Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Number of students |
500 |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
We do not formally offer language classes, but many of our teachers offer private extra lessons across a range of subjects, including English, Afrikaans, and isiZulu. |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Afrikaans and isiZulu are taught as First Additional Languages (FAL) |
| Max. number of students per class |
28 |
| Average number of students per class |
20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
We employ teaching assistants in the Play Group (4 months - 4 years) and in our Nursery School (4 - 6 years). |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Students in the Upper Primary School are gradually introduced to computers in controlled environments. Students in the High school are encouraged to use technology as a tool for learning. Information Technology and Computer Applications Technology are both offered as High School subjects when our students write the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate examinations in their Matric year. Children in our Early Childhood and Lower Primary School are not exposed to technology in the classroom. Waldorf education values nurturing the natural development of the child – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Screen time can affect this development in various ways. It is important for young children to have the opportunity to develop their own imaginations, and connect with real human beings in order to develop in a healthy way. |
| 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) |
On a day-to-day basis, all classes are held in person. However, in times of need (like the recent Covid-19 lockdowns) the school holds lessons on MS Teams where feasible. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
While Michael Mount is run on Christian principles, Waldorf schools are non-sectarian and non-denominational. We educate children from a broad spectrum of traditions and, in the course of educating students, seek to bring about awareness of all the world’s cultures and religions. While not religious, Waldorf education stems from an acknowledgement of the spiritual dimension of the human being and of all of life. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
Independent Examinations Board (IEB) National Senior Certificate Examinations |
| Results in these examinations |
100% pass rate |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
For the most part, no homework is assigned in the Primary School years. In the High School, students do receive tasks and assignments and require study time for examinations. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Assessment |
| Waiting list |
Depends on the grade level. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. |
| School start time |
7:50 |
| School finish time |
End times vary across the grades, with the earliest finishing time being 12:20, and the latest being 14:50. |
| Supervised care before/after school |
Yes. |
| School bus service available |
No. |
| School provided lunches |
A tuck shop is available to all students at break times. Lunches are provided at aftercare for the children who attend. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. |
| Uniform required |
No. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
A series of sports (basketball, volleyball, soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis), extra art and drama lessons, and high school clubs (Chess, table tennis, Writer's Block, and Environmental Club). |
| Sports activities included |
All children have sports lessons integrated into their school week. Activities vary seasonally and focus on improving each child's skill in that particular area. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes. Michael Mount's basketball and volleyball teams participate actively in the relevant school tournaments and competitions in our division throughout the year. Our cricket and soccer players also participate in matches regularly. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, auditorium, Steiner Centre (used for various events and performances), computer lab, two science labs, and two handwork rooms. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Swimming pool, tennis courts, cricket nets, sports field, basketball court, volleyball turf |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Michael Mount Waldorf School is an alternative private school situated in Bryanston, Johannesburg catering from 4 months to matric. Our holistic approach to education prioritizes critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Waldorf education focuses on the importance of following the major developmental stages of the child to provide age appropriate and experiential learning. In order to raise well-rounded human-beings, the whole child – head, heart, and hands – needs to be nurtured and educated. This is why the Waldorf system strives to develop social-emotional intelligence in students, as well as academic ability. Education is a life-long journey, and so it is vital to nurture the child’s innate curiosity, creativity, values, and insatiable thirst for knowledge. Waldorf education takes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating art, academics, ethics, and practical skills. Students are exposed to a large spectrum of knowledge and activities, allowing them to discover their unique interests and capabilities. Because learning is academically rigorous and engaging, there is no need to memorise isolated facts and undergo competitive testing – Waldorf students develop an intrinsic joy and motivation for learning, which is reflected in their life-long accomplishments. |