Academics

Academics Overview

St Henry’s Marist College is justifiably proud of its superb academic record: with a 100% pass rate at Matriculation level for the past two decades and with a University endorsement rate averaging between 90% and 96% over the past ten years. Since 1996, its pupils have written the Independent Examination Board Matric which is regarded as the pre-eminent examination body in South Africa. Modern educational equipment and methods help the pupils develop a spirit of inquiry so that they will undertake personal independent study. The Learning Resource Centre, incorporating the School Library and Archives, is well-equipped to be the nucleus of research and AV style teaching.

St Henry’s is academic home to over eight hundred young men and women from Grade 000 through to Grade 12, with classes averaging approximately twenty-two to twenty-five students in number. The teaching staff have kept abreast of the many educational changes in our country by attending all relevant in-house courses offered by the Education Department and the Independant Examinations Board.

OBE has been adjusted many times and this is a very creative and positive methodology. However, in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases of the College, there is place also for the old fashioned spelling, phonics, tables, bonds, grammar and reading programmes in the schemes of work. Married to this is a vigilant observation of the spiritual and emotional well-being of the pupils and the continuous interaction between management, teachers and parents.

Assessment is carried out continually on both a formal and informal basis. Any problem areas are addressed as soon as possible to avoid accumulation of learning difficulties. The teachers’ focus is always on the happy, productive student who is keen to attend school and who enjoys success in as many areas as possible, both academically and extra-murally.

The College firmly believes that it is its mission to offer to the pupils the best possible opportunity to succeed in their chosen fields of interest. This ethos is rooted in the charism of St Marcellin, founder of the Catholic teaching order which established Marist schools in 70 countries around the globe. He urged his Brothers to be fully present to their pupils. This, translated into real terms, means that spending time with young people provides opportunities to enter the pupils’ lives, helps to build relationships with them and helps teachers to understand their charges better. Marcellin’s practical lifestyle moved others to work hard and to respect all kinds of work. He balanced his work with devotion to prayer and to his life in the community in which he lived.

Pupil-Teacher ratios are very favourable, ensuring that each student receives the best possible individual attention. The Academic timetable is rigorous and every effort is made to develop within the pupils a habit of personal study. For more on Academics, please see: