EDEN DURBAN
Pre-Primary | Preparatory | High School
den Schools Durban offers the best quality co-educational private schooling from Sunshine Group (grade 0000) to Matric in KZN. Eden Durban has the highest academic standards, expert teaching and a caring supportive environment that extends beyond the classroom. Our leaner’s horizons are broadened and they challenged to become more involved, thus developing their social, leadership and communication skills.
Eden’s Philosophy: Holistic Education
Matric Results
Eden Schools are committed to provide a balanced holistic education to produce well-rounded, accomplished, self-disciplined and confident individuals. In addition to offering a wide range of learning areas, we encourage our students to participate in various sports and extra-mural activities such as soccer, cricket, swimming, basketball, netball, sailing, dance, chess, debating, public speaking, eco projects and community outreach programmes.
We have a strong programme of arts and culture enabling our music, dance, drama and art students to have the opportunity to perform in festivals, productions, shows and exhibitions. In 2023 we worked in collaboration with Glenwood Boys High and performed “13 the Musical” @ the Sneddon Theatre. Our Preparatory learners yearly perform at the Hilton Art Festival.
Our matric results each year are outstanding. Eden has ranked as one of the top five schools in South Africa for our NSC matric results for the past 5 years. In 2022 and 2023 our top learner was ranked 3rd in Independent schools in KZN. According to newshub360.net Eden is one of the Top 10 High Schools in Durban as well as one of the top 10 Independent Schools in Durban. We have had 100% bachelor passes since our inception in 2007 and our number of A’s per candidate regularly exceeds 3,5.
The Secret to Eden’s Success
Extension at Eden
The secret to our success is firstly due to our small classes, and the warm, friendly, family atmosphere we cultivate and secondly to our experienced, caring teachers who are prepared to go the extra mile, giving extra lessons when needed. The children at Eden are happy to come to school. At Eden we strive to provide a unique and vibrant educational experience for our students. We celebrate the diversity of cultures in a cosmopolitan South Africa and respect religious practices and holidays of various faiths.
Note from a Past Parent
Eden is a school where the teachers go beyond the normal requirements of teaching. They form bonds with the children. They understand that not every child fits into the same mould. The smaller classes made it easier for a learner to block out the white noise and focus on the teacher’s voice. Here the spirit is not choked but encouraged to develop each in their own unique way.
84 Dan Pienaar Rd, Glenmore
Tel: 031-205-3357 | www.edenschools.co.za
info@edenkzn.co.za
At Eden, we extend our children by encouraging out-the-box thinking and developing problem solving skills. Our children excel at various Olympiads such as the South African Mathematics Olympiad, Conquesta, the Computer and Physics Olympiad and the English Olympiad.
As a centre of excellence, Eden College Durban’s vision is to be a leading institution in educating boys and girls to enable them to become responsible young men and women who will make significant, positive contributions to the situations faced in South Africa and the world.
