effective strategic plan and good efficient action plans.
It is an instrument, through which schools are able to articulate their needs and also their priorities.
A SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

 helps in giving the school a sense of direction
 establishes aims and priorities
 identifies the needs to be done in order to bring about improvement and growth
 identifies staff needs
 monitors the effectiveness of the teaching-learning process

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O U R S T R AT E G I C P L AN
Our strategic goal, going forward is to increase the driven into reality. It is generally agreed that the
number of learners at Acacia from our current count order of priority, as regards development, be set
of 95 (67 Primary and 28 ELC) to 200 – effectively, to ensure the most effective growth path to
10 classes of 20 pupils each – 60 in the ELC and 140 achieve the strategic goal. That order of
in Grades 1 to 7. To move this beyond a dream, the developmental priority is set out below:
development plan must be crystallised and finally
KEY ISSUES STRATEGY

 TO IMPROVE AND DEVELOP EARLY YEARS  BUILDING A NEW ELC BLOCK, DEDICATED ONLY
FOUNDATION STAGE TO EARLY LEARNING
 TO INCREASE PUPIL NUMBERS THEREFORE  TO PROVIDE A QUALITY HOME FROM HOME

PROVIDING A MORE HOLISTIC SCHOOL BOARDING FACILITY, SO WE CAN BE MORE
ENVIRONMENT GEOGRAPHICALLY REPRESENTATIVE
 TO EXPAND THE LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF  EXTEND OUR PRESENT CLASSROOM BLOCKS TO

OUR PUPILS EMBRACE A JUNIOR, SENIOR AND SPECIALIST
BLOCK
 TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEACHING AND  TO EMPLOY MORE SPECIALIST STAFF TO EXPAND
LEARNING OUR SUBJECT BASE
 TO STRENGTHEN OUR LEADERSHIP AND  REFURBISH A DEDICATED ADMIN BLOCK TO

MANAGEMENT FACILITATE BETTER SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
 TO ENCOURAGE MORE SPORTING  INCREASE AND UPGRADE OUR EXISTING

PARTICIPATION AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION SPORTING FACILITIES
 TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL SCHOOL  UPGRADE THE SCHOOL GROUNDS THROUGH
ENVIRONMENT LANDSCAPING, WALKWAYS, VEHICLE ACCESS &
SECURITY
 TO RAISE STANDARDS  BY ADDING ADDITIONAL ANCILIARY FACILITIES
 TO FOSTER COMMUNITY TIES  TO INCREASE OUR BURSARY/SCHOLARSHIP BASE
 TO STABILISE OUR FINANCES  ALL OF THE ABOVE
 TO BECOME MORE ACTIVE IN THE LOCAL  INVITE, INVOLVE, INTEGRATE

COMMUNITY

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FROM STRATEGY TO ACTION
PHASE 1 - ELC In building the proposed ELC block first, we can move the
current ELC pupils from their existing classrooms, making
space to separate grades 1 & 2 and 4 & 5 as growth
dictates.
With the freeing up of the much needed classroom space

PHASE 2 – BOARDING the pace of growth can be accelerated with the proposed
inclusion of boarding facilities to increase our existing
Primary pupil base by drawing from a wider geographical
area.
In this phase the building of 2 new Primary classroom

PHASE 3 - PRIMARY blocks frees up the existing classrooms to be customised
into the new Admin block and our specialist subject block.
The customisation of the existing ELC block into the

PHASE 4 - ADMIN admin block naturally follows the development of the two
previous phase areas.
RUNNING CONCURRENTLY WITHOUT INTERFERING WITH THEACADEMIC PROGRAMME
The upgrading and continual development of all sports

FOCUS AREA 5 - SPORT fields, courts and pool facilities is paramount to the
attainment of our strategic goal.
Grounds include everything outside of the sports facilities

FOCUS AREA 6 - GROUNDS ie. gardens, entrance and roads, boundaries and security,
parking, internal walk-ways, play and lunch areas.
This phase embraces all facilities outside what has been

FOCUS AREA 7 - ANCILARY eluded to in the previous 6 phases and includes solar
power, internet connectivity, the school bus, amphitheatre,
school hall, pavilion, pupil pick-up area.
FOCUS AREA 8 – STAFF The final phase consists of establishing a school

management and leadership team as well as the building
of staff housing on the school property to enhance
security and efficiency of management.

