Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
1200 |
| Most common nationality |
South African |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1:10 |
| 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 |
| Max. number of students per class |
Prep: 24
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| Average number of students per class |
22 students |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Yes |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Somerset College is able to move nimbly and successfully between online and on-campus teaching using various virtual classroom technologies. |
| 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. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Both IEB and Cambridge AS and A levels are external examinations |
| Results in these examinations |
Somerset College proudly presents the IEB Senior Certificate examination results for the Class of 2020. The Somerset College tradition of a 100% pass rate achieved has been upheld by the Class of 2020. The Somerset College’s matrics have achieved an excellent set of results, despite the many challenges 2020 presented to them. The Class of 2020’s excellent results reflects positively on the hard work and commitment of both students and staff. The average number of matric distinctions over the past five years stands at three per student and confirms Somerset College’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence. In addition to this, the consistently outstanding Cambridge (CIE) AS and AL results, achieved every year since each level’s inception in the Cambridge stream, support the fact that Somerset College students continue to deliver outstanding academic work. Pass rate: A 100% Bachelor Degree (University Entrance) pass
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| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
This would be grade dependent. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
95% and higher |
| 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 |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Placement test are written for the senior school.
|
| Waiting list |
Yes |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
N/a |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
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. |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| 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. |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Dramatic Arts
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| Sports activities included |
SUMMER SPORTS OFFERED
Girls' Summer Sports Offered:
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| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Astro Hockey field
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| 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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