Uplands Prospectus 2016 by Elrie Visser

Uplands 2016 Prospectus

An established school with new ideas

2 UPLANDS: Prospectus 2016

Prep: +27 13 751 3806 Email: admin@uplandsprep.org College: +27 13 751 3141 Email: admissions@uplandscollege.org Web: www.uplands.co.za GPS Co-ordinates: Latitude: 25.3077ยบ S Longitude: 31.0035ยบ E

INTRODUCTION Thank you for considering Uplands as a school of choice for your family. Uplands is an Independent, English-speaking school operating under the auspices of the Anglican Church and offering schooling to boys and girls from Grades 000 to 12, with boarding from Grade 6 upwards. The foundations upon which the school is built are our values, as we offer a forward-thinking, holistic and progressive curriculum, within a supportive and disciplined environment. We are very proud of our achievements and are delighted that you are considering joining the Uplands family. A first-time visitor to Uplands is sure to be impressed by the peaceful country setting and beautiful surroundings. A walk around the school will give you a sense of the rich history of Uplands, with the Preparatory School opened in 1928 and the establishment of the College in 1997. We offer exceptional facilities in the academic, sporting and cultural arenas, situated on a picturesque, peaceful 110-hectare country estate in White River, Mpumalanga, only 366km from Johannesburg and 20 minutes from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).

An established school with new ideas

VISION (PURPOSE) Uplands seeks to nurture young people to 足become self-confident, happy and successful in a changing world. They will be creative, critical thinkers who embrace change and develop 足lasting, healthy relationships.

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MISSION (HOW) The school employs quality staff who provide a dynamic, caring, 足values-based education through meaningful interaction. Parental support and excellent facilities are cornerstones of our success, as we grow a world-class, forward-thinking school.

An established school with new ideas

PREP ACADEMICS ¢¢ PRE-PRIMARY PHASE Our Pre-Primary Phase starts in Grade 000 or “Wooden School”, as it is fondly known, having begun in a simple wooden structure many years ago. Our vision in this special phase is to provide a happy, safe and loving environment in which children are stimulated to learn through exploration and play. Our learning programme focuses on six equally important areas: nn Language, Communication and Literacy Development nn Mathematical Development nn Knowledge and Understanding of the World nn Physical Development nn Personal and Social Development nn Cognitive Development Our experienced and forward-thinking teachers help to build a solid foundation in the Pre-Primary Phase which is crucial to the child’s development and progression in the later phases. Daily activities include: painting, drawing, cutting, pasting, outdoor play, construction games, puzzles, play dough, movement, exercises, skills development, talking, listening, exploring, sharing, dramatic play, music appreciation and fantasy play.

¢¢ FOUNDATION PHASE An emotionally-intelligent child will be a happy, self-disciplined child who will be able to cope in many different circumstances with a positive attitude. Therefore, in this stage, the teachers strive to develop the whole child cognitively, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The small classes enable teachers to focus on the different learning styles and p ersonalities of the children. Traditional values and modern technology provide a solid foundation for the Senior Phase. Our structured academic programme consists of English, Afrikaans (1st additional language), Maths and Life Skills which are presented in modern, computer-friendly classrooms. In addition to these subjects, children participate in a variety of cultural and sporting opportunities as well as IT and Library lessons. Parents are expected to assist their children with reading at home, while those who stay in the afternoon have sessions that alternate between academic work and fun skills-based activities. Parents are in regular contact with their children’s teachers via formal reports and direct interaction whenever the need arises. We take time from our busy academic day to have loads of fun. Special days involve gardening, baking, Thrass dress-up days as well as outings. Children enjoy World Book Day, theme-based days and an Easter Bonnet Parade.