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PHASE 1 F O C US AR E A 1 – E AR L Y LE AR N I NG CE N T R E
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
It has been agreed that the most expedient way to achieve growth in Acacia is to focus on increasing
numbers in the ELC. It makes sense to concentrate on potential growth from the lower or entry end of the
school as currently numbers are limited in the Playgroup and the Nursery classes and a steady growth in
this area will create a reliable flow of pupils and secure growth year on year through the system. Running
hand in hand with the strategic goal of growing numbers is the role that the ELC actually plays - the growth
and development of the pupils themselves. The goal of pre-school is to ensure that all learners are socially
and cognitively primed and ready to advance to the primary phase of education, having achieved each one
of the early-learning goals, as set out in the UK, EYFS, which the ELC follows. This preschool phase
inculcates a spirit of enquiry and creativity through play and the exploration of the natural surroundings. It
promotes social cohesion, co-operation with peers, respect and collaboration. To realise this, a completely
new and separate facility needs to be built.
1. BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE

With a proposed strategy of growth from the current The ELC must operate as a separate entity - the
numbers to 20 pupils per class, the plan is to purpose entire area needs to be secure - fenced and
build a separate ELC centre comprising 3 gated, where the young learners can play,
classrooms, fully equipped with furniture, fittings, discover, learn and make noise at a distance that
fixtures and resources to house and educate the 60 will not interfere with the proper functioning of the
learners and 7 full-time staff in an independent junior and senior primary facilities
facility, complete with its own offices, reception area,
toilets for both pupils and staff.
.

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2. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
As regards the education programme, the Acacia Programme as they are released and as the ELC
nd
ELC is in its 2 year of the EYFS, Early Years staff learn and implement it. We focus on the
Foundation Stage. development of the whole child – socially,
This will continue into the future with the introduction emotionally, physically and cognitively.
of more and more aspects of the Cambridge
3. RESOURCES
Please see page 3 of Annexure 1 & Annexure 3
Appropriately sized, well customised furniture and varied

activity areas are essential to the engagement and well-being
of the pupils.
Suitably chosen educational resources and colourful areas are

important for creativity, stimulation, mood setting and security.
It is envisaged that the introduction of Playball as the physical

education programme of choice, in the early years phase,
would only necessitate the addition of a single court on which
to operate. COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
Suitable play areas outdoors as well as under-cover “indoor”

areas are planned.

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4. ELC STAFF
As mentioned earlier, the ELC will comprise of 7 members of staff made
up of:
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The ‘younger’ end of the
 Head of ELC
school is a perfect place to
 One Class Teacher and introduce a community
outreach programme where
 One TA (teaching assistant) per class.
‘interns’ are selected from the
The purpose of a Head of ELC goes without saying in that the community and coached /
.
foundation phase of any education programme requires developed / supported under
professional oversite to ensure that the early learning goals of the guidance of the qualified
growth and development are monitored and controlled and that teacher and TA and returned
any staff training and development needed to achieve this is to the community after an
recognised timeously and suitably addressed or remediated agreed internship period.
Outside sponsorship will be
sourced to finance this
Wish List
initiative.
 ELC block
 ELC play area (open & undercover)
 Resources
 ELC Playball court

 Fenced & gated

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PHASE 2 F O C US AR E A 2 – BO AR D I N G E S T AB LI S HM E N T
FAMILY FOR LIFE
As regards boarding, research suggests that there is boarding facilities to. Filling a boarding facility
a call for boarding facilities attached to credible, and the ELC could potentially double the size of
established schools out of the main centres of the pupil body thereby realising our strategic
Zambia. Acacia, being in a smaller centre and out of objective of 200 pupils from just focus areas 1 &
the hub of Livingstone, is an ideal institution to attach 2.

