Woodridge Overview
Woodridge College & Preparatory School is a multi-denominational, co-educational, Christian institution situated on a magnificent country estate. The beautiful, serene setting allows students ranging in age from Grade 000 to Grade 12, to grow and develop in body, mind and spirit. Woodridge enables young men and women to be confident and well-prepared for the challenges of life after school.
The well-equipped academic facilities, together with a caring and experienced staff, allow for outstanding results. Modern technology has been embraced with most classrooms equipped with the latest technology. The school network is created using both cable and wireless technology, giving students and staff permanent access to the internet.
The school is fortunate to have some of the best sporting facilities available and this enables students to experience and enjoy a wide range of sporting challenges. The sizeable campus provides the ideal setting for an Outdoor Education programme second to none. This, together with an extensive Arts and Culture programme, holistically exposes Woodridge students to a varied and exciting educational experience.
Grow and develop in body, mind and spirit.
Woodridge caters for both boarders and day students. The comfortable and homely boarding houses provide caring spaces for young people to grow and explore. Day student buses operate from various nearby suburbs. The school forms part of a self-sufficient, secure estate where all student needs are met. A well-equipped sanatorium promotes good health and all catering is done by an in-house professional team. This includes a Tuck Shop and a Coffee Shop. The modern School Shop supplies all uniform and stationery requirements. Further information is available on the latest DVD.
More than a school...an experience
Pre-Primary
Within this beautiful environment, our children are free to experience learning through play and discovery. Teachers make full use of their indoor, as well as outdoor, natural classroom, guiding the children in their development of fine and gross motor skills, early literacy and numeracy. Against a backdrop of fauna and flora unique to Woodridge, the children learn to nurture their surroundings, all living things and each other. This exciting natural backdrop becomes a canvas for sporting activities, art, drama and self-discovery through play.
Our classes are named after the birds indigenous to this area and consist of the following groups:
Robins: Grade R 5 – 6 years
Swallows: Grade 00 4 – 5 years
Wagtails: 3 – 4 years
Sunbirds: 2 – 3 years.
Within this beautiful environment, our children are free to experience learning through play and discovery. Teachers make full use of their indoor, as well as outdoor, natural classroom, guiding the children in their development of fine and gross motor skills, early literacy and numeracy. Against a backdrop of fauna and flora unique to Woodridge, the children learn to nurture their surroundings, all living things and each other. This exciting natural backdrop becomes a canvas for sporting activities, art, drama and self-discovery through play.
Termly excursions and fun-theme days are organized to enrich the classroom learning experience. The children are exposed to computers through our Knowledge Network curriculum and early literacy is introduced from Grade R using Letterland. Children are encouraged to develop at their own pace.
We have the advantage of being able to work together as a team with our resident occupational therapist, clinical psychologist and speech therapist to help support and encourage children and parents, if the need should arise.
The school day begins at 08h00 and ends at 12h30, Mondays to Fridays, including public holidays during the term. After-care is available. Optional extras offered include Monkeynastix, Kumon, Tina Cowley Reading, professional tennis and swimming, Playgolf, Judo, Cricket Academy, ballet, modern dancing and experi-buddies.
Within the beautiful surroundings of this unique school, our little ones take their first steps towards becoming confident little individuals, eager to face the challenges of the future.
→ Pre-School – Fees & General Information 2013
After-care
After-care takes place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 16:30. On Fridays after-care ends at 15:00. All our little ones are escorted to the buses and helped on board by the teacher in charge. The children have a full lunch at the College Hall and are provided with a snack in the afternoon.
Should you wish to make use of the after-care facilities on a specific day, please write a note to the class teacher in your child’s message book. The pupils are fully supervised at ALL TIMES and after-care is supervised FREE play. We do arrange activities such as music, baking, painting and some optional extras.
