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Contact Details/Information

Little Saints	Junior School	Senior School
T:   +27 11 531 1896	T:   +27 11 531 1880	T:   +27 11 531 1800
F:   +27 11 440 1226	F:   +27 11 440 1226	F:   + 27 86 504 1122
E:   smjunior@stmary.co.za	E:   smjunior@stmary.co.za	E:   smsenior@stmary.co.za

St Mary’s Foundation	Old Girls’ Association	Parent/Teacher Association
T:   +27 11 531 1803	E:   smogs@stmary.co.za	T:   +27 11 531 1800
F:   +27 86 697 1081		F:   +27 86 504 1122
E:   foundation@stmary.co.za		E:   pta.chairperson@stmary.co.za

Physical Address
55 Athol Street, Waverley 2090, Johannesburg, South Africa

Postal Address
P O Box 981, Highlands North 2037, Johannesburg, South Africa

St Mary’s School Waverley Fees

St Mary’s School Waverley Fees 2024-2025 – St Mary’s School Waverley has released its tuition fee structure for the 2024-2025 academic year… see details below.

Fee structure – 2024-2025

ADVANCE PAYMENTS

Advance payments on admission

Upon acceptance of a pupil and prior to admission, the parent shall pay an advance payment in an amount laid down by the Board from time to time. This is to secure a place in the school against other potential applicants on the waiting list and for the purposes set out in what follows. St Mary’s School Waverley Fees

The amount so paid is not refundable unless written notice is received by the school at least one full term before the place is due to be taken up, in which case half of the amount will be refunded.

Advance payments on promotion through the School

Advance payments will be increased as the pupil is promoted through the school in such amounts as may have been laid down by the Board from time to time.

The advance payment will be increased in January of each year, such that the equivalent of one term’s current fee is held. The “top up” of the advance payment will be payable on the first day of the term in the relevant year. Advance payments made in previous years will be taken into account in determining any increased amount to be paid.

Interest on advance payments

Advance payments will be held in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 and all interest, or other income therefrom will accrue to the school as income.

Refund of advance payments

If you have chosen to have the amount refunded when your daughter leaves the school, it will be refunded, without interest, only when the school receives payment of its final account after the pupil has left the school and the parent will not be entitled to apply any set-off. If you have chosen to donate the amount to the school, the donation may not be revoked.

The school shall be entitled, in its sole discretion, to appropriate the advance payment or any portion thereof towards payment of any amounts due to the school by the parent from whatever cause arising at whatsoever time.

Donation of advance payments

A parent may donate the advance payment, or a portion thereof, to the school’s Foundation when the pupil matriculates or leaves the school. Voluntary donations in these circumstances will qualify for a section 18A tax certificate. A section 18A certificate will be issued at the end of the tax year.

Advance payments may be deposited directly into the School’s bank account.

Account name:      St Mary’s School for Girls
Bank:                     Standard Bank
Branch:                  Bramley
Branch code:         004005
Account number:   001789163
Swift code:             SBZAZAJJ (for foreign deposits)

Kindly ensure that all payments are referenced with the pupil number and name so that they can be allocated correctly. This is particularly important for foreign transfers.

St Mary’s School Waverley Application Form

St Mary’s School Waverley Application Form – see details below to apply…

The selection of the right school to suit your child’s personality and interests is one of the most difficult decisions a parent can make. St Mary’s endeavours to place the individual needs of each girl as a priority and will do everything possible to inform you of all the school has to offer so that you are able to make an informed decision.

Before you proceed to application, click on the links below for information on St Mary’s School, Waverley Applications, Subjects and Fees 2024-2025:

St Mary’s School Waverley Contacts

St Mary’s School Waverley Fees

St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

Visiting St Mary’s

Prospective parents and pupils are welcome to contact the school to arrange for a visit and tour of the campus and an interview with the headmistress.

Procedure

• If you would like to enrol your child at St Mary’s School, Waverley, you need to fill out an application form which can be downloaded from the website, or obtained from the Admissions Secretary by visiting the school, post, fax or email. It is advisable to apply for admission as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment
• Upon receipt of your application form and registration fee, you will receive a letter of acknowledgement. Should the school offer your child a place which is accepted, you need to complete an Acceptance of Place form and pay the required deposit to secure the place
• Submission of an application form does not imply automatic acceptance for your child. Although the date of application orders the waitlist, special consideration is given to siblings and daughters of St Mary’s past pupils
• Once you have received confirmation of your application, you will be required to accept the school’s Conditions of Admission and Code of Conduct

Please note that the main points of entry to St Mary’s are:

Grade 000 for Little Saints and Grade 0 for the Junior School
Form I (Grade 8) for the Senior School

To apply to St Mary’s, you need to download the application form, fill it in, and email, fax, post or drop off the necessary documents at St Mary’s.