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¢¢ SENIOR PRIMARY PHASE In the Senior Primary Phase the learning environment is more formal. Class teaching is combined with specialist teaching in Grades 4 and 5, while in Grades 6 and 7 our pupils are prepared for high school by being exposed, almost entirely, to subject specialist teaching. In addition to traditional subjects such as English, Afrikaans, Maths, History, Geography and Natural Science, the curriculum is enriched with isiZulu, Physical Education, Life Orientation, Art, Music, Divinity, IT and Entrepreneurship. The classroom is extended well beyond the walls of our school, with pupils going on exciting outdoor educational excursions and tours. Furthermore, pupils are occasionally exposed to guest speakers during lessons and assemblies, with a special emphasis on leadership development in the Grade 7 year. We strive to achieve academic excellence and monitor our progress by writing National and International Benchmarking Assessments.

An established school with new ideas

COLLEGE ACADEMICS ¢¢ ACADEMIC VISION “Today’s thinking child is tomorrow’s achiever” Our vision is that all stakeholders are actively working towards achieving confident thinking children. The delivery of our academic vision is from dedicated, forward-thinking, innovative staff and equally progressive and developmental educational resources. The curriculum values critical thinking and application of knowledge. Teaching and learning is relevant to our learners, with technology playing a complementary role and our learners are actively engaged in the learning experience. Assessment focuses on critically analysing information and formulating ideas. Uplands College subscribes to the internationally-accredited curriculum of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). A comprehensive selection of academic subjects is offered. The range of subjects offered caters for all strengths and interests: from the Sciences and Humanities to those with a Commercial or Information Technology direction. We are also proud to offer the Advanced Programme in Mathematics and English: these are rigorous programmes which provide extension for our top academic pupils. In addition, our pupils are exposed to the various national subject Olympiads, with many obtaining national rankings in these examinations. We have a consistent record of outstanding results. With a Matric pass rate routinely at 100% and a Degree Access Pass well in excess of 90%, we are proud of our results. Class sizes are restricted to no more than 27 and this is complemented by a teacher-pupil ratio of 1:15. Our effective whole-school tutor system, with a maximum of 18 pupils per tutor group, enhances our academic delivery.

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In preparing a child for life after school, Uplands provides an exceptional and complete 足education. Academic e 足 xcellence lies at the core of the Uplands 足ethos. Uplands provides a 足challenging, relevant and balanced education for your child.

An established school with new ideas

CULTURAL PROGRAMME As part of our holistic approach to education, the arts and other cultural activities form an important part of our curriculum. Our pupils get involved in cultural activities, where they are afforded several opportunities to perform in front of an audience throughout the year. Drama, Art and Music play an enormous role in the life of Uplands. We are among the few private schools in South Africa offering Drama, Art and Music as subjects through to Grade 12 (Matric). Pupils may also take Music, Art and Drama as additional extra-mural activities should they not wish to take them as formal subjects. Uplands boasts a magnificent drama centre and amphitheatre and pupils are encouraged at every opportunity to be on stage. Grades 000 to 7 pupils participate in a play or musical every year. The College is known for its splendid major productions. Throughout their school career, pupils learn to play a variety of musical instruments and are also able to receive private tuition. The school has three choirs – Junior (Grades 1 to 3), Senior (Grades 4 to 7) and College (Grades 8 to 12). Art forms part of the curriculum from Grade 000 - Grade 12, therefore pupils’ Art is displayed at various school and external events, as well as around the school.

¢¢ CLUBS, SERVICE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Junior and Senior Phase inter-house public speaking competitions are held every year at the Prep and Uplands Preparatory School and the Rotary Club of White River co-hosts the annual Inter-Schools Public Speaking Competition. College pupils are invited to join Toastmasters which is open to anyone looking to develop their communication and leadership skills. Many of our pupils take part in the annual Eisteddfod and, for pupils whose interests lie elsewhere, Uplands facilitates a variety of extra-curricular activities on the school campus. In addition to cultural activities such as choir, marimba band and orchestra, we offer a wide range of clubs and service organisations. They include ballet, pottery, CANSA, Cubs, contemporary and modern dance, chess, community service, fencing, first aid, Interact and the school newspaper.

