Private high schools in the province typically offer a broader and more flexible curriculum than public schools, with a range of subjects tailored to meet the needs and interests of students. These schools often prepare students for local (e.g., IEB) or international (e.g., Cambridge, IB) examinations. Here’s a general overview of the subject combinations you might find in private high schools:
- Core Subjects:
- English Home Language or First Additional Language
- A Second Language (often Afrikaans, French, German, or another language offered by the school)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
2. Elective Subjects (students typically choose 3-4 electives, but more may be offered depending on the school):
- Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry)
- Life Sciences (Biology)
- Geography
- History
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Information Technology (IT)
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
- Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Drama
- Design (including Fashion Design, Graphic Design, etc.)
- Tourism
- Hospitality Studies
- Consumer Studies
- Advanced Programme Mathematics (for students aiming for a stronger focus on mathematics)
- Global Perspectives (offered in some schools with an international curriculum)
- Environmental Management (often offered in schools with a focus on sustainability)
- Foreign Languages (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin, Italian)
- Religious Education (depending on the school’s ethos)
- Sports Science or Physical Education (sometimes available as an academic subject)
- Psychology (offered by some schools as an introduction to the subject)
3. Enrichment and Extracurricular Programs:
- Debating and Public Speaking
- Advanced programs (including Robotics, Coding, and Engineering)
- Cultural Studies (including Ethics, Global Citizenship, and Social Responsibility)
- Music and Performing Arts (with options for individual instrument lessons, drama productions, etc.)
- Sports Programs (ranging from traditional team sports to specialised activities like rowing, soccer, or equestrian sports)
- Leadership Programs (often integrated into the school’s curriculum and extracurricular activities)
- Community Service (sometimes as part of the school’s ethos or requirements)
- Entrepreneurship (focused on business skills and innovation)
4. International Curricula (if applicable):
Some private schools follow international curricula, such as:
- Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
In these schools, students may choose from a wide range of subjects tailored to the requirements of these programs, often including options not available in the local curriculum. For example, students might study Global Politics, Philosophy, or Environmental Systems and Societies in the IB program.
Private high schools like this would typically emphasise a well-rounded education, offering students both academic strength and opportunities for personal growth through a variety of extracurricular activities. The specific offerings can vary significantly depending on the school’s resources, focus areas, and educational philosophy.