Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
| Number of students |
1200 |
| Most common nationality |
South African |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:10 |
| Max. number of students per class |
Prep: 24
|
| Average number of students per class |
22 students |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French or German or isiXhosa or Spanish or Afrikaans |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
This would be grade dependent. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Placement test are written for the senior school.
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| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
95% and higher |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Both IEB and Cambridge AS and A levels are external examinations |
| Results in these examinations |
Somerset College is pleased to present the IEB Senior Certificate examination results for the Matric Class of 2018. Once again, the students have achieved an excellent set of results and maintained the 100% pass rate established by the first Matric Class in 1999. These results are a reflection of the hardwork and commitment of both the students and staff at Somerset College. Number of candidates: 91 fulltime candidates. Pass rate: A 100% Bachelor Degree (University Entrance) pass Number of A symbols: 238 achieved by 72 students, of which 45 were results of 90% or above. Since its establishment in 2016, the Somerset College Cambridge Programme has achieved outstanding results. These are not only a testament to the talent and dedication of our students, but also to our exceptional teachers, who enthusiastically inspire and equip students in their pursuit of their individual goals. Our results have gained both national and international recognition, with our proud students having already achieved some of the highest Cambridge accolades:
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| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
Yes. Christian |
| How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Provision for non-religious students or students of other religious may spend their time in the library when the rest of the school visit the chapel. |
| School bus service available |
No |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
A well-developed Student Development Unit (SDU) provides support for students experiencing a variety of barriers to learning. |
| Learning support offered |
The SDU often refers students who require professional support to the network of psychologists and therapists that have a good working relationship with the school. There are occasions where, despite the repeated efforts of the staff, students do not respond positively to the support they have been offered. Once again, the subject teacher is the first step in the disciplinary process. Staff would then refer disciplinary issues to tutors, grade heads or the deputy heads for further intervention.
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| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
At Somerset College we aim to produce critical, creative and collaborative thinkers through modern educational practices and the prioritisation of innovation. Our task is to equip our students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world by championing independent and imaginative thought, while fostering real engagement with the challenges faced by our students, our community and our country. The core value of dignity undergirds our thinking, learning and growing. At Somerset College, through aspiration and creativity, we challenge our lives, our work and our play to have a higher purpose. Here, challenge is not something to fear or avoid; it provides the most valuable opportunity for our students to take ownership of their education and to make the most of the extraordinary possibilities of their years at Somerset College. Here, we challenge our students to realise their full capacity to contribute to a better future for all. With dignity as our source and contribution as our purpose, Somerset College students are equipped to challenge first themselves and then the issues of the world around them.
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| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| School start time |
Depending on which section of Somerset College the student is attending - from 7h30 to 8h30 |
| School finish time |
From 12h00 to 14h30 depending on which section you attend. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Somerset College After Care: we have established a routine within a facility which we believe addresses the specific and unique needs of our students and parents. Our aim is to create a “home-away-from-home” atmosphere where children can relax and play within a safe and friendly environment. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Dramatic Arts
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| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Special diets are taken into consideration when preparing meals and eats for sale in the tuck shops on campus. |
| Sports activities included |
SUMMER SPORTS OFFERED
Girls' Summer Sports Offered:
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| Sports facilities at the school |
Astro Hockey field
|
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
As a school with a Christian foundation, the staff and students work in an environment based on strong values, spiritual development and a commitment to community service – all of which play a fundamental role in the development of responsible, caring individuals. At Somerset College, there is a keen focus on educating the whole child. Academics, Sport, Cultural Activities, Leadership and Spiritual Development, Environmental and Outdoor Programmes ensure that every student can flourish and explore individual talent in any number of spheres. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
We envisage a College which
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