10 UPLANDS: Prospectus 2016

Application form 2016

An established school with new ideas

UPLANDS APPLICATION FORM Please complete the application form in full and return, along with the following documents: (Please print clearly) Office use: nn Copies of two most recent school reports (not applicable to Grade 0 to 000 applicants). Rec: nn Copy of your child’s birth certificate. Admin: nn Copy of both guardians’ ID document / passport. Guard: nn Photograph of your child. Sec Guard: nn R400 non-refundable registration fee. Banking details: nn Grade 000 to 7: First National Bank, White River; Branch code 270552; Account: 54285516910 nn Grade 8 to12: First National Bank, White River; Branch code 270552; Account: 62024635073 Attach recent Please use the following reference when making payment: Child’s initials and surname, passport size entry grade and entry year

photo

Admission policy: Entry to Uplands is determined by the availability of space, performance in assessments and an interview with the Headmaster. How did you hear about Uplands? £

Web £

Family £ Friend £

Media £

Expo £

Other

Application for (tick the appropriate block): £

Pre-Primary phase: Gr 000 – 0

Foundation phase: Gr 1 – 3

Senior Primary phase: Gr 4 – 7

College: Gr 8 – 12

Pupil information Surname

First name

Initials

Middle name/s

Birth date (yyyy/mm/dd)

Preferred name

Gender

Home language

Current school

Previous school

Physical address Religious affiliation

Citizenship/nationality

Country of birth

Country of residence

RSA ID number

Passport number

Study permit number Pupil’s e-mail address

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(Foreign students only)

Permit renewal date

(Foreign students only)

Pupil’s cell number

| Prep Gr 000 to 7 — Tel: +27 13 751 3806 | Email: admin@uplandsprep.org

Application information Entry year

Entry grade

Boarder or day scholar

Special dietary requirements

Name/s of sibling/s currently in Prep of College Name/s of sibling/s not yet at school or who has/have left school

Prep

College

Pre-school/not yet in school

Left school

Does your child currently hold a leadership position? If so, what position? If a parent/family member/sibling attended Uplands, what is their name and please tick which House they were in (see below) if applicable £

Webb

Ogilvie

Fuller

Bishop

Name/s College

Founders

Goss

Does your child have learning difficulties/undergo any therapies? Please complete each academic/sport/cultural/outdoor/other activity your child participates in (please include at what level and any achievements) Academic Sport Cultural Outdoor Other e.g. community service

Assessment and interview n Applicants n applying for placement in Grades 000 to 7 will be invited for an interview and assessment. n For n applicants applying for placement in Grades 8 to 11, the assessment dates for 2016 are as follows: Tick the date that suits you

Gr 8 applicants only Annual scholarship and entry exam date: £ Friday 4 March 2016

Alternate assessment date: Gr 8-11 applicants (does not include Scholarship Exam) £

Medical information Name of Medical Aid

Name of main member

Main member d.o.b. (yyyy/mm/dd)

Medical Aid membership number

Medical Aid telephone number

Emergency contact name and number (NOT parents/guardians)

Medical conditions, allergies etc., that Uplands should be aware of

UPLANDS: Admissions | College: Gr8 to 12 — Tel: +27 13 751 3141 | Email: admissions@uplandscollege.org

Guardian/parental information Detail

Primary guardian

Secondary guardian

Title Surname First name Initials Relationship to child Marital status Identity / passport number

Postal address

Home language Box/street Town/city Province/region Country Postal code

Residential address

Home telephone number Cell number E-mail address (please insert Âaddresses for both guardians) Employer / name of company Work telephone Fax number Position at work Profession

Financial matters Name of person responsible for payment of school fees Postal address Telephone number/s E-mail address for accounts We, the undersigned, would be grateful if the Admissions office would process this application for our child to attend Uplands. We declare the above information to be correct to the best of our knowledge. We understand that Uplands may conduct a confidential finance check and/or contact my childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous school for a reference.

Signed primary guardian: ____________________________

Date: _______________________________

Signed secondary guardian: __________________________

Date: _______________________________

14 UPLANDS: Admissions

¢¢ INTEGRATED DAY As part of its vision to develop the potential of every pupil, Uplands offers a unique, fully-integrated day until 16:30 from Mondays to Thursdays. During the integrated timetable, pupils are afforded the opportunity to participate in a wide range of academic, sporting, cultural and service activities and are able to enjoy exceptional facilities and benefit from the high quality of education that Uplands provides.

