FOMO: The Village's Favourite Schools

the village's favourite schools

Recommended and rated by happy parents!

hello all!

Are there more stress-filled months for parents of 12-year-olds than May and June? I don’t think so. Each year, The Village’s Facebook community erupts with anxiety, tension and, inevitably, parent and child melt-downs, as the news about acceptance and heart-stopping lack of acceptance, at South African high schools, rolls in.

Hovering above the community as I do, admin-ing and moderating, I see the pain and feel the pain. Like many places in the world, South Africa has a significant shortage of schools. We are blessed to have many wonderful schools as well, but of course, unfairly, the competition for places at those is brutal.

And 12 is a very early, vulnerable age for a small person to face The Sorting Stick. To confront the news that they have not been chosen and that no obvious solution for a great school, never mind any school, seems to have presented itself, is tough and bruising. For the entire family.

The good news of course, is that South Africa does have many more education options than we once had. And that, even if a child does not get into their first, third or even fifth choice, there are still ways to zig and zag and gain entry to the kind of high school experience which all our precious kids deserve.

But the journey is not always easy. And sometimes finding that “fit” requires research, resilience, strategy, flexibility… and of course, some help from friends.

You called?! Here we are.

You’ll find 42 pages of great content about schools from your 58 000 Village best friends, sharing know-how and knowledge, secret gems and out-of-the box solutions, gleaned from our own experiences. In this, our 3rd Village Favourite Schools Annual, we’re delighted to be able to introduce you to great schools or systems you might not have heard of. Or considered before. We’re sharing tips, strategies and insights which we know will help navigate this difficult period.

The Village’s Favourite Schools is curated, produced and delivered with love and care by the Village Team, with particular thanks to Vicki Sleet, from Luckybird Content Agency, who has expertly compiled these pages. The right school for your kid is out there. Or in here! Enjoy the read. We hope the advice you find will help calm all nerves and find your family’s perfect fit!

Love, Vanessa

Vocabulary Enrichment

Pre-reading Skills

Phonological Awareness

Auditory Discrimination

Expressive & Receptive Language

UNCOVERING THE MAGIC

Elkanah House is a world of discovery and adventure. We nurture each child’s natural curiosity and unlock their potential. Our Pre-Preparatory, for 3 to 6 year-olds, is the place where this remarkable journey begins.

7 SEPTEMBER I 09:00 - 12:00

For more info: www.elkanah.co.za/open-day

ieb vs caps explained

There’s an ongoing debate about IEB and CAPS. What’s the difference? Which is harder? How does it impact university opportunities and matric results? Which gives you a higher chance of netting As? Here, Ann Ellis Brown spells it out:

CONSIDER THIS

• CAPS = the national Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement.

• Schools that do the DBE (Dept of Basic Education) and IEB (Independent Examination Board) matric all have to teach the SA National Curriculum.

• Both have to be CAPS aligned, and both IEB and DBE Gr 12 exams are assessed and benchmarked by Umalusi.

• Both sets of matrics receive a National Senior Certificate (NSC).

• The NSC does not state whether it has been awarded to an IEB or DBE matriculant.

• South African universities are NOT allowed to discriminate between the two.

• The NSC is accepted at the vast majority of universities abroad.

• Some FACULTIES at a minority of universities abroad insist on AP subjects (Advanced Programme) – also known as FS (Further Studies). Eg AP maths.

• AP/FS subjects are administered/ examined by the IEB, but many DBE schools offer them too.

• A few universities overseas do not accept the NSC (whether from an IEB or DBE school, because, as I’ve said, it’s the same school leaving certificate for both) –in such cases, a bridging year is required.

If your kid has excellent teachers, is happy at an excellent school, and you can afford to provide excellent support when they need it, they’re likely to get better marks. (The very obvious reasons why a B constitutes an A for a child without those advantages is worth some thought).

For the purposes of this conversation, it would be better to compare university results of kids from the best IEB schools with those from the best DBE schools, a study that unfortunately has not been done so we still have these debates, fuelled by marketing departments (and research from 2008 + 2019, which doesn't compare apples with apples).

Choose the school that fits the child. Go to open days and ask about how they live the values on their website, how they teach critical thinking and, if relevant, whether they have AP maths teachers (AP maths may be a predictor for success in engineering, medicine and some commerce degrees but, obviously, not exclusively). All the best DBE and IEB teachers focus on critical thinking; many DBE schools teach IEBadministered AP/FS subjects.

Compare the answers, then choose the school that is best for your child.

WHAT VILLAGERS SAY

• “I’ve had kids go through both systems. This is my opinion based on what I have personally experienced: There is no doubt that the less ‘concrete’ subjects like English and history require more critical thinking in IEB exams (for example, history is less rote learning and more source based, with questions that require complex comparisons across different periods). I found that there is less difference in subjects like science and maths. So, kids who’ve done an IEB matric seem to adjust more easily and are better prepared for university degrees like a BA or Law. My son who finished with an NSC matric plus AP maths got accepted to a number of international universities and got an early acceptance to Stellies and a top res. So IEB, while it teaches higher order thinking and prepares kids well for universities, is not necessarily the best option for kids who struggle or for those who want to get into very competitive degrees like medicine where it is purely marks-based. It’s a tough one!”

Tammy Lieberman

• “An IEB headmaster, at a Southern Suburbs private school, told my son when we were looking at high schools a few years ago, that he would not cope at university, if he chose a wellknown former Model C all boys school instead of the private co-ed school. My son proved him very wrong and excelled with his MEng Mechanical (Stell) 2 years ago, as a result of his 'so called inferior' education.”

Carol Mantell Ramsay

• “My son was at a private IEB school then moved to a former model C boys’ school in Stellenbosch and is achieving 75% average in 3rd year B Comm digital marketing. He found CAPS more challenging than IEB.” Lizelle Giles

• “Choose the school with the teaching methodology that supports your child to learn and continue learning for a lifetime.”

Lene Overland

try this after your child's day at school

Study Skills Specialist Paul Tosio shares a quick way to assess knowledge comprehension and retention.

Research has found that making your learning process explicit is key to learning effectively. Often kids read work, but then the knowledge is just invisibly ‘inside’ them (or not!). Or they take notes, but rewrite the work word for word. There is no evidence of their thinking. The learning is invisible!