Pre-Primary Staff Members
Terry Olivier
Pre-Primary: Robins – Grade R (5-6 years)
Head: Pre-primary
Primary Contact: 041 956 6210
Email Address: Terry.Olivier@woodridge.co.za
Ria Basson
Pre-Primary: Sunbirds (2-3 years)
After-care
Primary Contact: 041 956 6210
Email Address: Ria.Basson@woodridge.co.za
Sheila Neave
Pre-Primary: Swallows – (4-5 years)
Primary Contact: 041 956 6210
Email Address: Sheila.Neave@woodridge.co.za
Sue Taylor
Pre-Primary: Robins – Grade R (5-6 years)
Primary Contact: 041 956 6210
Email Address: Sue.Taylor@woodridge.co.za
Jen Cato – Wagtails
Pre-Primary: Wagtails – (3-4 years)
Primary Contact: 041 956 6210
Email Address: Jen.Cato@woodridge.co.za
More than a school...an experience
Preparatory
Welcome to Woodridge Preparatory School. At Woodridge we want to help each and every pupil achieve their potential and in doing so, produce caring, confident individuals who will be able to make a positive contribution to society.
School must be a rewarding and fun experience. As a preparatory school it is our role to lay the foundations, particularly reading, writing and arithmetic but, more importantly, to create a mindset for life-long learning. At Woodridge we want our children to be open-minded, free and creative thinkers.
Children learn as much, if not more, outside the classroom, as inside; thus a huge emphasis is placed on extra mural and outdoor education activities. The aim of our sports programme is to create a love for all sports and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Outdoor Education creates an awareness of the environment and many of the activities are of the sort that builds character. Culturally our pupils are exposed to, and encouraged to develop, music, arts, speech and drama.
Children learn from experiences and as a school we try to embrace this; as the Woodridge slogan goes: “More than a school…an experience“
Academic
Children arrive at school with a mind full of curiosity, imagination and the need to understand the world. It is our duty to ensure that we fulfill these needs and through our academic programme, develop confident young children who are able to analyse, question, think critically, work independently and make their own assumptions. We strive to uphold the notion of a child-centered approach in all we do. If we furnish our children with the skills of managing their own learning, long after they have left Woodridge, we would have given them some precious tools for life.
We understand that children have different learning styles and recognize the need to welcome and adopt this kind of philosophy to provide significant learning experiences.
Our academic programme is run by an Academic Committee. This committee is made up of the Head of Junior Primary (Grade 1-3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 6) and Head of Grade 7. The committee is chaired by the Headmaster. It is the role of this committee to ensure that there is continuity in the academic programme from grade to grade and to ensure that individual learning needs in each phase are met.
Sport
Sport at Woodridge Preparatory is a unique experience for all our learners. We believe in the overall development of each individual and ensure that sport forms an integral part of the unique balance of body mind and spirit. From the day a learner begins Grade 1 to the last week of their Grade 7 year, sport plays a very important part in every Woodrigean’s life.
It is compulsory for the pupils to participate in the sports activities every afternoon (Monday – Thursday) We believe that every child should be exposed to as many different sporting codes as possible, giving them an opportunity to be more specialized as they move off to high school.
As well as being competitive with as many schools as possible, emphasis is not necessarily on winning, but on the way in which the game is played. We have adopted the approach of “Let the Children Play”, as we feel it is vitally important that children have fun and enjoyment in whatever sport they partake in. This being said, coaching is taken very seriously, and each individual is pushed to reach their optimum potential.
Tours are arranged on a regular basis. However, these are not necessarily just for our top teams in each sporting code. It is our long term goal that every learner be exposed to at least one sports tour by the time that they leave the prep in Grade 7.
Sport at any school is an ordinary and daily part of every learner’s life. At Woodridge it’s a lot more than that – it’s an experience!
→ Sport Offered
Arts & Culture
All pupils participate in a number of cultural activities in arts and culture lessons during the academic day.
These lessons cover the following disciplines:
- Music
- Speech and Drama
- Art
- Dance
In addition, pupils have the opportunity to voluntarily participate in a number of extramural cultural activities as well. Most additional cultural tuition is charged separately and parents need to give their permission by signing the Extra-Mural Authorisation form.