PRE-PRIMARY (Sunshine Group - 0000 to Grade 00)
Love and laughter; work and play
PREPARATORY (Grade R to Grade 7)
Growing happy children
COLLEGE (Grade 8 to Grade 12)
The genesis of genius
3 The mercury Friday, February 23 2024 • •
Durban Girls’ College
Eden College
Highbury Preparatory School
is monastic (boys only) from Grade R through to Grade 7 allowing us to tailor make a curriculum that appeals to boys. While we know that many boys love kinaesthetic activities and the wide range of sport that is offered, we believe it is important to balance this with a love for music, drama and art. We work hard to create learning opportunities for the boys to express themselves on the stage by acting, playing a musical instrument or singing. In order to develop a sense of belonging, we know that our boys need to feel part of a tribe, a group of people who share a common interest. A Highbury
from the desks of the principals
4 Friday, February 23 2024 The mercury 2024 Focus on Independent Schools in KwaZulu-Natal DOMINICAN CONVENT SCHOOL Ask questions, discover answers, apply knowledge independent girls | catholic christian | day school 155 Kenneth Kaunda/Northway Durban North • www.fatima.co.za Al-Falaah College A beacon of holistic learning and achievement. Al-Falaah College has become a prominent name in the educational sector, known for its comprehensive approach to education, deeply rooted in Islamic values. The school serves students from Grades 00 to 12, with a steadfast commitment to fostering independent and critical thinking, enriching holistic development, nurturing leadership qualities, and employing advanced, innovative teaching methods. Principal Mr Zaffar Ahmed shares his vision: “At Al-Falaah College, we strive for excellence in all our endeavours. Our goal is to develop leaders who are guided by the principles of Qur’an and Sunnah. We provide an environment where students grow academically and spiritually, benefitting from our holistic educational approach.” Al-Falaah College’s educational philosophy has yielded remarkable results. The school boasts a consistent 100% pass rate since inception 40 years ago and recently celebrated one of its pupils Aboobakr Joosab achieving second place in KwaZulu-Natal among Independent schools in the Matric examinations. This achievement further elevates Al-Falaah’s reputation, following its recognition as the top-performing school in KZN AMS Schools and sustaining its legacy of academic excellence since its inception. The school not only excels academically but has an environment conducive to holistic development, providing an enriching environment where every student experiences a sense of belonging and empowerment. From Grades 00 to 12, pupils are immersed in an atmosphere that balances academic rigor with spiritual and personal growth, fostering a unique “experience of the feel ethos”. This nurturing environment is supported by a dedicated team of passionate, qualified educators who are committed to the holistic development of their learners. The school’s focus on independent and critical thinking, combined with its dedication to Islamic values, has made a significant impact, shaping future leaders in a well-rounded manner. Al-Falaah College stands as a testament to the power of education when coupled with a commitment to holistic development and Islamic values. The school’s excellent Matric results, including the exceptional achievement of Aboobakr Joosab and its position as the number one school in KZN AMS Schools, are clear indicators of its success. As Al-Falaah College continues on this path, it promises to produce many more leaders and achievers in the years ahead.
Established in 1877, Durban Girls’ College is a world-class South African school high above the city on the Berea, operating as an independent, Christian school for girls from Grade 00 to Grade 12, with weekly boarding from Grade 7. After I joined Durban Girls’ College in January 2022, the Board of Governors directive to me was very clear: Develop and drive the College’s strategic direction, while managing it through a rapidly changing education landscape. DGC’s vision is to develop significant young women who embody the values of integrity, courage, agility, respect, and empathy through a holistic education which is globally relevant. We inspire pupils to realise their potential through a dynamic educational experience built on tradition, innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. The outstanding school-leaving results achieved by generations of Grade 12 girls and the successes of its alumni are a testament to the Durban Girls’ College educational experience. The Class of 2023 were ranked 1st in KwaZulu-Natal and 5th in the country among IEB girls’ schools! Durban Girls’ College is a top choice for sports achievers and participants and features in the Top 100 School Sports rankings for 2023, being placed first
National
Festival 2024
our Swimming Team
third.
there were several upgrades at the campus – the acquisition of a generator, the upgrade of the IT infrastructure, the building of a pavilion on the grandstands, the erection of lights on the astroturf, and the acquisition of moveable seating stands. The boarding school, College House, has redecorated its lounge and dining room, and renovated the bathrooms.
year ahead offers some exciting new developments. The Sports Department now includes the on-campus services of biokineticist Wayne Minnie while the CORE Centre, providing academic support and counselling, has moved into new premises in Miller Grove. The new Anele Tembe Library is an innovative school library of the future, and its contemporary design celebrates the original character and history of the building. Plans for the future include an Innovation Centre providing a dedicated space for cutting-edge technology such as 3D printers, 3D headsets (Oculus), drones, and holographic pictures, where pupils engage in hands-on, immersive learning experiences. In a swiftly evolving landscape characterised by technological breakthroughs and the ascendancy of artificial intelligence (AI), it is critical to equip young women with the skills and mindset needed to navigate careers that may not yet exist. Thriving demands more than adaptability – it necessitates a proactive, forward-thinking, and flexible approach to education. Our young women are empowered to embrace uncertainty, seize emerging opportunities, and chart their journey confidently in a world where change is the only constant.