Please note that no application will be registered without a fee of R350, which must accompany this form. This administration fee is non-refundable.

Attached to this application form, please also include a copy of both parents/ guardians’ IDs, the daughter’s birth certificate and her latest school report.

Download the Application form

To apply for boarding, please download the St Mary’s School boarding application form below:

Conditions of admission

Please download the linked document below, which outlines the St Mary’s School Conditions of Admission. This will need to be signed once you have been offered a place for your daughter.

In these Conditions of Admission, “parent” includes the legal guardian and any signatory of this form.

1. St Mary’s School is a church school of the Anglican Church of South Africa. Pupils at St Mary’s must attend all assemblies and chapel services, wherever they may be held. No pupils will be compelled to take part in practices not appropriate to their own beliefs but pupils must attend all these events and behave in a respectful and reverent manner.
2. The parent agrees to adhere to the decisions of the head of the school in all matters relating to school organisation and discipline. These matters include but are not limited to, attendance at and participation in curricular, and co-curricular activities and functions, adherence to dress and uniform codes and conduct generally. Pupils of St Mary’s must behave in a manner which does not bring either themselves or the name of the school into disrepute. The head of school reserves the right to punish pupils for misbehaviour both in school and out of school. This may include suspension. The head of school may require parents to withdraw their daughter, in cases of serious or repeated misconduct, or if, in the head’s opinion, it is in the interests of the school. Parents also are required to respect the ethos of the school and uphold its values as described in the various policies and codes which appear on the school website as amended from time to time.
3. Smoking and the drinking of, trafficking in or use of alcohol or drugs are forbidden. Any breach of this rule will be regarded as a very serious offence and could lead to the parents being required to withdraw their daughter from the school. St Mary’s School Waverley Application Form
4. St Mary’s School considers itself a family in which all members support one another. No form of racism or bullying is tolerated.
5. When a pupil is absent through illness, the parent shall inform the school by telephone. A formal letter from the parent to the pupil’s mentor*/ House tutor*/ class teacher must be presented on her return to school. *Senior School only
   If a pupil is absent for more than three days, a doctor’s certificate is required.
6.  Prior permission for absence during the school term for reasons other than illness must be obtained from the head of the school.
7. During the year there are several compulsory functions and activities. These take preference over the home or other personal or family activities.
8. Upon acceptance of a pupil and prior to admission, the parent shall pay an advance payment in an amount laid down by the Board from time to time. This is to secure a place in the school against other potential applicants on the waiting list and for the purposes set out in what follows. The amount so paid is not refundable unless written notice is received by the school at least one full term before the place is due to be taken up, in which case half of the amount will be refunded. In addition, advance payments will be increased as the pupil is promoted through the school in such amounts as may have been laid down by the Board from time to time. The advance payments will be increased in January of each year, such that the equivalent of one term’s current fee is held. The “top up” of the advance payment will be payable on the first day of the term in the relevant year. Advance payments made in previous years will be taken into account in determining any increased amount to be paid.  Advance payments will be held in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act, 2008 and all interest or other income therefrom will accrue to the school as income. If you have chosen to have the amount refunded when your daughter leaves the school, it will be refunded, without interest, only when the school receives payment of its final account after the pupil has left the school and the parent will not be entitled to apply any set-off. If you have chosen to donate the amount to the school, the donation may not be revoked. The school shall be entitled, in its sole discretion, to appropriate the advance payment or any portion thereof towards payment of any amount due to the school by the parent from whatever cause arising at whatsoever time.
