Educational philosophy

The educational philosophy of the Boys' Prep is based on five pillars, designed to inspire excellence along the journey towards becoming good men.

Service

Boys are encouraged to examine the faith and teaching of the Christian church in the light of their own belief system and those of others, in order to develop spiritual understanding in themselves and those around them. Most of the boys attend the termly visits to the Methodist pre-schools in Ivory Park, allowing them to develop relationships with children less privileged than themselves, and to develop a sense of humility and tolerance.

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Boys are encouraged to develop a set of values and a code of ethics that will enable them to make valued contributions to the world of the 21st century.

Academic

St Stithians Boys’ Prep is a school within a school. We are part of a synergy model that is both unique and dynamic in concept. The collaboration of ideas between the different schools serves to enhance the scope of every facet of education. Academics in the Boys’ Prep benefits from this interaction.

Boys are encouraged to develop a love of learning and to ensure that they possess the skills, resources and motivation to fully experience lifelong education, so that they have the best foundation for their life beyond preparatory school.

At St Stithians Boys' Prep, we strive to develop boys who are equipped to cope with the demands of the 21st century. We develop critical thinkers, who are caring and responsible. The Boys’ Prep journey begins at the end of the foundation phase in Grade 3 and ends at the start of the senior phase in Grade 7. Every possible learning opportunity is embraced to accommodate the developing needs of our young men. A holistic approach aims to develop boys who understand their personal, cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal contributions to society.

We offer a wide range of subjects, including English, Information Technology, Mathematics, Design and Technology, SeSotho, IsiZulu, Afrikaans, EMS (Economic Management Sciences), Natural Science, Social Science, Religious Education, Music and Art. We use the new Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) of South Africa as a guideline, and cover all the critical and developmental outcomes as an integral part of our planning and delivery of lessons.

Our staff engage with the latest teaching methodologies and research pertaining to the independent learning of boys. Staff are encouraged to integrate technology wherever it is believed to enhance the learning experience of the boys.

We embrace the principles of Thinking Schools, which we believe best serves the emerging democracy in South Africa. Boys are taught not only relevant content, but emphasis is also placed on skills and values. An integrated curriculum allows for the natural links between learning areas to be explored to their fullest. Assessment is an integral part of planning in which boys are involved. Strong emphasis is placed on meeting the different learning styles of boys, to enable each individual to develop his potential.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences, Anderson’s revised taxonomy, Habits of Mind, Thinking Maps and Thinking Actively in a Social Context (TASC) are pivotal to our curriculum, ensuring that every boy maximises his potential in his particular area of expertise and interest. We, as a staff, are motivated by the developments in education, and with our team of dedicated teachers are committed to growing a curriculum that meets the needs of our learners in the 21st century.

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Sport

Boys are encouraged to participate in a wide range of sporting activities. The enjoyment of participation is paramount to our ethos, and sport or physical development forms an integral part of our holistic approach to education. As such, we offer a diverse sporting programme so that our boys are able to develop the necessary skills, values and attitudes while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The diverse nature of our sporting programme is a major strength and, as a result, our boys are given an opportunity to experience a wide range of activities and are encouraged to find their own “niche”. The values of St Stithians College must be both considered and demonstrated in all age groups and forms of sport at the Boys’ Preparatory School.

  • Each boy is required to participate in at least one sport activity per half-term
  • Good sportsmanship is central to our core values
  • Sport should assist in fostering pride within oneself and one’s school
  • Results are important and it must be stated that the aim of any sporting competition is to win, but the way in which we participate and conduct ourselves is more important than the result itself.

The following sports are offered at St Stithians Boys’ Prep:

Cricket Swimming Water polo

Squash

Tennis

Climbing Basketball
Athletics Football Cross-country Golf Rugby Hockey  

Culture

Boys are encouraged to participate in a wide range of artistic and cultural activities. Participation in the creative arts is paramount to our ethos.

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In the academic teaching programme, visual arts classes, music singing and theory lessons, marimba lessons and drama classes are compulsory for all boys. In addition to this, boys have the opportunity to engage in an extensive range of extramural cultural activities. These include choir, marimba bands, instrumental music lessons and ensembles, chess, public speaking and dramatic productions.

Our arts and culture education programme gives all boys the opportunity to express themselves creatively, grow in self-confidence and communicate their personal feelings, and observe the environment. It gives them a chance to extend their intellectual knowledge of the arts, to develop positive learning with good attitudes, and an ability to work alone and with others.

Leadership

Boys are empowered to develop an understanding of servant leadership and to live the Saints Honour Code. Further, they are encouraged to develop an understanding of community relationships where individuals will learn to listen and speak to each other in ways that will lead to a deeper understanding of human needs. The Grade 7 boys follow a leadership development programme, where they learn about themselves and develop leadership skills.