If it is our intention to double the pupil numbers at Acacia,
then we will have to consider a boarding establishment,
which can be phased in to house 40 pupils and if the split
is equal between girls and boys, then a 20 bed each facility
is required. Phase 1 would cater for 5 boys and 5 girls,
doubling that for Phase 2, then the final push in Phase 3 to
cater for the full 40 pupils.
If one considerers the personnel and the pupils to be
housed in a prospective boarding establishment then
provision should be made for a boys and girls wing with a
dormitory and bathrooms, a matron’s quarters and a single
teacher’s room. The shared facilities should include a
common dinning / work room, a kitchen with storage and
cold room facilities, a TV room, front reception office with
guest bathroom and a separate laundry room. Added to
the above, a sick room, which will be utilised by the entire
school, will form part of the boarding establishment. COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
The proposed site chosen for the boarding House was

done so because it overlooks the open space of the sports
fields giving the boarders a sense of openness and
freedom. It is also positioned far enough away from the
classroom facilities so one can “close the door on school”.

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PHASE 1 BOARDING
Phase 1 is a normal 5 roomed block

with beds for 8 girls and likewise for
boys. This phase establishes the
kitchen and the 1st bathroom. The 5th
room is for the house mother.
Phase 2 sees a mirror image of Phase

1 added to the building, doubling the
bed capacity to 10 to 14 girls and the
same for the boys. Extra facilities in
this phase are the lounge/reception
area, a 2nd bathroom and a single staff
room.
PHASE 2 BOARDING

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PHASE 3 BOARDING
The final phase, Phase 3, sees

the addition of 2 further dorms on
each wing of the boarding house,
increasing the bed allocation to 15
to 21 for both the boys and girls.
Certain original rooms are
repurposed to cater for a bespoke
dining room adjacent to the
kitchen. New inclusions are a
room for a 2nd house mother for
the boy’s wing and the sick-bay.
Note the extra storage

under the beds
RESOURCES

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2. RESOURCES
A full disclosure of the resources can be found page 5 of Annexure 1.
3. STAFF
The efficient operation of a boarding establishment requires the following staff.
 HOUSE MASTER / HOUSE PARENTS First prize would be to have a married couple
to run the boarding house. Each wing will have
 HOUSE MOTHERS (MATRONS) X2
a house mother (matron) and single staff. The
 NURSING SISTER matrons will be full time in the BE and the

students and single teachers would lighten the
 SINGLE STAFF
duty load of the house parents. The nursing
 STUDENTS sister will not need to be required to live in but
will need to be in attendance daily.
 KITCHEN STAFF INCLUDING A CHEF
 CLEANING & LAUNDRY STAFF
Wish List
 Boarding House Building
 Resources
o Furniture & Fittings

o Home comforts
o Entertainment
o Play equipment
A HOME AW AY FROM HOME

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PHASE 3 F O CU S AR E A 3 - J U NI O R & S E NI O R P RI M AR Y
LIFELONG LEARNING
The existing 2 classroom blocks at Acacia are Page 36 of this document). The new senior and
destined to become the Admin block and the junior primary blocks will mirror the existing
Specialised Subjects block. Both these existing classroom blocks; the lower block will house
blocks will need to be repurposed to fulfil the new grades 1 – 3, the school library, which will
requirements. include an academic support office, and boys
As an outcome of repurposing the existing 2 blocks, and girls bathrooms facilities. The senior primary
a brand new Junior and Senior Primary blocks will block will house grades 4 – 7 and a girls and
need to be built (refer to the proposed Site Plan on boys bathroom facility.
JUNIOR PRIMARY BLOCK

Designed in keeping with the look & feel of the add a play area to help develop independent and
existing classroom blocks, the Junior Primary block confident children. Outdoor covered and shaded
will also house the school Library and an all- lunch areas for break and lunch times will also
important academic support room. We will need to need to be considered.
.
Ongoing work on both of
these existing blocks,
however, still needs to be
completed:
 Half a classroom ceiling
 The front office ceiling
 The present library & IT
centre ceiling
 Veranda ceilings COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
 The floors right

throughout the 2 existing
blocks

P a g e 21
SENIOR PRIMARY BLOCK

The senior primary block, Grades 4 to
7, whilst mirroring the junior primary
block in design and infrastructure, will
be different in internal layout and the
ability to change, for instance, the
seating needs of the classroom, for
example, desk arrangement for group
work vs theatre desk layout for video
instruction. Colours need to be more
muted for enhanced concentration.
SPECIALIST SUBJECT BLOCK
This block will consist of

classrooms designated for
Science, Design & Technology,
ICT, Music and Art.
See page 20 & 21 for a more

detailed explanation of each
specialised subject plus the
reason why Acacia has chosen
each specialization for the growth
and development of each child.