9. The parent shall pay in advance and no later than the first day of each term, the tuition fees and other charges laid down by the Board from time to time. Other charges incurred are due and payable after the rendering of an account.  These charges may be for extras arranged or supplied with the consent of the parents or for extras which, in the opinion of the head of the school, are necessary for the pupil.
10. The school will be entitled to charge interest from the due date for payment on all overdue accounts at a rate of 2% per month. In the event of accounts being unpaid on the last day of term, the pupil will not be permitted to return to the school at the beginning of the following term.
11. The parent agrees to give one full term’s notice in writing before withdrawing the pupil from the school, such notice to reach the head of school before the first day of the term at the end of which such withdrawal is to take place. If the parent fails to give such notice, the parent shall be liable for payment in full of the fees for the term whether the pupil attends or not.
12. The parent shall not be entitled to any rebate of fees if the pupil is absent for any portion of any term owing to illness or any other cause. In the event of a pupil leaving the school during a term, for any reason whatever and the parent fails to give notice as required in (11) above, the full term’s fees shall be payable and no refund of fees already paid for that term shall be claimable. St Mary’s School Waverley Application Form
13. The school shall be entitled to instruct its attorneys or debt collectors to attend to the collection of any overdue accounts and the parent shall be liable for payment of costs so incurred, on the scale as between attorney and own client, including collection commission, whether legal proceedings are instituted or not.
14. The school reserves the right to vary these conditions including the tuition fees and other charges from time to time, at its entire discretion after giving one term’s notice of its intention to do so. Failure by the school to enforce any of these conditions shall not constitute a waiver of the school’s rights.
15. The liability of persons signing this form under these terms and conditions is joint and several, the one paying the other to be absolved.
16. Having regard to the best interest of the pupil and to the duties of the school relating to the education of the pupil and to her support and care while at school or under the supervision of the school, the parent grants consent to the school to:
    16. process information regarding the parent’s creditworthiness and that of any third party, divorced or separated parent who is responsible for payment of the tuition fees, from any institution doing credit verification or the last school which the pupil attended;
    17. process names, contact details and other personal information relating to the parent and the pupil, and to such information being made available to other parents or guardians, staff or responsible persons engaged or authorised by the school, only for school-related purposes or to the extent required for the purpose of managing relationships between the school, parents or guardians, and current pupils, as well as providing references and communicating with the body of former pupils;
    18. include photographs, with or without a name, of the pupil in school publications, in press releases, on the school’s website, and/or on social media platforms to celebrate the school’s or the pupil’s activities, achievements or successes;
    19. supply information and a reference in respect of the pupil to any educational institution which the parent proposes that the pupil may attend. The school will take care to ensure that all information that is supplied relating to the pupil is accurate and any opinion given on his/her ability, aptitude and character is fair. However, the school cannot be liable for any loss that the parent or the pupil is alleged to have suffered resulting from opinions reasonably given, or correct statements of fact contained, in any reference or report given by the school; and
    20. inform any other school or educational institution to which the parent proposes sending the pupil of any outstanding fees.
17. The school may not otherwise process any personal information of the parent or of the pupil in its possession, without prior written consent to the school that it may do so. Should this be the case, the school may only distribute or otherwise publish the information in accordance with such consent. St Mary’s School Waverley Application Form

