Academics – the number one priority

Boys are inspired and motivated to achieve the best they can in the classroom. The College has an outstanding record of academic achievement in the IEB Matriculation Examinations. There has been a 100% pass rate for over a decade, with over 80% of boys receiving an A, B or C aggregate and a quarter receiving A aggregates.

The academic ethos at the College is as competitive as the one enjoyed in sport and cultural arenas.  Boys are encouraged to fulfil their potential and a programme of goal-setting is active throughout the College with a host of academic prizes awarded each year.

The headmaster, Elwyn van den Aardweg,  says Kearsney is reaping the rewards of making academics the number one priority. “Our small class sizes and the emphasis on the use of state-of-the-art technology in the classrooms and laboratories is reflected in our boys’ excellent results.”

The school-leaving certificate

Kearsney will continue to offer boys the Independent Examination Board school-leaving certificate, commonly known as the National Senior Certificate. The IEB’s credentials and integrity are acknowledged worldwide. This means that boys who wish to, may gain access to overseas universities. Furthermore the thinking skills cultivated in preparing boys for the IEB examinations are those that are required to succeed at University level.

State-of-the-art ICT facilities

Kearsney stands apart from other South African schools with SMART Boards in more than half of the classrooms. These allow for a more visually enhanced, interactive and vibrant style of lesson delivery, which the boys find more fun and helpful in understanding concepts. The campus is covered by a wireless LAN, allowing boys access to the highly developed Kearsney intranet and the internet.

Introduction of Mandarin

Constantly aware of the changing environment in which their boys are growing up, Kearsney introduced Mandarin into its curriculum as an optional subject in 2006 at the Grade 8 and 9 level. “If China is going to be at the centre of global business, we want to produce students who are capable of operating in a global economy dominated by China,” says headmaster Elwyn van den Aardweg.

Inclusive education

Kearsney College has adopted a policy of inclusive education. It is their aim to accommodate and provide support for boys who are learning or physically challenged. By doing this, it is their hope that boys who may not previously have been able to benefit from an education at the College can now be included.

How relevant is the education offered?

Kearsney’s vision is to contribute to our country by providing highly skilled, healthy, ethical and capable citizens democratically contributing to a balanced and safe society and growing economy.

Related documents and information

Grade 10 to 12 Subject Choices

IEB International recognition explained

UCT report on IEB schools' performance