Michaelhouse

ABOUT US

Michaelhouse is a boarding school for boys set amongst the rolling green hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in South Africa, providing secondary education from E Block (Grade 8) to A Block (Grade 12).

Walk through our avenues of trees, over our playing fields and enter into the heart of the school. In our red-brick quadrangles you may hear the sounds of the chapel bells, the choir singing, footsteps of generations of young men and the laughter of friends. You will discover a strong community spirit where Masters and Boys meet to create an environment of vision, warmth, caring and excellence. Visit our media centre, music and art schools, theatre, classrooms and boarding houses.

Investigate our exciting academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual, environmental and leadership programmes. Feel our ambience and begin to experience a little of the enthusiasm and positive energy that are the hallmarks of Michaelhouse.

If you are in the area or think that this could be the school for your son why not come to Balgowan to experience, in person, the ethos of our fine school. 

THE SCHOOL

ACADEMICS

Academic pursuits receive priority at Michaelhouse. Research shows that a boy’s learning needs are quite different to those of a girl. Michaelhouse places special emphasis on teaching programmes that support this difference.

There are several examining bodies in South Africa. Michaelhouse, along with most other independent schools, has elected to write the examinations of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), which is fully accredited by the national governing education council, Umalusi. The standards of the IEB are held in high regard by international and South African tertiary institutions. The National Senior Certificate with endorsement (university entrance) written in A Block (Grade 12) is equivalent to GCE AS level and the Scottish Higher Standard, and the learning outcomes are equivalent to the Australian Senior Certificate which provides admission to higher education.

To facilitate improved learning, classes are small and the teacher-pupil ratio is 1:10. Additional academic support is offered in study groups under the direction of a teacher.

In the first two years, boys will participate in the Middle School Programme where many of the regular core subjects are combined into broader learning areas. This exposure to a wider scope of learning will allow boys to make an informed decision about the subject package chosen for their matriculation course.

At the end of D Block (Grade 9), a package of seven subjects is selected for a three year course, From C Block through to A Block (Grade 10 to Grade 12).

A vast number of subject package options offer the opportunity to gain a National Senior Certificate with university entrance dispensation. Boys sit this National Senior Certificate examination in A Block (Grade 12).

LEARNING AREAS

Languages – English, Advanced Programme English, Afrikaans, IsiZulu, French

Arts & Culture – Music, Visual Arts, Dramatic Arts

Human & Social Studies and Languages – Geography, History, Life Orientation, additional second languages

Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences – Information Technology, Maths Literacy, Advanced Programme Mathematics, Computer Applications Technology

Business, Commerce and Management Studies – Accounting, Economics

Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology – Engineering Graphics and Design

CULTURAL PROGRAMME

Creating opportunities to develop the imagination, experimenting with ideas and experiencing the joy of creative expression are fundamental to the intellectual development of a Michaelhouse boy.

Cultural extension is actively encouraged through the vibrant programmes offered in Music, Visual Arts and Dramatic Arts with outstanding facilities supporting each faculty.

The Music School offers nine individual practice rooms. It also has a recording studio and uses technology extensively. There is a strong focus on performance in the Music Department with at least one fifth of the school actively involved in music. Students who do not elect Music as a formal subject are welcome to join one of the available bands where instrumentalists are exposed to sight reading techniques, improvisation and performance. The Marimba Band plays a wide range of music including Swing, Calypso, Rock, Pop, Blues and Latin American and performs regularly at various functions.

Instruments taught are piano, guitar, trumpet, trombone, French horn, clarinet, flute, drums, saxophone and violin. Voice training is also offered.