in KwaZulu-Natal and second in South Africa. Our Water Polo 1st Team was 1st at the
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Eden College, though modest in size, fosters a warm and inclusive environment where learners, from the age of two to 18, are embraced as part of a close-knit community. With a focus on small class sizes, we prioritise individualised attention to facilitate academic growth. At Eden College, our commitment to cultivating a sense of community goes beyond just the physical space. We believe in creating a supportive environment where every individual is valued. We take pride in celebrating the unique qualities of each student and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic self. Our school boasts a vibrant arts and cultural programme alongside a dedicated sports department, ensuring an educational experience that creates confidence and versatility in our learners. In addition, we also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests and talents. Whether it’s through art, music, sport or community service, we encourage our students to explore their passions and develop a well-rounded skill set that will serve them well in the future. For the past 17 years, candidates have consistently achieved an average of 3,5 As per candidate in their final examinations. Our commitment to excellence and dedication to our students has been the driving forces behind our success. Our dedicated staff ensure that each learner receives the guidance they need to thrive academically and personally. With our experienced educators and personalised approach to learning, we are proud to continue our tradition of helping learners achieve outstanding results. As we look towards the future, we remain committed in our mission to inspire and empower the next generation. Join us at Eden College where education goes beyond the classroom to inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Highbury’s theme for 2024 is: Belonging. At Highbury our children are welcomed, accepted and known. We recognise and celebrate the unique nature of each child and honour our 121-year-old legacy of “Knowing Boys”. While oldschool values like respect and good manners are central to our identity, we are also focused on providing our children with a vibrant and engaging education that fosters the academic development of each child. We work hard to nurture a unique blend of growing the individual characters of our boys by providing challenges for them to develop grit, along with the love and care to support them on their journey. Our school is built on a firm Christian foundation that dates back over 120 years to our founder, Mrs McMillan. At Highbury we recognise that each child is created to be their own unique character. We celebrate our diversity and know that we are stronger because of diverse races, skills and interests that our student body is composed of. Our school
education develops a strong sense of belonging. Orient Islamic School Achieving educational excellence since 1959! According to many experts and educators from all around the globe, it is time to rethink our approach to Education and embrace new possibilities to transform schools and improve the way we prepare learners. In a recent report, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calls for a definition of the future of Education so that: “Education can equip learners with agency, a sense of purpose and the competencies they need to shape their own lives and contribute to the lives of others.” Orient Islamic School has a long and successful history of quality education. For decades, we have been highly ranked on the education spectrum. The excellent results achieved by Orient Islamic School are the result of: • Islamic ethos – integrating faith and learning • Quality of the teaching staff • A supportive and nurturing environment provided at School • Smaller class sizes • Strong sense of community • A vibrant community outreach programme for the disadvantaged • Bouquet of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities • Focus on thinking and understanding and a genuine will to know learners well • Intervention road map for support and individualised learning so that all learners find their own path and reach their full potential • Importance of character building As a trusted school, we will continue to provide the seeds for a promising future and embrace new possibilities to constantly transform the Orient Islamic School. We are committed to helping our learners and educators reshape learning practices and be adaptable and ready for any future scenario. ZAFFAR AHMED Principal – Al-Falaah College HEIDI REA Executive Head
CHRISTA BOOYSENS Principal ROLAND LACOCk Headmaster IMTIAZ SAIB Executive Headmaster
St Henry’s Marist College
St John’s DSG
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Philippians 4 vs 8
St Mary’s DSG Kloof
Star College
Another enthusiastic group of Grade 8s has joined us, and as they settled in we celebrated another set of outstanding Matric results. All of our 2023 Matric girls achieved Bachelor Degree passes, and with the second highest average mark in the school’s history, it is clear that we are achieving well. The reasons, though, are not what you may expect.