¢¢ FACILITIES ON CAMPUS Our facilities include an Astroturf, which is widely used by our school and provincial teams. There are numerous other sports facilities on campus, including cricket ovals, hockey, rugby and soccer fields; two swimming pools and a learnto-swim “Button” pool for Pre-Primary and Foundation Phase pupils; tennis and netball courts; a graded equestrian centre which can host provincial events; an on-campus cross-country mountain biking course; two cricket pavilions; and a sports centre with a fully-equipped gym.

¢¢ SPORT Uplands has quality in its depth, created by a well-structured sports programme. We strive to achieve excellence in all our sporting activities by offering traditional sport codes such as: swimming, athletics, crosscountry, rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, soccer, tennis, mountain biking, horse riding and golf. The equestrian centre provides pupils with the opportunity to take lessons, stable their horses and compete in shows. There are also a number of smaller non-core sports offered, including outdoor pursuits. We have established a proud sports record, as evidenced by the number of provincial representatives in the various sport codes. It is only outstanding coaches that can bring together the pupils and facilities to produce the excellence that has become commonplace at Uplands.

An established school with new ideas

SPIRITUAL PROGRAMME Uplands has a Christian ethos and is run under the auspices of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa. We are, however, inclusive in our attitude towards other religions and pupils are encouraged to reinforce the spiritual aspect of their lives. We seek to nurture an inclusive Christian-based education and offer our pupils numerous opportunities for spiritual growth. Divinity classes form part of the academic curriculum from Grades 4 to11. There are opportunities for worship marked by regular Chapel services. At the Preparatory School there is a weekly, short Chapel service for the Foundation Phase pupils, with our Junior and Senior Preparatory School pupils 足celebrating Holy Communion every Friday. We have a Chapel service at College every cycle, which normally includes the 足celebration of Holy Communion, interspersed with outside speakers who expose the community to various Christian faith perspectives. The Chapel Band, comprised of staff and pupils, plays a pivotal role in leading the worship. We have introduced a Sunday Evening Service in the College Chapel for pupils, staff, parents and anyone in the Uplands Community who wishes to attend. It is focused on the Eucharist, but we are using alternative forms of Liturgy to make it more interactive and relevant to those attending. Voluntary opportunities for Christian involvement, such as Christian Fellowship and Bible Study for pupils take place once a week. A course of preparation for Baptism, Admission to Communion and Confirmation is offered each year at College, while at the Preparatory School we offer Baptism and Admission to Communion courses. An annual Christian Camp is offered to all our pupils and is always well attended. Furthermore, we make an effort to follow the Christian Year by having various events such as pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, Imposition of the Ashes on Ash Wednesday and Carols by Candlelight.

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COMMUNITY ERVICE S Community service plays a large role at Uplands. It aims to involve every student at Uplands and offers them an opportunity to experience the broader community and to undertake ‘work’ outside their comfort zone. Each term we host Civvies Days and sell Takkie Tax and Casual Day stickers to support various local organisations such as SPCA; Child Welfare; CANSA; Rotary Club of White River; Hospice White River and Uplands Outreach. It is also a vital component of Life Orientation where all Grade 10 pupils are to complete 10 hours in one of our projects such as SMILE, Interact, Millennium Home of Hope, Lula Day Care, Rustig Old Age Home, CANSA Debs, IT Outreach, Children In Distress, The Rhino project and Pro-Life. However, pupils are allowed to complete the task working with outside communities or organisations. Pupils are encouraged to participate in various Community Service Projects. Visits to ‘Children in Distress’ Centres in the White River area are a highlight of the year, as our pupils are given the opportunity to interact with vulnerable children of all ages, through play, care and support. The Grade 5s are involved in Courageous Challenges, where time is spent doing Community Service, wherever it is needed. Towards the end of the year we embark on a Christmas Cheer Drive. Pupils bring wrapped gifts which the Rotary Club of White River distributes to those less fortunate. Various classes provide Santa Shoeboxes which are distributed via the Santa Shoebox organisation, while tutor groups from the College provide gifts for the orphans adopted by each tutor group. Proceeds from our MySchool loyalty card and the Makro school loyalty card are donated to Uplands Outreach. Now in its 21st year, Uplands Outreach works collaboratively with partner schools in rural areas to “raise achievement for all.” Educational support programmes are offered in school leadership, teacher development and learner enrichment. The Uplands Board of Directors recently confirmed that Uplands has a significant role to play in the educational landscape for all South Africa’s children, so Uplands Outreach’s work is an integral part of the school’s life. An established school with new ideas

