Shelley
Tonkin Smith
Hi, I’m Shelley.I’m a homeschooling mom in Johannesburg, the Program Director of Learning in Depth (LiD) Quest, qualified teacher, and one-fifth of our family band, Tuesday Chaos.Most of my days are full of books, big questions, band practice, bounding kids, and the brave adenture of learning at home.At LiD Quest, I mentor curious kids from around the world in a 12-week journey where one topic becomes a doorway into research, creativity, and wonder. My kids tell me that not a day goes by without me talking about LiD, and they're right!This site is a home for my education work, homeschool life, writing, and a few things I’m building along the way.
Homeschool
Portfolio Assessments
I offer educational, portfolio-based homeschool assessments for families looking for a thoughtful review of their child’s real learning evidence.Many families use my services when preparing end-of-phase assessment reports for Grades 3, 6, and 9, in line with the current South African home education framework.My approach is especially suited to eclectic, literature-rich, project-based, Charlotte Mason-inspired, self-directed, unit study, and Imaginative Education/Learning in Depth approaches.I am a SACE-registered educator with experience from Foundation Phase through Senior Phase, up to Grade 9 level.I assess evidence such as portfolios, written work, narration, projects, reading records, nature study, research, discussion, and creative outputs. Where needed, I help families map their child’s actual learning to relevant subject areas and phase expectations.A few months before a portfolio assessment, I typically hold a brief consultation with the parent to plan an evidence collection strategy that takes the family’s homeschool approach into account. I will only take on assessments where I believe I am a good fit.Fees: I quote per full portfolio rather than strictly per subject, as the work involved can vary significantly by phase, grade, number of learning areas, and reporting requirements. As a guide, most portfolio assessments fall between R3000 and R5700, depending on the scope of the review. This includes a brief preparation consultation, review of the learner’s portfolio evidence, and an end-of-phase report. All fees are confirmed upfront before the assessment process begins.Please note: these are educational portfolio assessments, not diagnostic, therapeutic, psycho-educational, or remedial assessments. I prepare end-of-phase reports in good faith, with reference to the current home education framework and available departmental guidance. However, because departmental expectations and provincial implementation practices may change or differ, I cannot guarantee acceptance by the Department of Basic Education or a Provincial Education Department in every instance.
Contact Shelley about a Homeschool Portfolio Assessment