10 Commonly asked questions about the High School

1. Why a Christian High School?

Adolescents are different from primary school children! They look different, they learn differently, and their response to the faith of their parents is different. Eugene Peterson (Like Dew Your Youth) says that when a child is younger "... the parent is a teacher and an example of the faith; the child is learner and imitator". Things change in the adolescent years as they "are no longer primarily 'learners' (although they are still learning); they now become more and more 'deciders'. These are the years when young people must decide whether to make their parents' faith their own. Peterson says, "they are making the preparatory moves in coming to their own, adult, personal faith in Christ."

The Christian High School has an important role to play, along with parents and the church, in providing an atmosphere where lifelong decisions for Christ can be made.

The King's School provides:

- Christian teachers who can openly share Christ's love to young people;
- A curriculum that seeks to integrate the truth of the Bible with subject content;
- A pastoral and life skills programme presented by young adult leaders from the church;
- Opportunities for worship and Bible teaching in a non-threatening environment.

We know that our young people do not need "Bible-bashing" but they do need the security, love and direction that can be provided by a Christian High School.

2. What subjects are offered?

Grade 7, 8 and 9
(SENIOR PHASE):

Language, Literacy & Communication:
English (Home Language)
Afrikaans or IsiZulu (First Additional Languages)
Mathematics
Natural Sciences: (Physical Sciences and Biology)
Human & Social Sciences: (History and Geography)
Economic & Management Science (Accounting - Gr 8 & 9 only)
Technology (including International Computer Drivers' Licence) and (Hospitality Studies - Gr 8 & 9 only)
Arts and Culture
Life Orientation: (including Physical Education; Bible Education)

Grade 10, 11 & 12
(FET):

English (Home Language)
Afrikaans or IsiZulu (First Additional Language)
Life Orientation: (including Physical Education; Bible Studies)
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

3 of the following depending on timetable:

Accounting
Business Studies
Geography
History
Hospitality Studies
Information Technology
Life Sciences
Physical Sciences
Tourism
Visual Arts

*Subject combinations may change from year to year according to demand - please speak to the Admissions Manager.

3. Are the teachers qualified?

All our teachers are fully qualified to teach their subjects at high school level - some of the current staff members hold honours and masters degrees. The matric team has had many years of experience and has consistently produced excellent results. We are very grateful to God for the committed and competent teaching staff at this school.

4. What about standards?

The King's School is committed to upholding high academic standards. To this end we encourage learners to enter the various Olympiads and international benchmarking tests in addition to writing the IEB matriculation exams and the Grade 9 General Education and Training certificate.

In 2011: We again achieved 100% pass rate in the IEB matric exam.

Our teachers are in regular contact with teachers in other schools through IEB User Groups and other professional forums. We strive to improve the standards we have achieved and remain abreast of trends in education in South Africa.

5. What sport is offered?

Summer: Cricket (boys), Swimming

Winter: Soccer (boys and girls), Netball, Athletics, Rugby

All year: Tennis, Chess

Competitions in sport take place in local schools' leagues as well as in Christian schools' leagues. As our school is small, many learners have the opportunity to play sport at team level and to represent their school in matches.

6. What extra-mural opportunities are there other than sport?

- Public Speaking;
- Drama (Inter-house plays and school productions);
- Worship team;
- Outreach and service;
- Music, Creative Dance, Ballet (by arrangement with the relevant teachers).
- Chess

SEE THE EXTRA CURRICULAR TIMETABLE FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION.

7. What opportunities are there for leadership?

We strongly believe that all our young people need to be trained in leadership and to that end provide opportunities for leadership development through service at all levels in the high school. Each grade is given some responsibility in the school and the grade 11 and 12 years are the culmination of the leadership training. Each grade 11 learner is given the responsibility for a class in the school, to look after (particularly when the teachers meet together) and to get to know. In the second half of the grade 11 year, a steering committee and team leaders are chosen and appointed to lead the school. Opportunities are provided for all senior learners to serve in some capacity. We rely on our senior learners to provide an example of Christ-like servant leadership to the learners at our school.

Learners have representation at the Management Board through their elected class representatives. The Representative Council of Learners (which is made up of the class representatives) gives learners an opportunity to discuss problems and come up with solutions.

8. Why isn't the High School separated from the Primary School?

The King's School is a family. We believe that our younger learners benefit from the leadership given by their older 'brothers and sisters' and our senior learners gain valuable lessons in responsibility through interacting with children.

9. How is discipline maintained in the High School?

We try to maintain a balance between encouragement and correction. Learners are honoured for showing godly character; achievement and progress in academics, sport or cultural activities. Recognition may take the form of a certificate or badge given at the Awards evening.

Should a learner require correction in any area (attitude, dress, behaviour, work etc.), teachers and student leaders apply appropriate consequences. Repeated violations may necessitate a learner conference to confront the learner with the concern over unacceptable behaviour. Parents may need to be called in when the learner is unwilling to change his or her behaviour. On admission all learners are given the expectations that we have of our young people and we would require compliance with these to remain enrolled at this school.

10. What about field trips and outings?

We endeavour to maintain a balance between the many opportunities there are for field trips, tours and outings with the economic constraints experienced by parents. We thus try to keep expensive outings to a minimum and try to ensure that those we do take part in can be justified in terms of education and personal development.