Here’s some easy advice: When you collect your kids from school, or see them at the end of the day, have them explain the work they did in their own words for a few minutes. Only a FEW minutes! This helps them learn to explain the gist of ideas quickly.

If they’re unable to turn the work into their own (brief) words, they may be in trouble! If they use fancy words instead of simple ones, ask them to explain it in their own understanding (e.g., “like, you know, the gap between rich and poor, mom!”). Once they’re doing that, they’re making their learning process explicit and visible –and you can be more confident that they’re engaged.

Paul runs Easy Cheetah study skills (easycheetah.teachable.com) and has trained study skills in around 400 schools globally. He has been based in Cape Town, South Africa, for fifteen years, and regularly conducts classes by Zoom.

need a grade 8 placement?

By Ivan Horn, Principal of Abbotts College Rondebosch

Are you looking for a solution to your Grade 8

Placement challenges in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs? Abbotts College High School in Rondebosch has you covered! Our education system adapts to the needs of your child and their individual requirements for success. A holistic and future-oriented educational model is available to your children right here in Rondebosch, without any of the usual hassles associated with high school enrolments.

This approach extends to our curriculum where we champion forward-thinking models of education that provide a holistic development path from grade 8 to Matric, and are individualised to the requirements of each child to reach their personal best. As a result, we produce independent, high achieving, and accountable graduates who are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Whether they go on to study at international universities, join prestigious apprenticeships, or start their own online businesses, our graduates have the emotional and academic maturity to thrive and the resilience to respond to real-world demands.

We also believe in the importance of nurturing each child’s identity allowing them to develop into self-actualised young adults who know exactly who they are and what they want to achieve. This strong sense of self-identity provides a crucial foundation for their success both in high school and beyond, setting them up to achieve their full potential.

Abbotts College High School offers:

• Seven Academic Reports A Year

• Access To Teachers After Hours

• Supervised Homework Sessions

• Academic Mentorship

• In-house Extra Lessons

• No Bells or Uniforms

Click here for Open Days. Click here for Experience Days.

best girls' boarding school

Villager question:

“Where would you send a 16-year-old girl from Germany for one or two years to have a cultural exchange, or even to finish high school? Wish list includes: Sports (hockey, horseriding, outdoors / mountain), culture, music, languages, strong academics, beautiful surroundings."

You said:

Click the links

• Ilze Du Toit

Definitely St Anne’s Diocesan, Hilton

• Sarah de La Pasture

DSG Grahamstown, St Anne's Hilton or St Cyprians Cape Town. Pastoral care is the most important thing.

• Tessa Price

Definitely DSG in Grahamstown!

• Kim Fourie La Rochelle, Rhenish, Somerset College

• Donné Putter Woodridge College

• Camilla Bassani McArdle Glenwood House College in George.

• Carol Ann McGann Bannister Bridge House near Franschhoek, amazing private school.

• Rhenish Girls. Incredible sisterhood, sport, academics & beautiful setting in the heart of Stellenbosch!! There is boarding available too!

• Julia Moore

La Rochelle Girls High School in Paarl. They have hosted German exchange students

before, it has a vibrant home-from-home boarding house and is situated in a friendly town that will welcome her.

Paula Yeaman Jackson

DSG in Grahamstown have a number of girls not from South Africa, in a lovely town, close to the beach with horse riding, outdoors, lots of music.

• Cathy Shaw

Somerset College in Somerset West. Brilliant school that has an excellent boarding school in the Cape Winelands. Lots of sport, horse riding very close by, excellent area.

• Jen Stead Mathews

Treverton Preparatory School and College is situated in Mooi River, heart of KwaZulu Natal Midlands and virtually at the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg mountain range. All 3 of my sons were educated there and experienced a wonderful schooling, balanced between excellent academic opportunity, cultural experiences, sports and outwardbound activities.

Heather Goussard

DSG in Makhanda without doubt! My friend has just sent both her daughters from Switzerland.

• Gill Malcolm

Bridge House, situated in a spectacularly beautiful setting just outside Franschhoek, meets all these requirements. Horse riding is off campus. The school already has a number of students from Europe who come on a short-term basis but sometimes stay to finish their schooling. Internationalism is one of the school’s pillars.

• Jacqui Te Riele

The Wykeham Collegiate – both my girls went and it is a well-balanced school for sport, academics and drama.

• Celia Beyers Sauerman

The Wykeham Collegiate in Pietermaritzburg KZN. We have a number of German exchange girls who are fully involved with the school life and we tick all those boxes for you.

• Sue Linstrom

St Anne’s has it all – hockey, horse riding, music, arts and it’s in a beautiful setting. Wonderful school!

Liziwe Masoga

Our experience with boarding schools is that you must choose one that fits what your child requires. A lot of the private boarding schools offer what is on your list but the difference is the culture in the school and level of support and encouragement. I can only comment on some KZN schools. We’ve had really good experience with St Mary's DSG, Kloof. Our daughter is happy there and she has found her tribe.

good advice about unregistered schools (from an educator)

“According to the law, a homeschool is exactly that – school at home – and not at any facility outside of the learner’s home. Generally, all registered schools will have their CEMIS number (students get a CEMIS number in the Western Cape) on their documentation… so if it isn’t there, then parents should definitely ask for it! Many unregistered schools are defending their rights to exist but the real risk with unregistered cottage (or “home schools”) is a lack of control over teacher qualifications, education standards etc. They use “packaged curricula” and often “teachers” are parents with no qualifications. In a registered school, teachers must be registered with SACE (South African Council of Educators).

striving for independence

Villager question: "We're searching for those schools in the Cape Peninsula where the kids consider school a pleasure, and not a chore. We're trying to create a long-list of so-called 'alternative' small (or small-ish) schools across the broader Cape Town area. (from Gr 4 up)."

You said:

“There are lots of “alternative” to mainstream schools around, but your best bet is to go visit and see where you and your child feel most comfortable.”

Click the links SOUTHERN SUBURBS

• Cedar House is really awesome and ticks all the boxes.

• Academy for Learning Pre R through grade 7.

• Centre for Play and Learning Grades R through 4.

• The Lighthouse Learning Hub in Claremont and Vredehoek.

• Oakley House Preparatory School or Oakley House High School

• Cannons Creek Independent School, small classes, committed and caring teachers and the children have fun whilst learning.

• Cedar House is great and there are bursaries.