P a g e 22
WHY DO WE NEED A SEPARATE FACILITY FOR THESE SUBJECTS
SCIENCE
Science is an active subject which includes hands-on
activities and structured experiments. This makes
science well-suited to active younger children.
Science is an important part of the foundation for
education for all children, so it’s important to
understand that due to the nature of the subject and
for it to be effectively taught, it requires its own space.
ICT
While it is envisaged that each classroom boasts 2 or
3 stand-alone computers for research purposes, it is
essential, for the development of computer skills that
a separate, modern, constantly upgradable facility be
an option for Acacia pupils as computer proficiency is
a non-negotiable requirement in every part of life.
Acacia follows the Cambridge ICT Starters
programme which requires a dedicated facility such
as has been stipulated.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Why is it important to have a specialized facility?
Design and Technology is about providing
opportunities for children to develop their capability
through the combination of computer aided design
and a practical workspace equipped with the correct
tools and work-benches to ensure a successful
outcome. Such a layout and equipment cannot
effectively form part of a traditional classroom.
MUSIC
Music, by its very nature, requires its own, sound
proofed space, hence, a specialised classroom. A
music department that has a whole selection of
instruments needs sufficient and particular storage
requirements. Again, a successful music department
cannot operate out of a traditional classroom space.

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ART
Art helps children with the development of motor
skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making,
risk-taking, and inventiveness – art in the classroom
is limited by the space that a working classroom
offers – an art centre offers the space to be free,
inventive and totally creative with an array of
necessary storage requirements.
2. RESOURCES
Please refer to page 8 of Annexure 1
3. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
The educational program, at Acacia, will continue to rhetoric in education circles, world-wide, is
follow a combined Cambridge and Zambian concentrated on the importance of offering pupils
Curricula, and the program will mutate as the syllabi a programme that combines the disciplines of
grow and adapt to changing times. The inclusion of design, engineering, science, maths, ICT as a
Design & Technology (D&T) as an additional subject holistic endeavour.
with a specialist teacher is important as all the
.
4. STAFF Over and above the stated

specialist subjects listed above,
 CLASSROOM TEACHERS X 7
Acacia will continue to offer its rich
 CLASSROOM ASSISTANT GR 1 extracurricular program which
includes the following:
 MUSIC
Music and Drama COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
 ICT Chess
Debating Club
 D&T
Art Club
 PE Wildlife Club
French Club
 ACADEMIC SUPPORT
 CHITONGA

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Wish List Acacia’s Community Outreach

programme intends sponsoring
deserving Zambian children
 Complete the existing classroom blocks
with an opportunity to study at
 New Junior Primary block the school. Establishing a
 Senior Primary block bursary fund is part of the
development initiative.
 Refurbish Specialist block:
o Music
o ICT
o D&T
o Art
o Science
 Resources
PHASE 4 F O C US AR E A 4 – S CH O O L ADM I NI S T R AT I O N
DRIVEN TO SERVE
It is envisaged that the Administrative block will  The Bursar’s office
house the following essential services  The Principal’s office
 Front office reception – most convenient  A staffroom to include work stations, a
position from the Car Park. comfortable seating area and a small
 A Uniform and Stationery room will abut the kitchenette with a wash up area
front office for convenience  Staff and visitors bathroom
 The Bursar’s assistant office

P a g e 25
2. RESOURCES
A list of resources for the admin block can be viewed on page 12 of Annexure 1.
TO BE NOTED is the fact that we have 2 existing Photostat machines & 2

existing printers. 1 photo copy machine will be positioned in the Library and the
2nd existing Photostat machine plus the 2 printers will be placed in the
Staffroom for convenience.
3. STAFF
The present facility as it stands houses only the front a full-time basis. An administrative helper will
office receptionist and Principal. Over and about the take care of uniforms, stationery, emergency
existing staff, it is envisaged that a full time Bursar photo copying, laminating, plus will keep an eye
and bursar’s assistant will be employed at Acacia on on the tidiness of the library.
 PRINCIPAL
 BURSAR & BURSAR’S ASSISTANT
 SCHOOL SECRETARY/RECEPTION
 OFFICE ASSISTANT