St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered – see the list of courses offered at St Mary’s School Waverley…

Subject choices:

Form I (Grade 8)

Core offering:

• English (Home Language)
• Afrikaans (First Additional Language)
• isiZulu (First Additional Language)
• Sesotho (First Additional Language)
• French (Second Additional Language)
• Latin (Second Additional Language)
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences

New literacies such as communication in the 21^st century, research and design skills, civic literacy, social entrepreneurship, reading and reflection together with project-based learning are key areas which will form part of the e⁴ integrated learning programme on Form I.

Form II (Grade 9)

• English (Home Language)
• Afrikaans (First Additional Language)
• isiZulu (First Additional Language)
• Sesotho (First Additional Language)
• French (Second Additional Language)
• Latin (Second Additional Language)

• Arts and Culture
• Economic and Management Sciences
• Life Orientation
• Natural Sciences
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences
• Technology

Other languages may be chosen as Second Additional Languages at an additional cost to parents. Please contact the school should you wish to discuss this option.

Forms III to V (Grades 10 to 12)

To qualify for a National Senior Certificate, girls are required to select from the following subjects:

Compulsory:

• English Home Language
• Life Orientation

Choose one:

First Additional Languages:

• Afrikaans
• Sesotho
• isiZulu

Choose one:

• Mathematics
• Mathematical Literacy

Choose three:

• Accounting
• Consumer Studies
• Dramatic Arts
• French (Second Additional Language)
• Geography
• History
• Information Technology
• Latin (Second Additional Language)
• Life Sciences
• Music
• Physical Sciences
• Visual Arts

Available as additional subjects:

• Advanced Programme Mathematics (from Form III)
• Advanced Programme English (from Form IV)

Subjects

Accounting

The St Mary’s Accounting department is a vibrant, lively department which aims to furnish its students with the accounting skills necessary to start their own businesses – and at St Mary’s we strive to encourage and foster an entrepreneurial spirit in our girls.

Accounting is offered as an optional subject from Form III onwards. The girls learn principles of accounting and financial management such as bookkeeping, drawing up financial statements and interpreting financial ratios for sole proprietors, partnerships, close corporations and companies. The curriculum is extensive and prepares the students for future careers in finance. It is a challenging subject that teaches our girls to think logically and to work accurately under time pressure. St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

The Accounting department also organises several entrepreneurial activities during the year. Our girls have the opportunity to participate in the JSE/Liberty Life Investment Challenge, where they learn how to trade in shares by creating a fictitious portfolio. Schools all over South Africa participate in this challenge and there are monthly prizes for the students whose portfolios are the most successful. There is also the Accounting Olympiad for senior students. St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

St Mary’s School Waverley Consumer Studies

Consumer Studies focus on developing knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to enable girls to become responsible and informed consumers of food, clothing, housing, furnishings and household equipment and to use resources optimally and in a sustainable manner.

As we are all consumers, Consumer Studies teach essential life skills. The subject further promotes the application of knowledge and skills in the production of marketable products that will meet consumer needs. Consumer Studies embraces the following areas: food and nutrition, clothing, housing and furnishings, and production and marketing of food.

Girls interested in nutrition, cooking and designing, as well as entrepreneurship, will enjoy Consumer Studies. No special skills are required – only enthusiasm and passion.

St Mary’s School Waverley Dramatic Arts

Dramatic Arts give girls the opportunity to explore personal and relevant issues in a safe and stimulating environment. With this, comes the ability to express themselves formally and informally. The Dramatic Arts develop analytical thinking and creative problem solving, and girls are challenged to take risks emotionally, physically and intellectually. A fantastic skill learnt here is the ability to work independently, as well as being able to work with a range of unique individuals. There is no doubt that this subject equips girls to deal with life.

Each year a school play is presented, which provides girls with the opportunity to explore their talent and versatility as actors. Dramatic Arts are not dependent solely on acting ability and confidence, and the technical aspects of the subject such as set design, lighting, sound engineering and costume design are also explored. The subject is wide-ranging and plums the talents, overt or subtle, of our girls. In addition to the school play, house plays are staged and directed by senior Drama girls. They make a superb platform for the discovery of talent, and the development of interpersonal skills and time management.

We arrange regular theatre visits, and the girls are required to write formal reviews and analyses of the productions they see. Our annual trip to the Standard Bank National Arts Festival in Grahamstown is a highlight of our year. Girls are exposed to a variety of theatrical forms and benefit from the workshops attended. Those who study Dramatic Arts are required to give their time, energy and talent to enthral their audiences.

Economic and Management Sciences (EMS)

Economic and Management Sciences is a compulsory subject for Form II students and is offered to this year group only. This subject covers basic aspects of accounting, economics and business management, and aims to provide the pupils with a general overview of key concepts in the world of commerce. In EMS we hope to teach girls the value of money, although some parents might question our success at times!

The main focus of the curriculum is on accounting since we aim to introduce this subject to the Form II girls so that they are able to make an informed choice when selecting their subjects for Form III. This means that our girls know what to expect if they choose to account as a subject, and we hope to encourage them to become entrepreneurs.

e4 programme – Form I

In the 21st century, curriculum design needs to foster a creative and innovative approach to teaching and learning in line with the needs of the country, with a particular focus on preparing pupils for their contribution to the broader global society and, importantly, towards their own self-fulfilment. With this approach in mind, a team of staff (drawing on a variety of expertise across the school) have crafted a unique learning programme for the Form Is which has been aptly called the “e4 curriculum”.

Words which commence with the “e” prefix frequently suggest progress, advancement and a move towards change. In addition, the letter “e” is associated with a shift toward integrating and applying the use of technology to teaching and learning.

The e4 curriculum, which is representative of an “effective, engaging, exciting and enriching” approach, is a uniquely St Mary’s programme, drawing on current educational pedagogy and practice-based research to suit our context and pupil needs.

Frank Moss, a former head of the MIT Media Lab, was recently quoted saying, “Today’s problems – from global poverty to climate change, to the obesity epidemic – are more interconnected and intertwined than ever before and they can’t possibly be solved in the academic or research silos of the twentieth century”. With this quotation in mind, the e4 curriculum has been designed as an integrated curriculum, incorporating both content and key skills into the learning programme. St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

The e4 programme is currently a compulsory component of the Form I curriculum at St Mary’s. The aim of the programme is geared toward providing our girls with the skills they require as they move into Senior School, and eventually into tertiary education.

e4 aims to develop pupils who are able to:

1. Understand the world as an interrelated set of systems and processes.
2. Take responsibility for their own learning and conduct themselves as confident and independent young adults who have a passion for learning and discovery.
3. Be flexible and adaptable in their approach to learning and discovery.
4. Demonstrate a sense of determination and resilience when tackling and solving problems.
5. Work collaboratively with others on multiple platforms, this includes face to face and digitally.
6. Be creative problem solvers, but also creators of new ideas and innovative approaches.
7. Be critical and creative thinkers and curious about the world.
8. Considerate towards others and empathetic towards communities both near and far.

Geography

We aim to make the varied subject of Geography relevant, exciting and enjoyable. We study physical, human and economic aspects, as well as map work, aerial photographs and geographical information systems (GIS).

The study of Geography equips young people to understand and react in a constructive and positive way to world issues such as water shortages, power failures, global warming, clouds of volcanic dust, weather extremes, floods, droughts and landslides. We try to reinforce what is learnt in the classroom by visiting places of geographical interest and doing fun, practical activities.

The Geography students achieve excellent results each year in the IEB Matric Geography examination.

“Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future” – Michael Palin

St Mary’s School Waverley History

“A people without a positive history is like a vehicle without an engine” – Steve Biko

History is a skills-driven subject that encourages students to develop critical minds and be empowered to make positive contributions to society. History asks: Who are we? Where are we? Where are we going? It is a subject that educates students for life. Historical thinking helps to develop a concerned awareness of the problems we face in the modern world.

Teaching strategies include group discussions, class debates and oral presentations. Source interpretation, analysis of evidence, assessment of bias, working with visual as well as written and oral sources, constructing logical arguments and using computer technology are skills central to history. These skills are of value in a wide range of occupations, especially in politics, journalism and law. St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

History is an important and relevant subject that helps students to be competitive in the international world. Their historical knowledge provides them with a context within which to understand the issues, debates and events that have shaped our world. History students are able to influence the world in a positive way.

“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child” – Cicero

Information Technology

What is Information Technology?

Information Technology is the study of the various interrelated physical and non-physical technologies used for the capturing of data, the processing of data into useful information, and the management, presentation and dissemination of data.

Information Technology studies the activities that deal with the solution of problems through logical and computational thinking. It includes the physical and non-physical components for the electronic transmission, access and manipulation of data and information.

In Information Technology a pupil will:

• Use appropriate techniques and procedures to plan solutions, and devise algorithms to solve problems using suitable techniques and tools
• Understand and use appropriate communication technologies for information dissemination
• Appreciate and comprehend the various systems technologies used in the developing of a computer-based system
• Understand that all ICT systems are built upon software engineering principles
• Understand and use Internet technologies for various tasks
• Comprehend and apply the concepts of data and information management, to understand how a knowledge-driven society functions
• Understand the social implications of ICTs and how to use ICT technologies responsibly

(Taken from Information Technology NCS Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement)

Information Technology is a subject for students who enjoy a challenge and who enjoy problem-solving. In our current world, technology is evident in every field and is continually growing.

As the curriculum of Information Technology is largely focused on programming skills, it is advised that a student is achieving 65% or higher in Mathematics. Students should have access to the Internet and to their own laptop or desktop computer at home, owing to the large practical component of this subject.

Languages

• Home-level language:

English

The St Mary’s English department encourages critical thinking and engagement with a wide variety of texts. English teachers have diverse personalities and teaching styles, complementing the varied learning styles of our pupils.

English is a multi-faceted subject involving verbal proficiency, literary analysis, the pleasures of crafting creative pieces and critical reading of a range of contemporary texts. Our pupils are given wide exposure to all these areas, and are encouraged to use the full range of modern information technology in their exploration of language arts.

