Academic Matters

The St Andrew’s College curriculum offers wide range of options to pupils with many different interests and talents, and allows for individual attention and assistance. High achievers who need extra challenges are continually stimulated and pupils of lesser academic capability can progress in a group that builds esteem and confidence.

From Grade10-12, pupils are generally divided into "sets" according to individual ability in each subject, while in Grades 8 and 9, there is a combination of setting and mixed ability groups. The teacher:pupil ratio is about 1:12 which enables both a range of subjects and individual aspirations to flourish in classes which are usually upwards of 20. Within these small classes, pupils are encouraged to think independently, to develop enquiring minds and the capacity to do research using resources such as the Internet and our own Intranet.

Each boy is assigned an academic tutor who monitors his progress and assists with any personal problems that may arise. The tutor is, in turn, responsible to the Housemaster, who is in charge of the pupil’s overall development. This personal attention, together with small classes, dedicated and well-qualified staff and a system that allows for the boys to progress at a rate which builds self-esteem, gives each pupil the best possible learning environment. St Andrew’s has a fine tradition of academic achievement to prove this.

Preparing pupils for the future
The Design and Technology Centre is a school facility ahead of its time. Here, pupils are able to enjoy problem-solving experiences, and to apply their minds to design specifications which will prepare them for real-world situations. Design and Technology is offered as a subject from Grade 8 to Grade 10 and the International G.C.S.E. examination in the middle of the Grade 11 year. Design and Technology is a subject in its own right, but impacts broadly on our entire curriculum as cross-curricular approaches are adopted in several learning areas.

In Grades 8 and 9, most of the classes are single-gender which allows for boys and girls to settle into the own environments, but from Grade 10, classes are combined with the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG). This gives pupils to co-educational experience and, thus, optimises both schools’ resources and strengths.

Pupils write the matriculation examination of the Independent Examination Board (IEB) which enjoys a high profile both within South Africa and abroad. Access to such events as the National Arts or Science Festivals significantly enriches the academic and cultural programme enjoyed by St Andrew’s pupils.

In Grades 8 and 9, boys take a wide range of subjects so that they are able to establish where their special aptitude and interest lies before specialisation in Grades 10-12.

Subjects offered
Grade 8 and 9 level:
English (First Language)
Afrikaans (First and Second Language)
Mathematics
Science
French
Religious Education
Classical Civilisation
Design and Technology
isiXhosa
Information Technology
Music
Business Skills
Geography
Drama and Speech
History
Media Studies
Art

Grades 10-12, six (or more) subjects are carefully chose from a range of options:
Group 1: English
Group 2: Afrikaans (L1 or L2) / French
Group 3: Maths / Business Ec (grade11&12)/ Biblical Studies (Grade12)
Group 4: Biology / Computer Studies / French / Geography/ Music / Drama / Xhosa
Group 5: Geography / History / Physical Science
Group 6: Accounting / Art / Biology / History
Seventh Subjects: Additional Mathematics, German