• GO Education in Plumstead is good. Excellent for high anxiety learners.

• Michael Oak Waldorf has a good reputation too.

• Forres Preparatory School ticks most of those boxes.

• Growing Minds is an incredibly supportive environment which is learner orientated.

• St George's Grammar School – my child is now more than thriving following a move from two extremely stressful years in a supposed nontraditional school. In 6 months he is reading past his level and is excelling. St Georges is anything but traditional. One of the most caring and innovative, well-staffed teams.

HOUT BAY & DEEP SOUTH

• Capella House in Fish Hoek.

• Ambleside School in Hout Bay.

• The Bay Academy really ‘sees’ my child and I love their Montessori curriculum.

NORTHERN SUBURBS, STELLENBOSCH, SOMERSET WEST, JHB

• A Waldorf School will tick your boxes. Michael Oak Waldorf School in Kenilworth or there is one in Constantia, Stellenbosch and Pinelands. They do incredibly well when they write the NSC Matric in the year after completing the 12 year Steiner Curriculum.

• Abeille Ruche School is a little gem of a school in Milnerton.

• I had a look at Hillview Academy in Durbanville and will likely send my daughter there.

• Rallim Pre I Prep I Secondary – my child is thriving.

• Generations schools have a good reputation – they follow a Montessori and Cambridge curriculum and have schools in Imhoff, Melkbosstrand, Somerset West and Johannesburg.

• Shelanti Private School has an amazing team of dedicated staff.

CAPE TOWN CITY BOWL

• EduBoost School in Vredehoek is definitely worth a visit.

• Herzlia High School is a very inclusive school.

ONLINE / HYBRID

• Thrive is great and does the American High School Diploma.

• Thrive checks every single box for NVD kids.

• My kid is at Thrive and it is the best school BY FAR!! Even my son agrees, and he is hard to please.

• For those across the mountain Lanner House Independent School in Worcester is amazing, small classes individual attention.

From a pupil to The Chapel Lane Academy, Rondebosch

I just wanted to take this time to thank you for helping me get through this final year of my schooling life. I wish I could have started earlier at Chapel Lane, but after this year I had with you guys I will recommend this school to every person I run into. This was a whole new learning curve, and having that sense of responsibility and independence set onto my shoulders and making me accountable for my schoolwork and school attendance will greatly benefit me when I adapt to university life next year. www.chapellaneacademy.co.za

village chatter

focus on neurodiversity

Schools that support neurodiversity through their learning or inclusivity manifestos.

Siobhan Stoltz Laubscher

Kensio House Therapeutic Academy.

Elka Immerman

CBC St John's absolutely the best school.... Adam is the happiest kid ever and thriving at your wonderful inclusive mainstream school!!!

CBC St John's College you rock!

Cole Goldberg

The Lighthouse Learning Hub!

Sammy Eilenberg

EduBoost School is the best option… they're amazing.

Deborah Le Roux

CBC has a great reputation. Also look into https://www.shelantihomeschool.co.za/ and Big Bay Academy to find the right fit for your child.

Anonymous

Highly recommend Hillview Academy.

Anonymous

Thrive is the best choice we’ve made for our son.

Anonymous

Carlum House – there are four schools in their stable and they are incredible.

SUPPORT RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

• Special Needs Connect – South Africa

• Gifted Dyslexic and his website www.gifteddyslexic.com. He has lots of videos on his website from happy parents of children he has helped and works remotely using Zoom with great success.

• Neurodiversity Support

the online school where you belong

Koa is an amazing school, my online friends are funny, kind and loyal.

Koa Academy is an IEB online school for grades 4-12. With the smallest online classes in South Africa, our ‘Pods’ are highly engaging, which lets us focus on a robust academic education as well as socio-emotional development. There is constant connection with peers and outstanding academic support from a team of experienced educators.

Our platforms are sourced from the best in the world, and courses are designed for the online space. No more ‘school on a screen!’ Our systems reflect how things work in the real-world, with meaningful, on-going and age-appropriate assessment. This is the school of the future.

Yadah

expert educator opinion

Waldorf Constantia’s Nanette Snyckers weighs in on common misconceptions.

At Waldorf, we focus on cultivating resilience, flexibility, problem-solving, and free-thinking through multiple learning modalities so that children are better equipped to enter the real world.

‘WALDORF DOESN’T LEARN THE SAME INFORMATION AS OTHER SCHOOLS’

A distinctly unique feature of Waldorf education is our Main Lesson blocks. For the 90 minutes of each day, the students focus on a single subject for three to four weeks (subject-dependent). This allows for in-depth exploration and integration of the material both theoretically and practically. This includes all the ‘regular’ grade-appropriate subjects, such as maths, science, physics, languages, and content subjects, as well as additional creative learning blocks.

‘WALDORF SCHOOL DAYS ARE UNSTRUCTURED’

From Early Childhood Development age, we offer rigorous structure in our daily rhythms and emphasize the development of inner discipline over external enforcement. Students are guided to understand the consequences of their actions and develop self-awareness and regulation.

‘WALDORF DOESN’T HAVE ANY SPORTS’

A variety of team sports is offered to students from Class 4 and up. In the younger years, our games lessons focus on ball skills, teamwork, and free play. We believe in developing the child's whole body and avoiding competitive structured sports until the child is developmentally ready.

‘WALDORF CHILDREN STRUGGLE IN THE REAL WORLD’

Surveys and studies (freely available on the internet) show that many Waldorf graduates possess strong critical thinking skills, creativity, and the ability to engage deeply with material, excelling in various careers from Agriculture to Engineering, Arts, and Sciences.

‘WALDORF IS A REMEDIAL SCHOOL’

Waldorf runs a comprehensive curriculum resulting in our students matriculating successfully, moving to university, and completing their studies.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.waldorfconstantia.org.za/.

what should we teach our children?

From our all-star contributor and respected headmaster Stephen Price.

• I’d like parents not to disparage and badmouth educators, especially in front of their children.

• Please, thank you, greeting, basic manners.

• Not to drop out of sport because they didn’t make the first team.

• Not to stop sport because it is exam time.

• Teach them to lose entitlement.

• Self-discipline.

• How to say NO to drugs and underage drinking.

• How to deal with peer pressure.

• The importance of deadlines, being on time.