The school’s excellent English results are an indication of the commitment that the students and English department bring to this subject.

• First additional language level

Advanced Programme English

Advanced Programme English is a two-year IEB curriculum which is taught in Form IV and Form V and introduced in the third term in Form III. It is assessed internally in Form IV and as part of the final IEB examinations at the end of Form V. It has been internationally benchmarked at A level standard and Advanced Programme English students are certified by the IEB separately from their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.

Advanced Programme English has been offered to St Mary’s students since 2011. It has proved to be a challenging and enriching subject for girls who enjoy studying literature at an advanced level and engaging with texts critically and thoughtfully. AP students gain analytical and critical thinking skills which stand them in good stead at the tertiary level across all disciplines. The subject also concentrates on the fluent and convincing expression of ideas.

Students who elect to study Advanced Programme English must be able to read texts independently and enjoy reading across a wide range of genres. The assessment is an examination based but students are expected to submit an essay or other task each term so that they can develop their skills.

Afrikaans

The Afrikaans department is vibrant and dynamic, and consistently produces matriculation results of a high standard.

Afrikaans is one of our 11 official languages and is understood by the majority of South Africans. Students planning a career in human resources, medicine and public service would certainly benefit from being able to communicate in this language, not to mention enjoying lifelong access to a wonderful body of literature.

isiZulu and Sesotho

The school’s African Languages department encourages the learning of both the Zulu and Sotho languages and cultures. Our curriculum aims to provide four learning outcomes: speaking and listening, reading and viewing, writing and presenting, and language.

In the classroom, our girls read stories that are rich in culture, assisting them to appreciate and embrace culturally diverse backgrounds, and respect others’ cultures. They also attend IEB schools’ cultural events and visit Lesedi Cultural Village to learn more about various cultures.

We are motivated to develop pupils who are not only intent on achieving good results but also contributing to the wider community. Our languages have great currency and provide opportunities for students who are proficient in them.

• Second additional language level

French

French is no longer simply a European language, but also an African language; more than half of the continent is French-speaking. French opens up job opportunities and new horizons and introduces South Africans to other cultures, as well as literature, art and philosophy.

It is becoming useful, even vital, in many professions, from law to commerce, diplomacy and even medicine; there are few areas where French would not be advantageous.

Our matric French results have been excellent, and universities look favourably upon applications that include a foreign language.

Latin

Democracy, law, architecture, engineering, literature and drama all have their origin in the sophisticated world of the Romans. Our approach to Latin is to show its relevance to the Western world in the 21^st century. Through Latin, students understand the etymological origin of 70% of English words; through Latin’s rich literary repository, students gain insight not only into the ancient classical world but also into our Western way of life and more.

Latin’s educational worth is indisputable. It is an exacting subject that trains the mind to respond logically, accurately, analytically and critically. These invaluable cognitive skills enhance insight and understanding and transfer positively to many other disciplines and subjects.

As not many girls choose to study Latin, St Mary’s is able to offer individual tuition and attention to our students. Our academic record in the final IEB matriculation examinations is outstanding, and our best students are among the country’s top achievers.

St Mary’s School Waverley Life Orientation

Life Orientation is an exciting part of the curriculum. It is examined through a portfolio of work which is generated during each academic year. The subject can best be described according to its outcomes:

• Self
• Community
• Citizenship
• Careers
• Physical self

This subject provides the opportunity for discussion and critical thinking about important life issues. It allows for the use of multiple intelligences and provides the opportunity for all girls to excel.

THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Life Orientation department is passionate about community service. We believe that encouraging ongoing commitment to serving our community in various ways to our girls helps us to remain aware that there are many people who need our assistance – and that a small commitment of time can make a vast difference to others.

Life Sciences

Our Life Sciences department develops an interest in, and passion for, the study of organisms and their organisation, life processes and relationships to each other and their environment. This discipline is dynamic, interesting and stimulating, and teaches a wide range of skills that can be employed in many different careers.

The curriculum and the style of teaching have been adapted to cope with increasing knowledge and advances in technology, such as genetic engineering and biotechnology. It is essential that the students be educated enough to consider the implications of these biotechnological advances.

At St Mary’s School, we are fortunate to have state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, enabling us to prepare our students for the rigorous demands of tertiary education.

