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nelson mandela bay's family lifestyle
author:
xandre van der berg
education the st george's way
photography:
zuko, lifegate photography
issue:
6, winter 2008
You do not have to send your children to Cape Town or Johannesburg for the best in private education. In Park Drive, Port Elizabeth, you will find one of the gems of private educational institutions in South Africa. In the early 1900's Raymond Hutchinson dreamt of a school with more to offer than just classrooms, teachers and books. Hutchinson wanted to create a school where the doors to the world would be opened and students taken on a journey of discovery. He dreamt of a place where a child could receive the highest quality of education and be known and nurtured, personally. Hutchinson's dream was realized when the doors of the St George's Preparatory School were opened in an elegant Victorian Mansion, in 1936. The building was originally the grand family home to successful wool merchant, John Daverin, from Ireland and St George's Prep School still occupies the historic building. The St George's Way has, however, evolved into three schools offering exceptional education that is holistic and progressive. Children are educated in a happy and caring Christian environment, encouraged not only to think for themselves, but to enjoy the learning experience while developing unique talents and life skills. At the Pre-Primary school qualified teachers assist the young in their journey of discovery. A balanced foundation is formed through stimulation during play, while a large selection of educational equipment is being used. Continual assessment ensures that the children develop in all social skills and are ready to move on to the Preparatory School. Extra-mural activities include Monkeynastix, Ballet, Judo, Playball and an aftercare program is also available to round off the day. From Pre-Primary to Preparatory the exceptional educational experience continues on a very firm base. At the Preparatory School a holistic approach to education ensures the development of each child's talents to their fullest. The current headmaster, Mr. Liss, explains: “Ours is a happy school - pupils are being cared for in a happy, yet disciplined environment. Focus is on developing each child to their fullest potential. Sporting, cultural & outdoor activities are an integral part of schooling with high regard for participation. We are proud to be able to have a small pupil-teacher ratio. In this way excellence with emphases on Maths, Science and English are being consistently met.” St George's Preparatory boasts many successes in External Benchmarking Examinations, including the ESKOM Young Scientists Expo, Maths Olympiads & the Commonwealth Essay Competition. The staff has the freedom to move beyond the curriculum to enrich and stimulate the brighter and more able pupils. The Prep-School also offers a special program to challenge and extend exceptional learners and a well equipped computer centre, state of the art interactive classroom technology as well as specialist teachers provide a very comprehensive and stimulating educational environment. “We have highly qualified educators who develop our students' love of cultural expression in music, art and drama. Acknowledging the vital role music plays in the development of a child, St George's students may learn to master the clarinet, violin, cello, trumpet, tuba, saxophone, trombone, recorder, percussion and piano. The school also boasts a Junior and Senior Band, as well as a choir. The extensive winter and summer sporting program, hosted by St George's Preparatory caters for all levels of interest. Coaching is always of the highest standard and emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and sporting etiquette.” Biathlon, water polo, golf and mountain biking are a few of the “not so ordinary” sporting activities available to students who enjoy the St George's Way. “We have developed into one of the leading sporting institutions in the region and the importance of balancing a high standard of education and cultural exposure with excellence in sport is acknowledged. A recent cricket tour to the United Kingdom was a highlight on our sporting calendar. The foundation of different sporting opportunities formed at the Pre-Primary, allow students to continue with a wide variety of sport when attending Prep School.” St George's College is the natural next phase in the St George's Way of exceptional education. The College provides private High School education with a specific focus on small classes that foster good interpersonal skills. The quality and style of education maintained at the Pre-Primary and Preparatory schools is continued at the College. Walking away from this school I am overwhelmed by the realization of how privileged the students are who have the benefit of being educated the St George's Way and how privileged Nelson Mandela Bay is to have such a private educational institution. Should anyone ever ask me about private education, I would not refer them to Cape Town or Johannesburg, but to what is hidden away on leafy Park Drive.
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