• I’d also like parents to stop trying to defend the indefensible. You are not helping your child if you constantly challenge the school disciplinary processes if your child is in the wrong. Teach your child that consequences are natural outcomes of their behaviour. Well, we teach that but we need you to support that.

• Teach them that real friends do not provide their friends with alcohol and drugs.

• Teach them to stop lying.

our villagers' favourite schools

• Tessa Turvey

The Diocesan School for Girls – Makhanda is an outstanding forward-thinking traditional, holistic, boarding school for girls in Makhanda.

what a learning centre can offer your child

Andrew Hepburn-Brown shares his insights.

Mainstream education can be a challenge for some young people, and a good learning centre should strive to offer an environment where young people feel that they belong. It should not imitate a school on a different scale. While deep respect for learning is crucial, the approach needs to meet the diverse thinking of young people who see and experience the world differently.

5 essential ingredients for a successful learning centre are:

• Supportive Environment: Offer a supportive and caring learning environment where young people feel emotionally secure, enabling them to engage positively with their world.

• Values Over Rules: Operate on a set of values (not rules!) and mentor learners in growing effective behaviours for tomorrow’s disruptive world of work. Strive for equity rather than equality.

• Respect Diverse Learning Styles: Respect diverse learning styles and offer innovative methods of learning while following a recognised curriculum. Guide and support learners and their families to connect with opportunities that help them find meaningful purpose in life.

• Balance Individual and Group Needs: Balance the needs of the individual and others. Transfer the ownership and accountability of learning to the learner through involvement, engagement, and everyday examples. Reports should be addressed to the learner, with the parent/guardian copied in as a stakeholder.

• Engage with the Environment: Regularly engage students with their environment, whether in an art gallery, swimming in the ocean, or understanding sustainable alternatives like ecovillages.

Some activities that have shaped my learning centre include students taking turns preparing a shared meal, starting the week with Pilates and ending with yoga, beginning each morning with mindfulness activities, and a termly highlight of camping trips. Life is a gift, and while we learn, we must have fun!

Andrew Hepburn-Brown, founder of EdgeWise Learning Centre, believes education should meet the demands of the changing world. He has over a decade of corporate experience and enjoys camping and sunrise swims.

our villagers' favourite schools

• Sascha Polkey My daughter is at Peak Academy in Fish Hoek and we’ve been super impressed. You said it!

THE CHAPEL LANE ACADEMY

The Chapel Lane Academy offers South Africa’s premier online Cambridge experience.

Enrollment now made affordable for 25 top achievers through our scholarship awards and needs-based assessment.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME COVER

Our 15 IGCSE Scholarships

1 x 100% Tuition Scholarship (Valued at R90,000).

4 x 50% Tuition Scholarships (Valued at R45,000 each)

10 x Needs-based Scholarships (Tuition discounted up to 75% in accordance with family’s assets and income level)

Our 10 AS/A-Level Scholarships

1 x 100% Tuition Scholarship (Valued at R105,000).

4 x 50% Tuition Scholarships (Valued at R52,000 each)

5 x Needs-based Scholarships (Tuition discounted up to 75% in accordance with family’s assets and income level)

Scholarships do not cover exam fees. Textbooks are included only with the top award at each academic level. Our annual registration fees of R3,500 is waived for all scholarship holders. Each scholarship is awarded once-off and applicants must re-apply in subsequent years. Automatic renewal will be considered for candidates maintaining a high level of academic results. Further T&Cs may apply.

WHO CAN APPLY

We are inviting strong academic candidates who are either currently enrolled, or who are considering enrolling in an online Cambridge IGCSE or AS curriculum by July 2024 or January 2025 at latest.

You must be between the ages 14 – 17 at the time of application.

Your past two years of school reports or exam results should show an average achievement of 75% or higher.

To qualify for any of the needs-based scholarships, your parents/guardians must be able and willing to submit verifiable income and/or tax records.

You need not be a SA citizen or resident to qualify for an award. We have students from all over the African continent and further afield.

HOW TO APPLY

You, the learner, must start the application process by introducing yourself via email. In this email of between 300-500 words, tell us about yourself and your family, your personal and career interests, your current academic enrolment and highlights to date, and why you believe you would make a good online Cambridge candidate at The Chapel Lane Academy (TCLA). You may benefit from doing a very decent review of our website at www.chapellane. co.za.

Email your introductory email to TCLAScholarships@gmail.com and copy your parents in your email.

If your introduction is successful, we will email you and your parents the formal application forms to be completed and submitted by the deadline. Should you progress to our shortlist of candidates, we will set up a Zoom call with you and your

family to discuss your academic future and to make a final assessment of fit.

Your family will be notified via email when you receive an award, and we will then discuss the next steps towards joining our programme.

WHEN TO APPLY

Applications for the top 5 awards in each category must be received by 7 July 2024. Applications for needs-based scholarships must be received by 31 August 2024.

WHEN DO I START AT CHAPEL LANE

Upon being awarded a scholarship, you may immediately enrol with Chapel Lane for the second semester of 2024. You may also defer your award to start in January 2025, should you wish, or are compelled to complete your current academic year at your current place of learning.

village chatter

southern suburbs choices

Wynberg, Sacs or Rondebosch? Advice to a parent of a prospective Grade 8.

Corinne Van Den Berg

Rondebosch – my boy is in matric and I so wish I could do the five years again. Wonderful school and great academics.

Jenny van Blerck

We are so privileged in Cape Town with a fabulous choice for schooling. All 3 stunning schools. You will hear from families who chose the schools that fit their child and family best, and that choice is different for everyone. Ask your child for input, see where he gets in and go from there. Both my boys are at WBHS and they LOVE it. We do too. I have friends and family with children at Bosch and Sacs. They are also very happy. All the best.

Carol Mantell Ramsay

My son made his choice to attend WBHS a few years ago, as a result of feeling 'at home' and all they offered to produce an all-round school life. He would have been 5th generation at Sacs, but we let him make his final decision and he thrived at WBHS, with all the opportunities he took up over his 5 years.

Michelle Muller

We went to all the open days, Rondebosch, Sacs and Wynberg Boys High and the only school that felt right to my son was Wynberg. And he ABSOLUTELY loves it there!

Chantel van den Heever

They are all amazing schools but each one has things they excel at. My advice is to look at what is important to your son and choose the school that fits best with that.