These cultural activities includes
- Speech and Drama
- Gabble Club
- Individual Music
- Choirs
- Marimba Bands
- Rock Band
- Modern Dancing
- Chess
The Cultural Departments Participate, Arrange or Contribute to the Following Events:
- Studio Concerts
- Open Day Concerts
- Grandparents’ Day Concert
- Productions, such as Musicals or Pantomimes
- Assemblies
- Sunset Spectacular
- Awards Evenings
- Music Eisteddfods
- Drama Eisteddfods
- Trinity Music Exams
- Music Competitions
- Music & Drama Festivals
- Marimba Performances
- Halliday Dance Productions
Art Gallery
Student Affairs
At Woodridge Prep, it is no cliché to say that every individual is important.
From the age of three until their eventual maturity in Grade seven, pupils are nurtured and equipped to deal with leadership. In Grade seven, staff mentors facilitate this progress.
Fideliter Leadership Programme
The aim of the Fideliter Leadership Programme is to encourage all Grade seven pupils to participate in all school activities, community service projects and develop within them an awareness of their responsibilities as well developing their leadership abilities and character.
Every term, each pupil chooses a portfolio. There are a range of portfolios to choose from such as Eco Committee, class, assembly, bus, library, IT, outdoor education, notice board and sports/ art/drama room monitors. Each portfolio carries certain duties and responsibilities and pupils are encouraged to show initiative. There is a teacher in charge of each portfolio who guides and advises the children.
Pupils have to each complete five hours of their own free time to serve the community. This involves at least three separate visits which incorporates a minimum of one hour per visit. This has proven to be an exciting project which pupils have thoroughly enjoyed.
The staff attend a number of meetings during the year to discuss the progress of each Grade seven pupil and how they are performing in terms of their tasks, attitude to academics, involvement in extra-mural activities, manners and behaviour.
All Grade seven pupils are monitors and are considered to be ‘leaders in training’. The Fideliter Leadership Programme will be servant leadership-based and all Grade Sevents will be given an equal opportunity to be involved. A comprehensive CV will be compiled by the Deputy Headmaster for each pupil to guide them and ensure maximum involvement and responsibility.
Mentor System
When a pupil is in Grade seven, he/she is placed into a mentor group under the care of a teacher who acts as an advisor or mentor. These are fairly small groups ranging from eight to ten pupils.
In line with the College’s tutor system, a mentor is responsible for a number of areas, namely:
Academics
To constantly motivate pupils so that they achieve to the best of their ability in all subjects.
To ensure that each pupil sets realistic goals in each subject every term.
To monitor achievement in relation to goals set.
Extra-Mural Activities
To ensure that each pupil is committed as fully as possible to the extra-mural programme as set out by the school.
Spirit of Woodridge
To encourage and guide the pupils in their monitor responsibilities and the example they need to set as seniors in the Prep school.
Pastoral Care
To counsel pupils when needed.
Boarding
At the Prep we offer boarding for both boys and girls. Our aim is to make this home away from home. There are boys’ and girls’ hostels. Each hostel is run by house parents with resident staff assisting with the daily duties.
Over weekends, activities are often arranged to entertain the children. Outings to the beach, movies, game parks and shopping centres are places most frequently visited. Our boarders form special friendships in the hostels that last a life-time.
Although the daily routines of the boys’ and girls’ boarding house differ slightly, a common day in the boys’ boarding house would take on the following format:
06:00 – Rising Bell
06:20 – Inspection
06:30 – Breakfast
07:50 – Leave the hostel for school
13:30 – Change for sport
13:50 – Sport
16:30 – Return to hostel after prep.
17:25 – Supper
19:00 – Prep
19:45 – Shower
20:00 – Quiet time for Gr 4 & 5
20:15 – Lights out for Gr 4 & 5 | Quiet time for Gr 6 & 7
20:30 – Lights out for Gr 6 & 7
Headmaster’s Newsletter
Preparatory Headmaster – Trevor von Berg
Admissions
→ Prep Application Form
→ Prep Information Booklet 2013
→ Music Extra Mural Authorisation Form 2013
More than a school...an experience
College
The College incorporates Grades 8 – 12, with the culmination for the pupils being the writing of the National Senior Certificate examination. Academic pursuits remain the primary focus of College activities.
We write the Independent Examinations Board (“IEB”) matric examinations. We value their excellent standards and the open feedback with examiners. Although we follow the same syllabus as the government schools there is an independence in the examining process. The results are ratified by Umalusi, the same body that ratifies the state exam results. The IEB Matric results are recognized by many Universities around the world. Many of our teachers are involved in the marking process.