P a g e 26
FUTURE STRUCTURE OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT TEAM SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM

 PRINCIPAL  PRINCIPAL
 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL  DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
 BURSAR  BURSAR
 ELC HEAD  ELC HEAD
 BOARDING HOUSE MASTER
 ESTATE MANAGER
Wish List
 Refurbish the existing block
 Divide existing rooms
 Resources
SAMPLE STAFFROOM:
 WORK SPACES
 AREAS TO RELAX
 KITCHENETTE
 CUBBIES
 NOTICE BOARDS

P a g e 27
F O C US AR E A 5 – S P O R T
ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION
Sport is an integral part of education and the life of courts is an ongoing undertaking. The positioning
the school. Besides the knowledge and expertise of all the fields and courts, both existing and
required to play the game, kids learn and develop proposed, has been completed and can be
important life skills like problem-solving, viewed on the Site plan on page 36. The sports
communication, team work and working program at Acacia already includes the following
independently, which are all highly valued attributes disciplines:
in sport and life. Playing sport also helps build Athletics, soccer, swimming, rugby, cricket,
competence, confidence, connection, creativity, hockey, netball.
character, discipline and caring. The only sport not in existence on the
Acacia already boasts an entire sporting programme programme at present, which we would like to
and has some wonderful facilities on which to play add, is tennis, which will be included once the
sport. The continued development of the fields and proposed courts have been completed.
1. BUIDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE
POOL
While the pool is already in existence there are a  Dousing showers
number of necessities that need to be built, supplied,  Shaded grandstand
added to, in order for the pool facility to operate fully  Pump house (upgrade existing)
and effectively:  Security (fully fenced and gated)
 Change rooms (currently at floor level)

P a g e 28
FIELDS
Presently all the sports fields have been identified been identified and roughly cut and is close
and demarcated. Only the main field (A) running enough to classrooms to be used as the break-
adjacent to the entrance drive way has been fully time play field and for the boarders.
cleared and supplied with irrigation. At present all field sport is played on our one
The next set of fields adjacent to the main field (B) field, field A. The positions of fields A, B & C can
are currently being prepared and seeded in be seen on the site plan on page 10.
preparation for inclusion into the sports program. The Cricket nets are also on the cards and it is
field (C) towards the eastern side of the school has proposed that they will back onto the school hall.
OUR SPORTING AIMS:

 MAXIMISE PARTICIPATION
THROUGH THE AGE GROUPS
 INSTILL A PASSION FOR
PLAYING SPORT AND
SUSTAINING THAT PASSION
 ENCOURAGE FRIENDLY
COMPETITION
 PROMOTE TEAM WORK
 DEVELOP VALUABLE SKILLS
AND TECHNIQUES
 ADD OTHER SPORT
DISCIPLINES, SUCH AS,
GYMNASTICS, MOUNTAIN
BIKING & CROSS COUNTRY COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
 DEVELOP A SENSE OF
INCLUSIVITY
 AIDS SECONDARY SCHOOL
PLACEMENT
 INCLUDE, AT EVERY AVAILABLE
JUNCTURE, COMMUNITY
PARTICIPATION AND INCLUSION
TO ENSURE UPLIFTMENT

P a g e 29
Field B Newly ploughed and seeded
COURTS
Presently Acacia plays all its netball on a sand court courts. It is vital that at least 2 courts, plus a
which needs to be upgraded to a proper concrete tennis wall be built to be able to include this in
surface – as depicted in the pictures below. Tennis is the sporting programme.
not a sport offered at Acacia as there are currently no

P a g e 30
2. RESOURCES
Acacia is already actively engaged with the
Please refer to page 14 of Annexure 1 wider Livingstone community through LISO,
3. STAFF Livingstone Independent Schools

Organization, as we host a number of
The following staff are required to manage the
sporting events including the annual LISO
sports department effectively:
sports day, which sees upwards of 25 local
 SPORTS MASTER / HEAD OF SPORT schools participating in a full day of athletic
track and field events. Added to this, Acacia
 COACHING ASSISTANTS
allows other schools in the city to use our
 CLASSROOM STAFF MEMBERS facilities – fields, hall and pool to teach young
Zambians, who might not otherwise have the
We are fortunate to have 2 German students out on
. opportunity, to learn a sporting discipline,
a volunteer basis annually.
such as swimming, soccer, netball, cricket
It is the intention of management to include all
and rugby.
teaching staff on a more regular basis in the
afternoon sporting program.
Wish List
 Change rooms
 Dousing showers
 Shaded grand stand
 Revamp pump house
 Plough and seed 2nd field