BOARDING PROGRAMME School is not just about teaching fractions, grammar and the impact of soil erosion. As parents and teachers we need to ensure we are also teaching a love for resilience and grit, a drive for ingenuity and passion, and a discovery of ideas and self-discipline. We need to grow community children who are able to interact with others: those who can listen, who can lead and who can follow as the situation demands. We believe there exists in boarding the structure and environment to fully develop this very sense of character. In focusing on creating a Home-In-A-House and in searching for the Positive First, we believe our six boarding 足establishments continue to provide the level of care, support and challenge to develop happy, resourced and assured Uplanders. Underpinning our boarding success is an excellent team of staff that remain motivated and skilled to seek the best in your child. The Houses are well appointed and spacious (each have a communal lounge, kitchen area and wi-fi access, for example), are all set within our large and attractive campus, and provide comfortable accommodation in two-person rooms. Each House has a slightly different identity that offers the correct amount of difference to create the conditions for healthy competition and stretch pupils. Prep boarding consists of Selby Taylor House for boys and Webster House for girls. Both these houses have only ten beds in them. This is an intentional strategy so that we can give the necessary care required to our Preparatory School pupils. Preparatory School boarding is a combined entity with the College boarding, as catering and laundry services are shared. Across the Prep and College, Uplands is able to cater for 290 boarders. This makes us the largest co-ed boarding school in South Africa. This is an achievement we are proud of and reflects our intentional growth based on sound and progressive principles. It is an achievement that reflects our taking on of responsibility: to create a dynamic boarding achievement where the safety and happiness of our students is our first concern. Uplands boarding, above all offers a provision of care established to unlock and guide the interests of each pupil. We welcome your family into our homes and look forward to helping your son or daughter to grow, to learn from them ourselves, and to build effective relationships with you, the parent community. We extend a warm invitation to visit our Houses, to speak to our staff and to the boarders themselves.

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HOUSE SYSTEM ¢¢ HOUSE SYSTEM PREP There are three Houses at the Preparatory School: namely, Fuller, Ogilvie and Webb. Inter-House sports, cultural and academic competitions are held throughout the year, as well as an Inter-House public speaking evening. For Inter-House events, House shirts in the respective House colours are worn to promote good team spirit. In the Senior Phase pupils are issued with a “credit card” and they gain credits for their Houses each week. Their efforts are acknowledged at assembly as a form of positive reinforcement.

¢¢ HOUSE SYSTEM COLLEGE Our four school Houses at the College are comprised of a mix of boys and girls, and of boarders and day scholars. Having grown and developed with age, the House system is now well established. A variety of Inter-House events provide an opportunity to learn and develop personal strength, leadership, healthy competition, teamwork and fun. As a function of the House, each learner is part of a tutor group of approximately 14 other students from their House. Comprising a cross-section of the College, these small, vertically-structured teams allow an opportunity for all to learn from one another, for friendships to develop, and for close support to be achieved. A staff tutor, through daily group meetings, gets to know each of his or her tutees and, in so doing, becomes a valuable guide toward achieving success, identifying and correcting problems and informing choice. An established school with new ideas