Pupils are in the hands of skilled professionals who seek to guide each individual to fulfill his or her potential. Firm structures are in place to ensure that effective teaching and learning takes place and that there is ample support available for pupils who are in need.
The extra-mural programme includes sporting, cultural and outdoor activities, all of which contribute to different aspects of the pupils’ development. Whether just for participation, or for the thrill of competition, all pupils are required to be involved.
The positive lessons of teamwork, extending oneself and overcoming fears as well as learning to cope with defeat are but a few by-products of school life outside the classroom. Many new challenges await pupils who arrive at Grade 8 level: the majority of pupils are senior to them, being taught by many different teachers, moving frequently between venues and the general adjustment to a new phase of education. However, as with most other challenges, once the adaptation has taken place, the experience becomes enjoyable and fulfilling and this especially so in the friendly Woodridge environment. Having the fourteen to eighteen years age spectrum in one school presents wonderful scope for growth and maturity.
At the College, there is a healthy level of interaction that takes place across the age groups. The significance of role models is reinforced by the system of each Grade 8 pupil having a Grade 12 mentor. Opportunities for leadership development are also facilitated at all levels and pupils are able to move through the ranks as they progress up the Training Scheme.
Woodridge College provides an ideal environment for boys and girls to develop into well-adjusted, motivated members of society.
Academic
Vision:
Woodridge strives to provide pupils with a stimulating academic environment that enables achievement to the best of their ability.
Our underlying values:
- Discipline
- Accountability
- Commitment
- Honesty
- Mutual respect
Goals:
To prioritise and protect academic time, to provide regular and meaningful communication regarding the capabilities and performance of each pupil to enhance the quality of learning
Although our pupils are fully involved in all aspects of school life we strive to maximize the opportunities for teaching and learning. Assessment is regular and varied. Apart from weekly test lessons and two exam sessions per year, pupils write tests in class time, complete homework assignments, research, scientific practical investigations and presentations. Four academic reports are sent out to parents every year. In keeping with our desire to protect the environment almost all reports are emailed. In the two full reports every subject teacher comments on the progress of the learner.
We write the Independent Examinations Board (“IEB”) matric examinations. We value their excellent standards and the open feedback with examiners. Although we follow the same syllabus as the government schools there is an independence in the examining process. The results are ratified by Umalusi, the same body that ratifies the state exam results. The IEB Matric results are recognized by many Universities around the world. Many of our teachers are involved in the marking process.
All pupils are offered English as a Home Language. Afrikaans and Xhosa are offered as First Additional Languages while some pupils are offered French or German as Second Additional Languages.
For a small school we offer a large variety of subjects for Grades 10 – 12. The subjects in the junior Grades are generally split into specific disciplines with subject specialists offering our children real insight into the subject.
We are increasing our focus on Mathematics. In 2011 we introduced our first two Grades to the rigor of Advanced Program Mathematics. Many pupils also offer Mathematics Paper III. Mathematics is taught in streamed classes.
Subject Choice Booklet, 2013
In Grade 9 pupils have to make the difficult choice of which subjects to take in the FET phase of their schooling. The Subject
Choice Booklet is a guide to the different subjects offered at Woodridge for pupils and parents to make a more informed decision regarding the subjects they choose for Grade 10.
→ Subject Choice booklet 2013
Sport
Sport is a vital part of the curriculum at Woodridge, not only for promoting physical development and co-ordination, but also to build character and nurture self-confidence.
While we believe that competition against other schools encourages the development of self-control, co-operation, loyalty, unselfishness, determination, commitment, leadership, team work and initiative we also feel that sport should be played for the right reasons, is educationally sound and with enjoyment being a priority.
At Woodridge it is compulsory to participate in sport. Each term, the various choices will be presented to pupils and each pupil will have to select at least one summer and one winter sport. Attendance at all practices as well as matches is necessary and if any pupil is “Off Sport” for any reason, they must produce a doctor’s certificate, a sanatorium note or letter from their parents.
We are very proud of the achievements of our sportsmen and women over the years and our latest success story is Colin Ingram, South African Protea Cricketer.