Ann Ellis Brown

You can't go wrong with any of those schools. Our youngest was at Rondebosch and loved it – excellent academics (might have an edge over the other two?), played his sport at the top level (Wynberg and Sacs just as good in terms of sport - dominance changes from year to year), and an incredible music dept. I know he would have loved Sacs if he'd found himself there, probably WBHS too. All have strong values. Maybe consider proximity to your home?

Nikki Smit

They all good, there is no one fit for all.. your boy needs to decide where he wants to be. We are at Bosch and it’s the right fit him, I tried to push Wynberg on him as it’s a bit closer but he wanted Bosch which I couldn’t understand at the time but got in the first year. He has friends at all the boys' schools that come round and they all good nice lads… the banter is amazing. We nearing the end of school (not sure if I’m happy or sad ) but over the years it has become difficult to get into all three government boy schools... don’t choose because all his friends are going to that school, they make new friends…

Anina Potgieter

My son went to all 3 open days and Rondebosch immediately resonated. What attracted him were the nice mix of other Afrikaans boys and teachers in the English school (we’re Afrikaans), their excellent academic record and the general feeling of happiness you feel on the campus. What attracted us was the vision of their headmaster, Mr Simpson. He understands boys, the place of boys schools and the responsibility of a privileged school in building our country. I do agree with others, proximity to school is a big plus. There’s a buzz in Rondebosch with all the boys living close to school!

Cindy Bulmer

Wynberg Boys' High School is my first choice, my dad was an old boy, my boys are at the junior school, my Grade 7 did not want to visit the other schools, his heart is set on Wynberg. The schools are all great and offerings do differ, the one thing that stands out about Wynberg is their technology department, it is top drawer and has been a big factor for boys, choosing Wynberg ahead of the other 2 schools. Travel is also a major consideration, living in the SS all my life, the traffic just gets worse each week and in pockets there 6-7 schools within a 2km radius of Wynberg alone, so this would certainly be something for me, to evaluate.. when needing to get to school and back in a day.

INTRODUCING THE CHAPEL LANE ACADEMY

WHERE EXITING MAINSTREAM SCHOOLING WORKS

The right school for any child is the school where they are happy. Period. Full stop. Finish en klaar.

Not a school that adds to anxiety and depression. Nor a school where bullying, tears and being belittled are the order of the day. The Chapel Lane Academy offers a safe space where learners can enjoy their learning.

YOUR CHOICES

One only needs to scan the The Village to realise that teenagers and their families are having a rough time at mainstream school. School bells and ironed uniforms are just not doing it for every learner. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Here are some of the decisions when exiting mainstream: Curriculum: Do I enrol my child for CAPS, IEB or an international curriculum, like Cambridge?

Physical space: Can my child handle the social pressure of peers, or do I want them studying strictly from home or a socially safe space?

Teacher to learner ratio: Can my child study entirely independently; needs personal attention; or manage in a large class setting?

Cost: Can our family afford a quality education, or are we looking for the most economical option?

Pace: What are my child’s ambitions, and can school be completed within a reasonable time with the qualifications needed to realise their dreams?

INSIGHTS

Firstly, quality education is not scalable. For your child to thrive, each teacher needs to know your child personally and fully understand their circumstance and challenges. Bigger is decidedly not better.

Secondly, teacher qualifications and experience with the chosen curriculum really matter. Can your child’s teachers bring the horse to the water and make the water sweet enough to drink?

Thirdly, support and structure make a huge difference. Whom does your child turn to when stuck? Are there clear, manageable guidelines to help them plan their days, weeks, months?

Finally, digital online learning can offer a highly personalised experience. Many parents still associate online learning with the early days of Covid, while far superior online models have since emerged. Teenagers feel in control in this learning space.

WHAT OUR ACADEMY OFFERS

The Chapel Lane Academy offers the most individually tailored learning experience you will find. We are small enough to know each of our parents and learners by first name, and families trust us to craft the best approach for each child’s programme based on their specific challenges and aspirations.

Our team of highly qualified and experienced Cambridge teachers hold several PhDs and advanced graduate degrees. We teach live, online in groups of no more than 5 students at a time and remain available 24/7 on our personal phone numbers for any immediate support needed. We create a safe and fun learning environment where there are no ‘sirs or m’ams’ and where focused learning is the primary purpose.

WHEN TO SWITCH

PARENTS often ask about the ideal time to switch to the international British curriculum. For many, it is at around age 15, at the end of Grade 9. This allows three years to complete the number of IGCSE and AS/A-Levels required for university application. It is also the stage when high school learners choose their in-depth matriculation subjects. We do start earlier as well, and welcome learners aged 12-19.

THE CAMBRIDGE curriculum builds significantly on each prior phase, so good achievement at IGCSE level paves the way for excellent AS/A-Level results. The Chapel Lane Academy’s methodology builds healthy study habits, steadily-paced towards excellent exam results and a seamless university transition.

Weekly assignments are returned with personal comments, and we spend a significant amount of time guiding our learners on how to write a good Cambridge exam. Our Academic management team engages immediately with learner families where problems are observed.

Working with young professional sport stars, the neurodiverse, strong individualists and plain mavericks who were bored at mainstream school, ours is a fascinating and incredibly diverse set of learners and with an emotional maturity that belies their relative ages. This is due, in no small part, to the fact that each of them once grappled and grew through the same tough choices you currently face.

If we can be of help in guiding you through this period, please contact Dr Charl du Plessis (MBA, Yale; PhD, UVA) on 082-452-8110, or Dr Tanya Goodman (PhD, Yale) on 082-671-2762. www.chapellane.co.za

Evolving Education: Nurture Confident Individuals

A parent shares her journey to finding an alternative education for her teens.

THE OLD-SCHOOL APPROACH

Remember when our biggest concern was who to sit with at break time? Back then, I strutted through high school flaunting academic honours and prefect badges. Yet, beneath this façade lurked self-doubt and a need for validation. Imposter syndrome, anyone? It all starts with that old-school approach to education.

THE STIFLING OF CREATIVITY

In Grade 5, a teacher urged us to "think outside the box". I shared a wild idea for my science assignment, only to be shut down, leaving me embarrassed and disillusioned. Creativity was stifled; conformity became survival.