LEADERSHIP Leadership development is one of the cornerstones of an Uplands education. Because leadership is about influence, we believe that every student has leadership potential. For this reason, the ultimate goal of our leadership programme is to ensure that every student exercises influence in a positive way within a safe and energised environment. We have learnt that 21st Century leadership emphasises the importance of incorporating uniqueness, stress tolerance, empathy, divergent thinking, effectivity, resilience, humility and acceptance of change as vital modern skills that will allow our students to thrive. Leadership today is very different from the autocratic style of command and control of yesterday. During the Preparatory School years, we encourage all our boys and girls to believe that their greatest attribute and tool to creating positive change is “voice”. This is sometimes a difficult concept for our younger pupils to understand, but when dealt with respectfully, even the youngest child can add value by being allowed to express an opinion. Leadership activities at the Preparatory School range from an annual camp-out on campus at our beautiful Lapa, to activities run by staff throughout the year, presenting opportunities to unify our boys and girls in their grades and to lead in a variety of situations. The annual Grade 7 camp held at “Spirit of Adventure” is underpinned by the acronym KISS: nn Know your task nn Involve everyone nn Set an example nn Support This is linked further to the Covey Course on “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers” covered by our Grade 7 Life Orientation programme. In the College, there is a five-year leadership programme that begins with our Grade 8’s learning our Uplands culture and their own place in the Uplands community. A variety of induction events, camps and an extensive life orientation programme reinforce our values, and the positive influence our Grade 8’s should have on our Uplands reputation, their peers and their personal success. These lessons are reinforced constantly over the course of their educational journey at Uplands. The Uplands belief is that the more relevant information, support and opportunities for practice we give our students, the more chance there is of a pearl ‘sticking’. Grade 9 leadership training is multi-focused. In Grade 10 the leadership lessons culminate in a Journey: a thirteen-day, cross-disciplined outdoor adventure, in which a series of mental and physical tasks, within an inspiring wilderness landscape, motivate a rite of passage towards self-reflection and character growth. Grade 11 no longer focuses on mentorship alone. At the beginning of the year we embark on a programme which realigns personal attitudes. This programme is interspersed with leadership lectures and a camp. In Grade 12 the lessons learnt are practised. Amidst the academic pressures, those who are purposeful about driving positive change are the ones we see in the leadership limelight. We are witnessing more and more of these shining lights.

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“If your actions inspire other to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, YOU ARE A LEADER.” — John Quincy Adams

UPLANDS SCHOOL FEES 2016 Â˘Â˘ SUMMARISED FEE STRUCTURE

The following table provides an indication of the annual cost that a family will incur if their child attends Uplands. Grade

Annual Fees

Deposit

Gr 000

R22 510

R 7 800 (non-refundable)

Gr 00

R33 970

Gr 0

R43 230

Gr 1 to 3

R56 680

Gr 4 & 5

R66 870

Gr 6 & 7

R70 090

Day scholar (tuition fees)

Gr 8 to 12 Option 1

R76 250

R60 000 (refundable)

Option 2

R82 790

R25 000 (refundable)

Gr 4 & 5

R138 860

R22 800 ( R15 000 refundable)

Gr 6 & 7

R142 080

R22 800 (R15 000 refundable)

Option 1

R148 240

R72 000 (refundable)

Option 2

R159 140

R36 000 (refundable)

Boarder (boarding and tuition fees)

Gr 8 to 12

Please note that there is also a discounted fee rate available for fees paid annually before 31 January. All pupils enjoy lunch and morning tea at Uplands, the cost of which is included in the fees. Siblings who are at the College concurrently may take advantage of a discounted deposit scheme on Option 1. In addition to these charges, parents should provide for Grade camps, tours, IEB Matric entry levyn (R5270), etc. For a full breakdown of charges: Parents with pupils in Grade 000 to 7 should refer to the Prep Fees Booklet, which can be found on the school website, for comprehensive information and banking details. Should you have any queries please contact the Prep Bursar: maeve.sidey@uplandsprep.org Parents with pupils in Grade 8 to 12 should refer to the College Fees Booklet, which can be found on the school website, for comprehensive information and banking details. Should you have any queries please contact the College Business Manager: nlambrechts@uplandscollege.org Uplands reserves the right to correct errors or omissions

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A top quality education is one of the few lasting gifts we can offer our children.

An established school with new ideas