Summer Sport
Grade 8 and 9 Boys: select at least one of the following -
Cricket, swimming and water polo
Grade 10, 11 and 12 Boys: select at least one of the following -
Cricket, swimming, water polo, athletics, tennis (select group), and squash (select group)
Grade 10, 11 and 12 Girls: select at least one of the following -
Cricket, swimming, water polo, athletics, tennis (select group), squash (select group) and Walk for Life
Grade 8 and 9 Girls: select at least one of the following -
Cricket, swimming and water polo
Winter Sport
All boys must select at least one of the following:
Rugby, hockey or squash (select group)
All girls must select at least one of the following:
Hockey, netball or squash (select group)
Arts & Culture
In support of the school’s mission statement, the cultural programme at Woodridge has been designed to support a holistic approach to education.
The school offers and challenges pupils to experience the broadest possible range of interactions in the cultural sphere. Woodridgeans learn to embrace all cultures with dignity and mutual respect in a variety of exciting programmes and activities. This programme provides pupils opportunities to participate and develop their skills in areas of personal interest and in others areas that supports the concept of a “Woodridge Culture” as part of the “Woodridge Experience”.
Student Affairs
Rather than dealing with this topic under various headings, a general overview is probably more in keeping with the holistic approach to schooling. Woodridge pupils are both givers and recipients of support in varying ways.
The Woodridge Student Leadership Development Programme (WSLDP) has replaced the original Training Scheme and is the means by which all pupils learn self-discipline and leadership. This allows natural leaders to surface to become student leaders in their final year as members of the Student Executive, but also caters for later developers, as all Matrics are given a leadership portfolio (under staff supervision) within the school routine and certificates awarded at the Valedictory Service reflect the degree to which each has succeeded.
Prior to the Matric year, students are part of the Spirit of Woodridge (SOW) initiative, which charts their progress academically, extra-murally and in the field of service.
Two support systems help them on their way: the Tutor system allocates all pupils in groups of 12/14 to staff members for weekly meetings to provide guidance and help on a regular basis, while the Mentor system provides each Grade 8 child with a Matric “Elder Sibling” to help them through the year with the minimum of fuss.
So much for the secular side of things; Woodridge is run on Christian principles and values and so the spiritual aspect of student affairs also needs to be taken care of. Aside from the regular Divinity classes in offer from Grades 8 – 11, church services are conducted every Sunday; the Student Christian Association meets on a weekly basis to socialise and to share their personal beliefs; Confirmation classes are held each year by the School Chaplain for pupils who desire them from Grade 10 onwards and those who are ready are confirmed in October each year.
Boarding
As boarding forms an integral part of the Woodridge experience, in the College we have the following aims:
- To provide a safe and comfortable environment in which individuals may flourish, be afforded adequate privacy to be free from intimidation and discrimination and where healthy diversity is encouraged. This leads to a healthy community, based on mutual respect and an inclusive sense of belonging.
- To provide ample opportunities for physical, intellectual, moral, spiritual and social development and to promote the concept of balance.
- To encourage initiative and the development of leadership skills, based always on an understanding of the responsibilities which accompany privilege and the need to serve. This is achieved by encouraging self-discipline, independence, the development of confidence and a real sense of self – worth.
- To support and encourage open and honest communication between pupil and staff.
- Finally, but most importantly, to encourage parents to be close partners in the holistic education of their children and to provide adequate opportunities which allow for this.
Headmaster’s Newsletter
College Headmaster – Craig Neave
College: Deputy Headmaster – Simon Crane
More than a school...an experience
Outdoor Education & Adventure (Preparatory)
All teachers at Woodridge are encouraged to adopt the Experiential Learning Approach. Children for their part are involved continually and in various ways in conservation which is taken very seriously here.
We are proud recipients of the coveted, work-renowned ECO-SCHOOLS GREEN FLAG. Recycling, litter prevention and collection issues are routinely focused on daily.
All the pupils from grade 1 to 7 are taught outdoor adventure skills, including climbing – fishing – camp cooking – recognizing flora and fauna – reading topographical maps – orienteering – basic 1st Aid – camp craft – cycling proficiency and bike maintenance.