CULTIVATING CONFIDENCE

As a parent, my top priority has been cultivating confidence and self-belief in my children. They experienced an ‘alternative’ education where individuality is celebrated, and conformity is foreign. Now, as they face high school, the stakes feel higher. Post-COVID, the job market is unpredictable, demanding innovative education balanced with practicality.

EVOLVE ACADEMY: A SOLUTION

Enter Evolve Academy. My teens have found their happy place here, a small school offering the Cambridge curriculum with classes of 10 students or fewer. Evolve Academy cherishes individuality, building character through a stimulating, adaptive learning environment, teaching resilience, problemsolving, and confidence to face any challenge.

Visit www.evolveacademy.co.za

golden advice for dealing with privilege

• Ann Ellis Brown

“Do community service together. Give a percentage of birthday money to a charity they've researched. Encourage learning a South African language other than English and Afrikaans. Discover other cultures and develop respect for them. Visit museums that tell South Africa's history as a family - don't leave it to the school trips – discuss what you see there. If they want something, help them save up to buy it/pay a portion towards it – second hand if necessary. Tell them from a young age that they will need to work in some way during their teens and especially while at university – follow through.”

• Marjorie Daniel

“Consistently participating in volunteer work with you. It’s not enough just driving kids through a rough area to show them others don’t have it as good as they do. Let them interact with people that don’t have the same privileges that they have, so that they can see that the people are the same as them. That this could happen to anyone, that we all have a bigger responsibility.”

CULTIVATING AND NURTURING 21 ST CENTURY SKILLS

Springfield Convent School's Penny Boock outlines their strategy.

The challenge for every school is defining and living out what it means to be a 21st-century learning environment. At Springfield Convent School, we nurture "balanced minds" to navigate life in the 21st century. We believe that “getting it right” lies in fostering critical thinkers and engaged citizens who add value wherever they go and respect whoever they interact with. Our approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to the world beyond our gates.

Our curriculum cultivates essential 21stcentury skills: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, using technology where it enhances learning. We diversify learning beyond traditional academic, sporting, cultural, and community silos to produce well-rounded students who know their talents and strengths.

In junior school, we design for Project-Based Learning (PBL), where students delve into complex issues, collaborate effectively, and present solutions to real-world problems. Students develop thinking strategies, deep questioning, reasoning, and solution-finding. Thinking maps and Harvard Thinking Routines help organize and scaffold concepts, while Bloom's Taxonomy prompts students to explore "why" and "how."

In senior school, alternative timetable days complement academic lessons with learning experiences led by external experts. Innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental stewardship are promoted through collaborative events, and social activism thrives through clubs and societies.

Inclusivity is crucial at our school, we have a strong social justice programme celebrating diverse identities and cultures. School values – integrity, compassion, service, respect, and responsibility, anchor student identity and inform interactions. Social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies promote self-awareness, empathy, and healthy coping mechanisms.

For more information visit: www.springfieldconvent.co.za

our villagers' favourite schools

You said it!

• Amanda Reekie Springfield Convent School Our girls are so happy there, great academics but also sport, art, music and values. A happy place.

• Catherine Parker Thrive also definitely deserves a mention. Was an absolute lifeline for my daughter when she was struggling in mainstream school. Always go above and beyond to help their students. They cater for online, hybrid and inhouse attendance with a number of different curriculums to cater for your child's individual needs.

• Keryn Walker Reddam House Constantia My kids are polar opposites and both have found their niche and excelled in their own way. Lovely teachers and a very nurturing environment that encourages the best in each child.

Should our children be surviving or thriving at school? Experience the Redhill difference!

As parents, our top priority is the well-being of our children. The thought of choosing the right school can be overwhelming. In a world where our children need to harness their unique skills, talents, passions, and strengths, finding a school that doesn’t adhere to a one-size-fitsall approach can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

At Redhill, we believe that school shouldn’t be something you survive but a time to thrive. We’re an innovative school that placed in the top 3 independent schools in the IEB 2023 matric exams, and we focus on nurturing each student to become the best possible version of themselves. We instil the confidence to explore new avenues, the courage to learn from failure, and the commitment to navigate their path to success.

On Campus, our students experience the freedom to discover and develop their true selves. They learn to harness their strengths and talents, liberated from fear or dependence on external influences. Redhill is a place of choice, where students explore a wide array of activities, from sports and the arts to social outreach and contributing to the school’s student-led radio station.

But Redhill is more than just a school; it’s a sanctuary - a home away from home. It’s a place where students eagerly anticipate each day and find it hard to leave. It’s different. It’s Redhill.

From our dedication to diversity and inclusivity to our status as the only school in the country to offer students the option to graduate with either an IEB or International Baccalaureate qualification, Redhill exemplifies excellence. Our innovative approach to education ensures that we remain at the forefront of preparing students to make a global impact while staying deeply rooted in our South African identity.

Discover the Redhill difference and unlock your child’s potential with an education that goes beyond the ordinary. We look forward to meeting you!

20 Summit Rd, Morningside, Sandton, Johannesburg admissions@redhill.co.za www.redhill.co.za

expert educator opinion

‘AFRIKAANS

• GET A FUN TUTOR! Invest in a handful of Afrikaans tutoring lessons with a fun-loving tutor to make learning enjoyable. This will boost confidence and awaken a new interest in learning. You will be amazed at how your child will suddenly start using a few Afrikaans words, then phrases, then sentences.

• RADIO SONDER GRENSE! Engage with Afrikaans media. Read Afrikaans books and watch Afrikaans programmes to increase exposure. Put your radio on RSG (Radio Sonder Grense). Tune in to their news, some songs and even story telling in Afrikaans.

• START A VOCAB JOURNAL: Write new words in alphabetical order to build vocabulary. It takes using a word around 10-20 times in various contexts and actively engaging with it in order for it to become part of your vocabulary.

• AFRIKAANS DINNERS: There is nothing quite like having scheduled dinners where the family only speaks in Afrikaans. Make it fun and dish out fun fines if someone switches back to English. Invite an Afrikaans friend! We dare you!

• PLAY VOCABMATCH: Play our free game vocabmatch! Some teachers challenge their scholars to play this game en route to school every morning and they see who can finish it first. Find it here www.chitchat-tutoring.co.za

QDo you have any resources to share that learners can access – any apps, past papers etc?