College is thus a school well established in the heart of Durban, drawing its vision from a global educational family.
from the desks of the principals
In 1897 when St John’s DSG was first started by three Anglican nuns, they identified spiritual and character development as keys to unlock the potential in children, as opposed to too much focus on marks and results. They implemented liberal education as it was termed: a holistic, balanced approach to education, designed to “awaken the soul of the child” through the development of character, contentment and an understanding of Biblical truth as vital components in
5 The mercury 2024 Focus on Independent Schools in KwaZulu-Natal 08h30-12h30 HONESTY INTEGRITY RESPECT EXCELLENCE Achieving Educational Excellence Since 1959 Open Week OUR CORE FOCUS AREAS 4-7 March 2024 BOOK A TOUR NSC Class of 2023 100% Pass Rate www.orientschool.co.za | 031 655 0952 Developing sound Islamic values and character. Entrenching respect and tolerance for all. Empowering learners with 21st century skills. Striving for excellence. Developing learners holistically. 49 ML Sultan Road, Greyville, Durban 4001 While Orient Islamic School is a school with an Isl amic ethos, applications are invited from learners of all faith s. Grades RR-12 Our Lady of Fatima DCS At Our Lady of Fatima, we are committed to ensuring that the 12-year educational journey is dynamic, vigorous and rich in opportunities. Our greatest success lies not only in the consistent final examination results we achieve, but in the fact that our girls are able to step into a post school world, in which technology drives exponential change, and not just survive but add value with their ability to engage in it, both critically and creatively. Our 2023 Matrics achieved a class average of 76% in the IEB examinations and we were proud to have four girls named on the Outstanding Achiever’s list and one on the Commendable Achiever’s list. These results are testament to a culture which develops a love for learning born out of strong teacher-student relationships and a growth mindset encouraging our girls to consistently persevere and learn, un-learn and re-learn. We are a “School of Sisters”, and this sisterhood is developed through active engagement in our extensive and competitive extracurricular programmes comprising varied sport and cultural activities. In addition, we have our mentorship programme in which our senior girls continually engage with the younger ones. Our motto Veritas speaks to the “PURSUIT OF TRUTH” and as our girls live in a society where there are many voices advocating for space in their minds, we advocate to give space to the spiritual truths of God’s Word. We hold fast to our core values and actively encourage the living out of these in our daily interactions with each other. School is a place for making memories, and in turning 70 this year we reflect on so many of the memories already made on our campus and look forward to all that lies ahead.
Henry’s Marist College celebrates its 95th anniversary this year – a significant milestone and a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to what has been achieved by so many who have contributed to make St Henry’s what it is today. This legacy is also informed by the fact that St Henry’s is part of a global family of Marist schools of which there are six in South Africa and more than 600 around the world. Marist schools are truly international! Added to this, the Marist family has a total of 27 universities in a variety of countries. It is this international quality which brings with it the benefit of global awareness and understanding, education wisdom and experience as well as a network which shares resources and insights that can be applied within a local context. St Henry’s Marist
St
optimising the potential in girls who could stand out in society as intelligent, courageous, gracious, respectful young women of significance in a challenging world. This approach has remained unchanged to this day, and although we have increased in size, facilities and reputation the core of what differentiates us is our approach to growing the mind, heart and soul of each girl in a unique, at times challenging, yet ultimately caring and individual manner. With inspiring and capable staff who are also grounded in their approach, the results then naturally follow. A healthy, balanced, self-confident girl is free to explore her natural gifts and interests free from inhibitions associated with too much stress. St John’s DSG remains known and loved as a school with a healthy blend of boarders and day girls, in which girls are well known. We strive to inspire girls to embrace diversity; to respect and care for each other and the environment; and to understand consequences without fear of failure so that they can flourish in society with a sound faith foundation, the ability to think, and ultimately soar like eagles.
