Johannesburg,+South+Africa


 * Welcome Students from St. Stithians College in Johannesburg, South Africa!**


 * Please tell us a little about your school and class (we would love some pictures of your school if you have time).**


 * Here is our list of survey questions:**

Where is your school located? What is your area like?

St Stithians College is a Methodist Church school situated in Randburg, an area just to the north of Johannesburg, South Africa. St Stithians College caters for both boys and girls and is a village of schools, comprising a Junior Preparatory School, Boys' Preparatory School, Girls' Preparatory School, Boys' College, Girls' College and a Post-Matric Centre. Even thought our school is in the city, it is set on a 105 hectare estate and feels like the county side.

Here is a photo of our school grounds, recently taken from a helicopter:

St. Stithians School "Village", 2011.

What learning spaces do you have in your school (number of classrooms, library, music room, number of buildings etc)?

In the Boys' Prep school we have 10 classrooms and two fully equipped Computer Labs, a modern technology centre, and a wonderful library. Other College facilities we share include science laboratories, lecture theatres, a music hall and numerous sports facilities. We have A LOT of buildings! Each classroom has a network attached PC and the Library has a hub of computers too.

Ella's friend Tegan in class, making an alien mask

Who's this guy dressed up as?

What outdoor and indoor recreation areas/facilities do you have?

The sports fields allow for participation in cricket, hockey, football, rugby, athletics, cross-country running, tennis, squash, swimming and water polo. The boys are encouraged to take part in at least one sport, many are involved in more than one.

Here's one of our sports fields

Here's our main pool

Do you have any special before, during, or after school programs at your school?

We have many before and after school programs - all of the sports mentioned above, music, theatre, dance, chess club, etc.

What do you learn in school, and in which language(s)?

We learn in English, but we also learn to speak Afrikaans fluently.

The following subjects are offered in the Preparatory Schools:

Afrikaans, Art, Design & Technology, English, Mathematics, Music, Natural Sciences, Physical Education, Social Sciences, S Sotho, Speech & Drama (Extra-mural) Zulu, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Religious Education & Lifeskills

The following subjects are offered for the I.E.B. Matric:

Additional Mathematics, Afrikaans (1st Language), Afrikaans (2nd Language), Art, Biology, Computer Science (HG & SG), English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Science, Speech & Drama, S Sotho (from 2004), Zulu (2nd Language), Zulu (3rd Language)

Does your school make use of technology (computers, Smartboards, laptops, ipads, televisions, etc)? About how many of each?

We use computers, laptops, ipads, televisions. Probably well over a hundred of each for our entire college. I don't know about Smartboards.

Here's a photo of one of our computer labs

How many students attend your school? How many in your grade? In your class? How many adults work at your school?

About 800 students attend the school, around 100 are in my grade and their are 15 kids in my class. A LOT of adults work here!

What is your school’s schedule (start and end times, length and number of breaks, length of school year)?   The St Stithians Junior Preparatory school day is structured in such a way to include sporting activities within the normal school day. School begins at 07h50 each day and ends at 13h00 for Grade R and at 13h40 for Grades 1 and 2. On Friday school closes early at 13h00 for all. We have morning and afternoon recess of 20 minutes and an hour break for lunch. What are your school’s rules?

BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES

Classroom Manners and Rules: This is an agreement between the teacher and each class and is structured around the Golden Rule - there will be active listening and the understanding that everyone has the right to learn. No one will impede this right by preventing others from learning. Only one person talks at a time. Punctuality: This is an important foundation of our respect for one another. Work Ethic: It is expected that all students will work to the best of their ability, to achieve their maximum potential. Litter: Staff, parents and all students will be responsible for litter on the campus on an ongoing basis. Do not expect others to pick up for you. Manners: The Manners Campaign is an ongoing campaign to lay down the highest expectation for our manners. The Manners Campaign is based on mutual respect and the Saints Honour Code. Dress and Appearance: Your dress and appearance reflect upon yourself and our school. This includes your uniform, hair and shaving and your shoes. Applies equally to sports match days and exams.

MANNERS

According to the Manners Campaign and the Saints Honour Code, some of our expected behaviours are: 1. Be respectful to all and expect to be treated with respect. 2. Avoid abusive or inappropriate language, even to peers. 3. Greet each other. 4. Stand up for adults. 5. Stand aside for adults in the corridors, when appropriate. 6. Welcome visitors and offer them help. 7. Dress appropriately, especially when supporting the school. 8. Say "thank you" and "please" often. 9. Applaud good play and good sportsmanship. 10. Know how to disagree honourably.

SCHOOL OFFENCES Racism | Possession of a Weapon | Sexism | Immoral Behaviour | Stealing | Insolence | Bullying | Bringing the School's name into disrepute | Bunking | Any form of Initiation | Substance Abuse Inappropriate Use of Electronic Media | Vandalism | Continued and Repeated misdemeanours | Cheating | Dishonesty | Plagiarism.

What do you wear to school?

We wear school uniforms. The boys mostly wear khaki short pants and button down shirts with a navy blazer. The girls mostly wear blue and white dresses with a navy blazer. You may have noticed that I refer to my school as the "Boys Prep." That is because boys and girls attend separate classes at our school, so we have a Boys' Prep and a Girls' Prep.





Does your school have a cafeteria? Or, a hot lunch program? What kinds of food do students eat at school?

We have a hall where we eat our lunches. We eat mostly healthy food like veggies and sandwiches, but we do love our cookies too!

Do you celebrate any special days at your school (100s Day, Crazy Hair Day, Backwards Day, Sports Day, holidays)?

We celebrate many special days like Christmas, Easter, Freedom Day, Heritage Day and we do have a Sports Day at the end of the school year.

What do you do for fun at school?

We do sports, play music and have lots of dances!

What do you do after school?

After school we play sport, study and hang out with our families and friends.