Parent Information

COLLEGE INFORMATION
School Hours
Our College runs on a 7 day academic timetable.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday	07h30 to 14h30
Wednesday	07h30 to 13h05

The College assumes it’s curriculum at Grade 8, continuing the Senior Phase through to the end of Grade 9. The pupils participate in all Eight Learning Areas, as laid out by the National Curriculum. They end that phase with externally set exit examinations and each obtain a GET Certificate. Those staying on into the FET Band (Further Education and Training) stay in the school for Grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve. In this phase they will carefully select their specialist subjects. At the end of Grade Twelve, the learners sit the IEB (Independent Examination Board) National Senior Certificate.

Class Size & Lifestyle

Class size is limited to mid- twenties, although because of subject choice, some classes may be considerably smaller. Pupils are encouraged to communicate effectively with their teachers. HeronBridge is an English medium, co-educational College and offers a comprehensive programme to prepare the children for life.

Our ultimate aim is the development of sound thinking and problem-solving skills such that the various faculties produce highly educated pupils who are able to tackle new problems effectively and with confidence! Pupils develop the traits of creativity, sensitivity, self-confidence and resourcefulness. Our approach is determined by the pupils’ interests, experience and environment. They are encouraged to express, analyse and substantiate personal opinions, responses and preferences.

Our academic staff are highly qualified and continual professional development is emphasized. Pupils are encouraged to develop a sound work ethic and small class sizes allow for individual attention. Academic Support is available to pupils in every subject.
 

CURRICULUM - GET – GRADE 8 AND GRADE 9

The GET (General Education and Training), Band follows the National Curriculum with pupils participating in all eight learning areas. The phase ends with externally set exit examinations.

Subjects offered in Grade 8 and 9 :

English
Afrikaans
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Human & Social Sciences
Economic & Management Sciences
Technology
Life Orientation
Art

FET – GRADE 10 – 12

The FET (Further Education and Training), Grades 10 - 12, pupils carefully select carefully their subjects. At the end of Grade 12, pupils sit the IEB Examination. (Independent Examination Board) National Senior Certificate.

Subject Choice

Grade 10 – 12 Compulsory Subjects	Grade 10 – 12 Optional Subjects
English First Language	Life Science
Afrikaans First Additional Language	Physical Science
Mathematics – or	History
Mathematical Literacy	Geography
Life Orientation	Art
	Accounting
	Computer IT (Information Technology) – or
	Computer Studies CAT (Computer Aided Technology)

Notes

1. A pupil must offer seven subjects;
2. A pupil must offer two official languages;
3. All pupils must offer all the compulsory subjects;
4. Mathematics will be on offer at HeronBridge only to those who achieve at least 50% in Mathematics in Grade 9;
5. Mathematical Literacy will be the compulsory option for those who achieve less than 50% in Mathematics in Grade 9
6. Accounting, Computer Studies IT and Science require Mathematics and so will not be options for those who achieve less than 50% in Mathematics in Grade 9;
7. Computer Studies CAT will not be an option for pupils offering Mathematics, except in special circumstances;
8. The requirements for further studies set by the various tertiary institutions.

Co-Curricular Activities

Pupils are encouraged to partake in as many co-curricular activities as possible, and pupils are required to be involved in at least one activity per term or season.
 

Sporting activities offered are:

Rugby	Netball	Swimming
Athletics	Cross Country	Hockey
Cricket	Tennis	Volleyball
Equestrian	First Aid	Open Water Swimming

In the last few years our sporting achievements have grown immensely.  The HeronBridge Sports Complex comprises Soccer, Rugby and Hockey Fields, Netball and Tennis Courts. In 2006 to commemorate the new fields, the Under 14 Rugby & Netball Festival was  developed. We also take part in sporting tours on a national basis.

Cultural activities offered are:

Public Speaking	Debating	Choir
Drama	Photographic	Society

We hold an annual Major Production, and are very competitive in public speaking and debating, winning many regional trophies for our participation.

HeronBridge College has won Best School in the Region for the National Eisteddfod for 5 consecutive years (2005 to 2009).

Canteen

We have a canteen style tuckshop serving healthy food items at reasonable prices. The canteen is open throughout the day and closes late afternoon to allow for our co-curricular programme. Pupils are issued with a smart card which allows for a cash free canteen.

Making School Cool

HeronBridge College launched the “Making School Cool” policy in 2006. We encourage cell phone sms to communicate with our pupils. Our pupils respond well to the theme and it certainly seems like school is cool for them! The canteen vibrates every break with music, cell phones buzz with the daily messages and HBucks are earned with great enthusiasm! HBucks are awarded to pupils for academic, cultural and sporting activities.

HeronBridge Personal Challenge

This is a programme of diverse activities set to challenge individuals to do their best over the years they are in the College, for themselves, their school and society. There are various levels of award, set for a vast range of activities, from the Squacco Heron award, through the Grey and Purple Heron awards to the ultimate Goliath Heron accolade. The challenges are personal in that individual pupils set their own targets and seek to meet these outside of any assistance from the College.

DigiSchool

2010 has seen the introduction of the College’s digital school. Lessons have a technological flavour, pupils use laptops in class and work is sent electronically between school and home. Digidays have been scheduled on a monthly basis in order to emphasise the importance of computers in the learning process.

Matric Results

Click here to view the results page