 Cricket pitch & nets
 Courts – tennis x 4 & netball x 2
 Sports resources

P a g e 31
F O C US AR E A 6 – G RO U N DS
PAINTING THE LANDSCAPE

SHADED PARKING
Shaded parking will be needed in the following areas  Attached to each staff house
 In the staff car park  For the grounds vehicles
 The Boarding Establishment for the live-in staff
and the school bus
SECURITY
 Front entrance guard house gate and boom fenced It is proposed that the following areas
 Boundary fencing. The front boundary should be are secured with alarms with call out
palisaded and the remaining boundaries securely response.
PUMP HOUSE and STORE ROOM
The existing 2 pump houses will be upgraded to can be allocated as the Estate Managers office
facilitate the storage of grounds equipment and and the ground staff change rooms and toilets
machinery. It is proposed that one of the staff houses
WALKWAYS
As the ambient weather that we experience year
round includes both heat and rain it is necessary to
create covered walk ways in certain parts of the
school to facilitate the dry/cool arrival of pupils
between facilities during the school day - paved
pathways and covered walkways
 Between the classrooms
 Between the classrooms and admin
 From the drop off point to join the walkways to COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
admin and the classrooms
LUNCH AREAS
It makes sense to utilise the shade trees that we
have as well as adding undercover areas to create
inviting sit down spaces that can be used for break
times snack times and lunch times for the pupils and
the staff.

P a g e 32
PLAY AREAS
(The definition of play areas for the purposes of the  ELC outdoor and covered play areas
proposal - an area demarcated for the purpose of  Primary – break time play areas
playing games that don’t require a sports field, they  Boarding Establishment – weekends,
can include jungle gyms & play circuits) afternoons
Play areas are necessary throughout the school to
fulfil the following functions
2. FIELDS & GARDENS

Almost all of the fields in the school have already sloping area. The entire plan for the grounds, ie.
been demarcated and allocated to a particular sport all the fields and the gardens will need to be
or sports but fields A & C still need to be ploughed connected to sprinkler and irrigation systems and
and seeded and then maintained. All the areas that will managed and maintained by the Estate
will form part of the formal school gardens still need manager and ground staff. The above proposals
to be identified and landscaped, including a drainage will, not only be aesthetic pleasing, but will have
plan as the school is situated at the bottom of a a significant effect on dust control.
3. VEHICLE ACCESS
The existing entrance and driveway into the school housing. All internal roads will be covered
will need to be upgraded to include a formal drop off surfaces (either tarred or paved)
pick up area and front of school car park. Still to be
developed are the road ways to the BE and the staff

P a g e 33
4. RESOURCES
For the effective maintenance and management of  All other resources can be found on page 16
the school grounds the following resources are of Annexure 1
necessary:
 Estate Manager’s vehicle COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
 Small tractor and mower Acacia already boasts a cross-

country course on the property – as
part of the new community
5. STAFF participation enterprise we are
For the effective management and maintenance of the school forming a Run-Walk Trim Track
machine, the school will require the following estate staff: which will be available at
convenient periods for Acacia
families and the wider community to
 ESTATE MANAGER
co-participate and develop bonds
 HEAD OF GROUNDS whilst exercising.
 2 / 3 LABOURERS
 4 CLEANERS
Wish List
 Shaded parking
 Security
 Pump house / storage COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

 Walkways
 Lunch areas
 Play areas
 Cross country course
 Landscaping
 Roads & parking
 Resources

P a g e 34
F O C US AR E A 7 – AN C I L AR Y
INSPIRING EXCELLENCE
SCHOOL HALL
We are fortunate to have an existing but incomplete
facility which is currently being used as the school
hall, an undercover sports area, a music and drama
facility and an outdoor classroom. To complete the
infrastructure of the hall, the following is required:
 Floor covering – optimal to use flooring that is
suitable for modern dancing, Yoga and
Gymnastics
 Wall plastering
 Stage
 Costume storage area
 Revamp the existing benches
 Additional seating
AMPHITHEATRE
An Amphitheatre is an ideal facility to be used for a
wide variety of things from music and drama to an
outdoor classroom facility, a seating area for lunches
and a social area for staff and pupils alike.
AFTERNOON PICK-UP SHELTER

The after school pickup shelter, under which the
children wait for their parents to collect them, will COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
keep the children out of the direct sun, wind and
rain, and where they can be easily monitored by the
duty teacher. It can also be used as an extra
undercover, outdoor classroom facility.