All our resources are posted here: www.chitchat-tutoring.co.za. We also have gradespecific lesson packs: available for grades 4-12 CAPS and IEB curriculums. Each pack includes: a comprehension with questions, multiple language exercises, memorandum.

our villagers' favourite schools

• Heidi Maggott Melkbosstrand High School. My square peg fitted in there as though he was made for high school. This school and the teachers are a good fit for my children. They have good sporting codes, including out of the box options like volleyball, chess and tug of war. They have an excellent music and culture department, having a solid annual Cultural week. They encourage the learners to take part in school activities because they believe that an involved learner grows into a well-rounded individual. They are the pilot school for Marine Sciences, which is ideal for those children wanting to pursue one of the life sciences, especially marine biology. You said it!

village wisdom

A Villager asked what the secret to children’s success at school is… Kathleen O’Connor said:

“As a teacher with more than 30 years’ experience, I have had a lot of time to witness and reflect on student achievement. In my experience, the factors that impact all round success lie in multiple areas but often include a significant number of the following variables:

1) A resilient mindset focused on long term goals and a healthy work-life balance, 2) Intrinsic motivation – the ability to work responsibly without too much external support, 3) Parents who encourage but do not take ownership of the child’s ability, 4) An understanding that steady, regular work often leads to better overall understanding whereas last-minute test/ exam prep is quickly lost immediately after the event, and 5) The acceptance that work is required, practice needed, before success follows.

ATTRIBUTES OVER ACADEMICS

Joseph Gerassi, Executive Head of Redhill School, shares his wisdom. Many times, we ask children, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Instead, consider asking, "Who do you want to be?" Often, we focus on academic and extracurricular achievements, overlooking the development of essential qualities that help children contribute to society. Research highlights the importance of nurturing attributes beyond academic success. In a rapidly evolving world, children need diverse skills to thrive. While it's tempting to solve their problems, we might hinder their growth by implying they can't handle difficulties independently.

To understand the dynamics of achievement, you need to interrogate what the indicators are for you. High scores in school do not always translate into other scenarios.

There are not many scenarios beyond school halls where achievement is measured overtly with badges, scrolls and braided blazers... but... living a healthy life, committing to your loved ones, doing an honest day's work, being aware of the needs of others and contributing positively to society is a yardstick of success achieved by people across the IQ and scholastic spectrum.”

Hear, Hear Kathleen!

Parents should balance support and autonomy, encouraging children to think critically and solve problems by asking, "What's your plan?" This shows confidence in their abilities and trust in their independence. At Redhill School, we emphasise the "who" over the "what," fostering purpose and fulfillment beyond conventional careers. We value character over credentials, measuring success by the positive impact our students have on the world. We also embrace the concept of "failing forwards," recognising failure as a crucial part of growth. This perspective helps children view failure as a stepping stone to success, fostering resilience and creativity. By understanding that failure is not the opposite of success but a part of it, we guide our students toward reaching their full potential. That, to us, is a successful education.

expert educator opinion

We caught up with much-loved Villager and gifted educator Stephen Price about his endeavours at Lotus High.

A Journey of Lifelong Learning

Education has been my professional responsibility and personal privilege for over four decades, taking me to various schools across Cape Town, from Pinelands High to Lotus High. My journey spans a wide socio-economic spectrum, including both boys’ schools and co-ed institutions, and ranges from affluent to underfunded schools. This has provided me with diverse experiences and lifelong learning, reflecting a career filled with digital changes in the classroom and fulfilment.

Greater Expectations, Greater Success

A core philosophy of my leadership over the past two decades has been: Greater Expectations,

Greater Success. This approach emphasises the importance of developing relationships with staff, parents, learners, and the community, fostering trust, shifting mindsets from poverty to growth, and ultimately driving everyone to deliver quality education. It is not about demanding success but building an environment where excellence is the norm.

Defining Excellence

In my leadership roles, I have always strived to make abstract concepts like “world-class” or “quality” tangible. At Bergvliet High School, we aimed to deliver a world-class education through demographic transformation, integrating interactive technology in classrooms, expanding arts programmes, maintaining facilities, and enhancing academic and extracurricular achievements. This mission also involved engaging parents and alumni, which helped us build a solid foundation for current and future successes.

Transforming Lotus High School

Upon arriving at Lotus High School, I encountered a challenging environment marked by demoralised staff, disheartened learners, poor academic results, and a general sense of hopelessness. Initially we focused on rebuilding trust and relationships. I reminded teachers of their importance, treated them

as professionals, and provided necessary resources and management systems. This led to a positive response and gradual improvements in school operations and morale.

Back to Basics with Learners

With learners, a back-to-basics approach was crucial. Emphasising discipline, punctuality, and academic quality led to significant improvements in matric results, from 32% to 65% in just three months, eventually reaching 81%. Parental engagement also improved, with meeting attendance rising from 24 to over 200 parents, and school fee payments, though still modest, showed an upward trend.

Facility Management and Pride

With community funding, we overhauled classrooms, corridors, reception areas, staffrooms, bathrooms, the computer lab, and sports facilities. We replaced chalkboards with whiteboards and increased the number of data projectors. These improvements boosted morale and motivation among learners and staff. We also introduced branded uniform items, a school song, and flagpoles to instil pride in the school community.

Thank you, Villagers!

The most significant change came from mobilising community support. The Village and benefactors like Kate McLaurin played a crucial role in raising funds and donations and affording media coverage to help shift the perception of Lotus High School. This transformation, while ongoing, has given the learners of Lotus High a renewed sense of hope and a brighter future.

our villagers favourite schools

• Shayne Griffin

You said it!

Rivonia Primary School in Johannesburg. Brilliant public school of excellence, offering a quality education, strong academics, very high standard of sports and well-rounded, polite children. Amazing families and school "gees" and the best School in Jhb!

• Shayne Griffin

St David's Marist Inanda in Johannesburg without a doubt! My son went there for high school and spent 5 wonderful years there. Gentlemen and scholars and a brotherhood for life!

• Fiona Geddes Bullock

St David's Marist Inanda in Johannesburg. My son was there for 5 years and matriculated in 2019. An amazing school with good values and work ethic. My son went from strength to strength after matric and graduated with honours at Stellenbosch University.

• Bianca Said Llandudno Primary is a small school with a big heart. Such a wonderful school with really incredible teachers and staff who go above and beyond to create a warm and encouraging environment.