Reading is the foundation for success. The most important objective of every school should be to create a love of learning in their students. As we know the world is changing at a rate never experienced before. Life-long learning is a reality and schools have to foster a mindset that embraces ongoing learning and growth. A love of reading is synonymous with a love of learning. If we do not create a love of reading then we will diminish the capacity and motivation for our students to learn; both in and beyond school. South African universities have found that their top achievers have something in common: they love reading for pleasure. At St Mary’s we have two libraries, one for the Primary School and one for the High School. Across all grades we have scheduled reading times called DEAR: Drop Everything and Read. These initiatives have helped our girls to be more empathetic, curious and have insight into a wider world. They are confident and able to understand that people are all different and yet at the same time, have such similar needs, desires and fears. In his latest book, Hidden Potential, Adam Grant references research on the impact reading had on the economic growth of towns and countries during the reformation. It was not the Protestant work ethic that drove economic growth as once assumed, but the ability to read and write. When one considers the value of stories in how we learn and make sense of history, culture, emotional intelligence and our ancestors’ wisdom, then it is plain to see that without the skills associated with reading and comprehension, we will not make much progress in life. A school without a culture of reading will not be able to create the rich, diverse environment that is needed for a holistic education.
It is with great pride and excitement that I write this message to you as the Principal of Star College. I am thrilled and honoured to have the opportunity to lead a school with such a rich tradition both in and out of the classroom. Over the last 22 years Star College has earned an outstanding reputation of academic excellence through the hard work of our students, teachers, parents and staff. We are proud to support numerous challenging academic programmes, including an outstanding an Olympiad programme, while being a leader in physics, chemistry and computer technology with various school clubs provided for our students. We encourage others to experience our school culture which is focused on providing students with the academic and social resources to prepare them to achieve their post-secondary education goals. We believe that it is important for our students to co-operate with the school through positive relationships and a strong sense of community commitment. I believe that every student can achieve academic accolades and be successful if given the right support and opportunities. Our teachers and staff are committed to providing all students with an appropriate and challenging educational experience in an environment that fosters learning and growth. am honoured to continue serving our community as move into my first year at Star College, Durban. have an open-door policy, and my number one goal is that our school community continues to thrive! “Mind, Body, Soul” is our motto, and we stand strongly by it.
Children are naturally exuberant, curious beings who desire to make meaningful connections with the world around them. At Thomas More College we recognise these characteristics and embrace them, by cultivating a passion for life and learning. Our children’s journeys are marked with multiple growth opportunities geared towards exploring and developing the best version of themselves. Staff partner with parents in their joint commitment to ‘draw out’ what lies in the heart of every child, inspiring them to become Tomorrow’s Leaders Today. Your child will thrive in our vibrant, fun-filled and dynamic environment amidst a diverse circle of friends. Our comprehensive curriculum ensures that the range of subjects, sports and cultural offerings as well as spiritual and social engagements establish a balanced, wellrounded child, who is capable of making a difference in the world. In the face of rapid change, children will experience a future different from the world we know. Therefore, a proficient teaching methodology incorporating digital literacy is vital in imparting malleable skills needed to succeed – like collaboration, critical thinking and creativity all of which promote a growth mindset for lifelong learning. We remain committed to be on the cutting edge of these developments to ensure our children are wellequipped for their future. Our core values of Purpose, Belonging, directed personal Effort and a can-do Attitude are underpinned by our Christian-based Ethos. We aspire to love and develop the whole child and acknowledge that every person has intrinsic value. Our quality education is interactive, engaging, innovative and relevant. Our purpose is to nurture self-aware, capable and confident young people who understand their capacity and responsibility to influence the world positively. Thomas More College Senior Primary provides an Inspired Education in the pursuit of personal excellence. DEIRDRE HORSFALL Principal DR STEPHEN LEECH College Principal
Thomas More College
SIMON C MOORE Principal JONATHAN MANLEY Executive Principal AHMET kAYYA Principal MATTHEw DAvIES – High School Headmaster ANNY BREEDT – Junior Primary Headmistress GARY BALARIN – Senior Primary Headmaster