P a g e 35
PAVILION
There is nothing like watching sport from the comfort which will be used for teas and functions, a
and convenience of a well-appointed sports pavilion. kitchenette, viewing verandas, opening both
This is especially true for the game of cricket which is sides of the facility. This is the ideal location to
often an all-day affair. The addition of a sports place a ‘Snack Shack’ and a focal point of all
pavilion would house the sports department offices sporting functions.
and storage areas. It would also boast an open area
SCHOOL BUS
The addition of a school bus, a 26 seater (able to airport plus can be utilised to collect children
transport an entire class) can be used for class from the community to participate in outreach
outings, sports outings and fixtures as well as and inclusivity events..
collection and delivery of boarders to and from the
SOLAR POWER
As the country finds itself in a huge sunshine belt in easily able to house solar panels, it stands to
the Southern African landscape, it would be remiss of reason that a plan to include solar-power form
us not to take advantage of the sun as a free source part of the school development plan.
of energy. As there are so many roofing surfaces, COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
Acacia already has an established online and internet the grounds offices be connected effectively to
teaching and learning programme and this is the internet via efficient wifi connectivity. This is
something to take into account as the school grows not negotiable as the entire education
and develops. It is intended to ensure that every programme relies on the internet and the entire
classroom block, the admin block, the sports school requires an effective and stable system
department offices, boarding and staff houses, and for communication.

P a g e 36
2. RESOURCES
See page 19 of Annexure 1
Wish List
 Complete School Hall
 Amphitheatre
 Pick up Area
 Pavilion
 School Bus
 Solar Power
 Internet connectivity
F O C US AR E A 8 - S T AF F H O U S I NG
To attract and maintain quality staff and to assist with the security of the school, it is envisaged that certain
members of staff will be housed on the property.
Wish List Designated housing on
Acacia estate will also be used
the
for visiting staff / coaches /

 Principal’s residence advisors and consultants when
 Estate Manager’s residence involved on outreach
programmes.
 Boarding House Master’s residence
 Single staff & students
 Admin Building for Estate Staff

P a g e 37
D E V E LO P M E NT P L AN O V E RV I E W

P a g e 38
P RO P O S E D S IT E P L AN

P a g e 39
C O M M UNI TY E N G AG E M E N T
INVITE, INVOLVE, INTEGRATE
SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES
2010 – The Alison Curtis Scholarship Foundation was launched which assists with covering the fees of
deserving Zambian pupils who would otherwise not be able to afford attending Acacia.
We wish to extend an invitation to other individuals, organizations and corporates to assist deserving
learners to receive a holistic education by offering scholarships and bursaries.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
As Acacia has such deep and rich experience, expertise, knowledge and ideas,
we deem it essential to share these same qualities with our wider communities so
they can grow, learn and ultimately benefit from the interaction and mentoring that
we freely offer.
OVERSEAS STUDENT TEACHERS
Acacia partners with the German foundation which annually selects a group of students who are attached
to sports academies in Germany to schools in Livingstone to bolster the sports departments of several local
schools. We currently have 2 full-time students helping our head of sport with the day to day running and
coaching of the sports programme.
PUPIL & TEACHER SWOPS
In order to escalate the development of our own staff in the understanding of the new additions to the
Cambridge syllabi, it may be useful to introduce teacher swops with other teachers of the Cambridge
Primary Programme, located in established Cambridge schools around the world, so that we can immerse
our staff in a developed culture so that they can quickly recognise and understand good educational
practice to share with Acacia on their return. Plus, we would benefit from being exposed to the knowledge
and understanding of a recognised teacher of the Cambridge Primary Programme in our own back yard.
Added to teacher swops it could be hugely beneficial for pupil swops to be introduced so that, at the pupil
level, experience can be gained of how schools from different backgrounds/cultures operate.