• Lamees Achmat

Westerford High School has been phenomenal in their holistic support of our family. My daughter is chronically ill and the empathy shown to us has really blown me away. Our eldest is in his 2nd year at UCT and he was definitely well prepared for the transition.

• Karen Landi

Kingsmead College Rosebank, Johannesburg. We live everyday by our values of Service, Happiness, Purpose, Responsibility, Possibility and #CourageAlways.

a is for academics

top performing private schools

According to Business Tech, January 2024.

alternative school support: click here for the facebook group for western cape learning centres and tutors.

our villagers' favourite schools

• Kathleen O'Connor Thompson

Six months into his first year at university has given me insight into how well my son was prepared by Wynberg Boys High School. He has transitioned academically into his course work, has coped well with the social etiquette of being in res and is managing to budget the money, time and energy of his new lifestyle. Wynberg provided a rich, exciting, tech skill driven education balanced with strong academic milestones, broad sport offerings all wrapped in a traditional boys school offering BUT without clinging to outdated traditions or rituals. We remain grateful for 5 years of excellence. You

said it!

Useful resources

Changing from the likes of an international school to a private or Model C school?

This WCED link explains language exemption policies.

Coaching resource for teens 16 and up www.consciousconnections.co.za.

Online resource for aptitude testing around subject choices www.onlinecareerguidance.co.za.

wise words

Advice from 2023 Matrics, Cannons Creek.

“Work hard for September [for Prelims], because if you work hard then, you’ll be fine for Finals.” – Bjorn Frassek (8 distinctions, including IEB Advanced Programme Mathematics)

“Start studying early, but be careful of burnout because it’s a very long year and there are lots of exams, so you are going to be tired.” – Thomas Kabalin (8 distinctions)

“Study hard, plan in advance and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teachers.” – Timothy Sparks (7 distinctions).

Cannons Creek Independent School

choosing subjects?

Advice from teacher and Villager Juliet Powell.

Here is my recommendation to kids needing to make subject choices. In order:

• Choose one that open doors.

• Choose one that will get you out of bed (one you love, can't live without).

• Choose your easiest A.

our villagers' favourite schools

• Linda Padfield St George's Grammar School in Mowbray. A small school that encourages critical thinking and celebrates diversity. Excellent academic results. It is a private school, with small classes that nurture the individual.

• Ceri Anne Sawyer Crawford Forres Prepratory School - we decided not to do mainstream. Forres is so nurturing and has a fantastic structure in place to allow kids to thrive as individuals, and be celebrated for who they are and not just getting the top grades. It encourages kind and supportive children.

• Tracy Lee Brown Silvermine Academy – part of the Sun Valley group of schools - small classes, small school - my son is thriving therebest decision ever. You said it!

our villagers' favourite schools

• Paula Marais

Cedar House for giving a home to those kids that don't fit in a box and embraces their individuality.

• Lee-Anne Keeton

Cedar House for supporting and encouraging strengths and making individuals realise what they are able to achieve.

• Corinne Lamoral Rosmarin

Auckland Park Preparatory for girls is a gem. My girls were very happy there. Down to earth, friendly, unpretentious, competitive in all fields and they teach girls to speak their minds. Strong parent body. Lovely long history. Plus they've just built a world class Steam centre. Often called Joburg's hidden secret.

• Alyssa McInnes

Thrive is a community of micro-schools (and online school) based in the WC (with a hub in Durbanville and another in Noordhoek).

Thrive caters to full-time students, 'Hybrids' (online students that attend the hubs on certain days of the week only) and fulltime online students. Thrive focuses on an individualised approach to learning, with small classrooms and a maximum of 1:8 ratio of teacher to students, allowing that extra facilitation and support.

• Shanni Thomas Wynberg Girls High School…. It was good back then and it’s awesome now. True support. Great clubs and societies, a tutor system that works and definitely building your women for the future.

• Claire Blake

St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls Pretoria, we have the heart of the girl at the heart of our school.

• Zita Gouveia

Marist Brothers Linmeyer a school where you are surrounded by friends who become family! You said it!

• Kelle Gagne

St George’s Grammar Preparatory really go the extra mile to ensure their students’ learning. My son transferred to SGGS, and what could have been a painful transition was handled incredibly well. He is now thriving!

• Lisa Truter

For primary school, Kenridge Primary School is absolutely amazing. Excellent teachers, cultural and sports. Good grounding for high school. Paul Roos Gymnasium is brilliant, traditions, academics and sports. Huge opportunities afforded to the boys. Paarl Girls' High School is smaller but also excellent in all aspects. Very traditional. Both my kids enjoyed their experiences at these schools.

• Julie Hall Parel Vallei High in Somerset West. An incredible school. Strong Academic support and one of the best cultural departments. Sport also doing well. Kids are well adjusted.

• Lara Wentzel-Fast Summerhill School SA in Midrand is a coeducational school starting from Nursery through to College. I chose it for both my boys as it offered Cambridge at the College. A perfect fit for them – a nurturing, balanced environment offering sport, culture and outstanding academics.

• Margie La Grange

EduBoost School in Vredehoek, recommended many times on The Village. EduBoost offers an individualised, alternative learning environment for all children, catering predominantly for those children who do not fit into the current mainstream model due to academic, social, school refusal or emotional difficulties. They support extra educational needs in a caring and nurturing environment.

• Cherise Pedder Northlands Primary School Durban North. From the time we met with the principal Mr Naidu we knew this was home. Our daughter has excelled in this school.

code word

These schools come up repeatedly in Villager Conversations about coding and robotics.

Parklands College is recognised again as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021–2024 for providing an innovative place of learning.

Oakhill School in Knysna is a co-ed independent IEB school with Coding and Robotics from Grade 1 to Grade 9 as well as IT and CAT as Matric subjects. ESports offered as a co-curricular activity too.

Edgemead High School has a rich robotics and coding culture at the school – and it is taught from Grade 8 as part of their Digital Literacy coursework.

Rondebosch Boys' High School has a diverse technology department where robotics and coding are taught.

THESE SCHOOLS ALSO OFFER ROBOTICS:

• Bridge House

• Greenside High School

• Pinelands High School

• Redhill School

• Regio Centurion

• Curro Schools

our villagers' favourite schools

You said it!

• Tessa Turvey Crossroads School is a remedial school for Grades 0-9 in Johannesburg.