Mathematics

In Forms I and II we do not stream our classes and all the staff members teach at least one junior class. From Form III onwards, we arrange our classes according to the girls’ abilities so that they are taught at a rate commensurate with their understanding of the concepts. We offer Advanced Programme Mathematics as an optional, eighth subject.

Girls are entered in the Maths Olympiad and other mathematics competitions. They have the opportunity to take part in the Tour de Maths, which takes place once a month. St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

Before the Form V pupils write their preliminary examinations in September, we take them on a weekend revision camp which we have found to be beneficial. Our matric results are exceptional and higher than the IEB average. St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

Mathematical Literacy

Mathematical Literacy, which is accepted at university faculties where core Mathematics is not a prerequisite, is offered as a matriculation subject from Form III at St Mary’s.

The subject focuses on real-life situations and is perfect for the girl who finds difficulty with the more abstract facets of core Mathematics. St Mary’s School Waverley Subjects Offered

It enables girls to approach problems with confidence and allows them to discover methods that work for them, equipping them with techniques, knowledge, skills, values and attitudes for self-fulfilment and growth. Mathematical Literacy lends itself successfully to activities such as presentations, research, debates, interviews, questionnaires, project work, assignments and practical investigations.

Music

Music is offered as part of the Arts and Culture programme in Forms I and II and then as a chosen academic subject in Forms III to V. The curriculum is broad and interesting, from jazz and contemporary music to improvisation, composition and arrangement, ensemble playing, world and South African music, as well as Western classical music.

In order to benefit from all the streams available, it is recommended that girls are at a minimum level of Grade 2 theory and Grade 3 practical when they start the course in Form III. The practical standard required for the solo instrument at the matric level is a minimum standard of between Grade 5 and 6 of any recognised examination board. These include ABRSM, UNISA, Trinity and Rock School.

Many music students have gone on to study music at university and are highly competent musicians. It is naturally a tremendous source of pride for St Mary’s when former pupils go on to become professional musicians. There have been some notable examples: pianist Jill Richards and internationally acclaimed singer Sandra Ford are both St Mary’s Old Girls.

The music curriculum aims to:

• Equip students with skills to make effective use of music technology for creative processes
• Develop the entrepreneurial skills and attitudes that encourage a culture of self-employment
• Provide knowledge of the elements of music and then apply them in the creation, performance and appreciation of music
• Apply creative problem-solving through performance, composition and analysis of musical works
• Promote artistic expression through a variety of musical styles and available resources
• Create an environment where students love for music-making is stimulated

Physical Sciences

The Physical Sciences challenge, enthral and satisfy the curiosity of the current generation of teenagers. The course follows a spiral approach, in which concepts are first introduced in a simple way and, in later years, these concepts are revisited and studied in greater depth. This conceptual progression allows for increased cognition.

The course covers concepts within the realms of physics and chemistry, and is further broken down into the following strands:

• Mechanics
• Electricity and magnetism
• Waves, sound and light
• Matter and materials
• Chemical change
• Chemical system

The facilities were available for our girls to learn Science are modern and cutting edge. Practical work is a large part of the curriculum. Our girls leave St Mary’s extremely well equipped to tackle the sciences at the university level.

This department also administers and designs the curriculum for the Natural Sciences, which provides girls with the opportunities to explore science in a hands-on manner at their own pace, while obtaining the scientific skills required to proceed to senior-level Physical Sciences and Life Sciences.

Visual Arts

Visual Arts is an important subject, as it develops creativity and thinking skills. Our economy depends on creativity by helps to find new solutions to problems. Studying Visual Arts and acquiring visual literacy prepares our girls to pursue a variety of careers, including architecture, advertising, interiors, fashion, graphic design, gallery management and curatorship.

Visual Arts provide a balance in the curriculum, as both sides of the brain are developed. On the practical side of Visual Arts, we encourage self-expression. The girls develop both technical and conceptual thinking skills. Visual Culture Studies is the theoretical component of the subject, which connects with our cultural past. We study prehistoric art through to the Renaissance, contemporary and African art. This gives the girls a wide knowledge of visual culture and the debates surrounding it.

We are proud of our matric results in the IEB examination, and St Mary’s girls have excelled in the Design-an-Ad competition. Overseas art tours are arranged every two to three years, to broaden the girls’ outlook on and knowledge of the arts.

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