We offer skills/stamina development in activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, archery and trail running. These are often included in the camping expeditions that senior grades undertake; however, they are also recognised school sports and certain pupils are taken to events in the province, (Canoeing is still in its infancy).
Hopefully, by the time pupils leave the Prep, they will have realised that
‘There is more in them than they thought’. – Kurt Hahn
Outdoor Education & Adventure (College)
Woodridge College strives to maintain and expand upon the excellent programme of outdoor education (OE) and adventure sport offered at Woodridge Preparatory School. Compulsory outdoor activities remain a unique component of the educational philosophy of the College, with a variety of mental and physical challenges allowing our students to broaden their experience and promote resourcefulness, teamwork and leadership.
The aims of the Outdoor Education programme are:
- To expose students to a variety of activities
- To nurture an appreciation of our natural environment
- To allow students an opportunity to overcome personal fears
- To develop self-discipline, responsibility and qualities of leadership
The OE programme is made up of three basic components:
- Compulsory Component – includes Grade camps, assault and ropes course, canoeing, climbing and the annual Inter-House OE Day
- Voluntary hikes, camps and expeditions – offered at various levels of expertise throughout the year. These vary from simple day trips, one and two night camps, survivor-type scenarios to full-blown expeditions
- Voluntary clubs – such as surf lifesaving, canoeing, climbing, surfing, fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling, horse riding, mountain biking, archery, adventure racing, sport climbing, kloofing, and sailing etc.
As with all lessons in life, much will depend on attitude. With so many activities on offer, the onus lies on the individual to volunteer and become involved. As the College academic, sports and cultural programmes are full and demanding, many OE activities are offered on a voluntary basis to allow students to choose those which suit their interests, ability and time constraints.
During their time at the College, most students should be exposed to most of the following:
- Survival skills, orienteering, cooking
- Initiative tests, rock & wall climbing, abseiling
- Assault course, canoeing, pacing
- Mountain biking, hiking, camping
- Adventure racing, trail running
More than a school...an experience
Events & Galleries
Woodridge offers a wide range of opportunties for students to grow and develop. In addition to an intense academic programme, the students participate in events including sport, outdoor education, music, drama as well as a host of other cultural and sporting activities. Major events are listed and all other general events can be viewed on the Communicator. To download the School Communicator please click here to follow instructions.
Events
COLLEGE & PREP
→ Woodridge College & Prep Derby Day vs Alex and Clarendon Park
Half-term for Term 2: 21 June – 30 June 2013 (School day ends at 12h00 on 21 June)
Boarders return by 19h00 on Sunday 30 June. School resumes at 08h00 on Monday 1 July)
End of Year: Term ends at 12h45 on Tuesday, 3 December 2013. Final Assembly for the College will be at 12h00
SPORTS FIXTURES
→ College Girl’s Hockey Fixtures
COLLEGE
PREP
Galleries
Gallery - PRE-PRIMARY
Play School and After-care
Gallery - PREP
Prep River Race
Gallery – COLLEGE
SA National Surf Lifesaving Championships
42 Annual River Race
More than a school...an experience
Physical Address: Van Staden's Pass Heights approximately 40km from Port Elizabeth and Jeffrey’s Bay, Eastern Cape
Postal Address: -
Postal Code: 6375
Telephone: +27(0)419566200
Email: headmaster@woodridge.co.za
Directions: From PE airport take exit, turn left to go to Walmer. At robot intersection turn left into Buffelsfontein Rd. Turn right into 6th Ave. Turn left into Walmer Main Rd. Drive past Walmer Park Shopping Centre, turn right into William Moffet Expressway. At intersection with Cape Rd, turn left into Cape Rd. Take N2 highway in direction of Jeffrey’s Bay and Cape Town. Drive for approximately 20 minutes & take Van Stadens Pass/Uitenhage turn-off. Turn left at stop sign & follow road until fork to left.
Latitude: -33.91800745009102
Longitude: 25.202958583831787
Additional Contacts
Prep Admissions: Mrs Dalys Radloff – (041-9566232)
College Admissions & Travel Arrangements: Mrs Lindy Isherwood – (041-9566227)
Day Scholar Bus Arrangements: Mrs Heather von Berg – (041-9566279)