P a g e 40
CREATING SELF-SUSTAINABILITY
As the school grows and develops so too does an array of quality facilities such as playing fields, indoor
sports hall (current school hall), the swimming pool, the pavilion, to name a few, which can all be utilised by
businesses, corporates, church and community groups at a cost to ensure maintenance and self-
sustainability of each facility.
O U R “ P RE P AR I N G FO R LI FE ” P RO M I S E
Acacia promises that if you trust your children to us environment, allowing each pupil the opportunity
we will take them on a journey of self-discovery so to be the best they can be in every area of their
that they can work towards realising their own life. This is our promise and it is the philosophy
potential as confident, responsible, reflective, sustaining every choice we make.
innovative and engaged learners who understand the
values of respect, friendship, trust, leadership and For us to fulfil our “preparing for life” promise, it
determination. We believe passionately in a is essential that our vision for the development
progressive co-educational family oriented learning and growth of Acacia be realised.
How do we move this dream into reality?
We share our vision as far and as wide as we can and

appeal to all who understand the vital role that education
plays in the lives of our children to partner with us with their
knowledge, power, finances, expertise and advice to
complete our journey.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CHILDREN & FOR THE CHILDREN

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COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

WHY PARENTS CHOOSE ACACIA 5

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 2

FOCUS AREA 5 – SCHOOL SPORT 27

DEVELOPMENT PLAN OVERVIEW 37

PROPOSED SITE PLAN 38

OUR EDUCATING FOR LIFE PROMISE 40

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

WHY PARENTS CHOOSE ACACIA

 INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL CURRICULUM & TEACHERS

 BEST GR 7 NATIONAL EXAM RESULTS IN LIVINGSTONE

ENSURINGSECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT CHOICE

 SMALL CLASSES – INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION

 FRIENDLY, FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

 INTERNET CONNECTIVITY FOR TEACHING & LEARNING

 GRADE 7 HOLIDAY TUITION

 ON-GOING TEACHER TRAINING

 INTRODUCTION OF GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES –

TO TEACH THE SKILLS

 EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY

 HELPFUL, STRUCTURED PAYMENT PLAN FOR SCHOOL

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

Acacia started as a playgroup with 8 pupils 2003

2005 Acacia moved to Flamboyant Lane, a

2007 Staff and garage block upgraded into 3 new

2009 Title deed for the new property awarded.

2011 Brychan Gilbert appointed as Headmaster; COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

2015 Start of Acacia academic year changed

2017 Multipurpose School Hall completed. Kate

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

Playgroup Nursery Rec Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6 Gr 7

EXISTING BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

The upper classroom block houses Grades 3 to 7 in

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

A SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

KEY ISSUES STRATEGY

 TO INCREASE PUPIL NUMBERS THEREFORE  TO PROVIDE A QUALITY HOME FROM HOME

 TO EXPAND THE LEARNING EXPERIENCES OF  EXTEND OUR PRESENT CLASSROOM BLOCKS TO

 TO STRENGTHEN OUR LEADERSHIP AND  REFURBISH A DEDICATED ADMIN BLOCK TO

 TO ENCOURAGE MORE SPORTING  INCREASE AND UPGRADE OUR EXISTING

 TO FOSTER COMMUNITY TIES  TO INCREASE OUR BURSARY/SCHOLARSHIP BASE

 TO STABILISE OUR FINANCES  ALL OF THE ABOVE

 TO BECOME MORE ACTIVE IN THE LOCAL  INVITE, INVOLVE, INTEGRATE

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

FROM STRATEGY TO ACTION

With the freeing up of the much needed classroom space

In this phase the building of 2 new Primary classroom

The customisation of the existing ELC block into the

RUNNING CONCURRENTLY WITHOUT INTERFERING WITH THEACADEMIC PROGRAMME

The upgrading and continual development of all sports

Grounds include everything outside of the sports facilities

This phase embraces all facilities outside what has been

FOCUS AREA 8 – STAFF The final phase consists of establishing a school

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

1. BUILDINGS & INFRASTRUCTURE

ACACIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SDP 2020

Appropriately sized, well customised furniture and varied

Suitably chosen educational resources and colourful areas are