South African School

Elkanah House (High School)

Elkanah (which means "God's creation") is committed to growing young men and women who have an unassuming self-confidence and the ability to use their creative gifts appropriately.  Our motto "Carpe Diem" - meaning "Seize the Day" - reflects our commitment to encourage our students to make best use of their opportunities.   

The 1430 students are accommodated on four campuses - two preparatory, one senior primary and a high school, each one separate but in close proximity to the others. This allows us the advantages of small schools - where attention can be given to making the environment homely and relaxed - while permitting personal involvement in the progress of each child and the opportunity to instill and nurture a love of learning. Most importantly, this is a school where Christian family values are followed and upheld.   

While we acknowledge the importance of examinations in enabling our students to take the next step in their education, we also understand that a sound education is about so much more than results.  Our objective is to enable our young people to become skilled and interested pupils who can take their place anywhere in the world with confidence and who understand that living significantly is about making a difference in the lives of others.

Elkanah House, School of Creative Learning - High School Campus

The journey through High School is an exciting yet daunting one.  It takes place at a time when a teenager's role and identity changes dramatically and at Elkanah House we embrace the challenge to help our students to prepare to take his or her place in society.  

A High School education is not only about marks and examinations- it is also about values, character and spirituality. Our High School is characterised by a blend of traditional and new ideas: we wear blazers, but not ties; we use technology extensively and have a hand-rung school-bell; we play rugby and also have body-boarding; we value individuals and serve the community.

In our school, we aim to challenge the young minds of our pupils so that they have to think for themselves. Once people learn to think for themselves, they start to respect themselves and begin to recognise the part they have to play in their community: be it a class, team or family unit. They then start to see the possibilities that exist around them.

At Elkanah House, we work to a high standard, because it is only through this process of engaging with an authentic challenge that we can expect any transformation of heart and mind to take place. We believe that now more than ever, young people need clear expectations, consistent boundaries with consequences and committed support in order for them to grow into successful, content individuals.

Learning Beyond Examinations, Loving Beyond Self, Living Authentic Lives

Well-equipped facilities and a team of dedicated teachers help to produce the excellent results achieved to date.  In grade 9, pupils write a Core Skills Test and International Benchmarking tests in English and Mathematics. These are administered by the IEB. This ensures our teachers are able to measure our standard at Grade 9 level against international norms and respond to the trends, both positive and negative, that are identified through this process.

In grades 10 to 12, pupils have the opportunity to choose from a wide spectrum of subjects. Pupils write the IEB Matriculation Examination and subjects include: English; Afrikaans; Mathematics; Maths Literacy; Advanced Programme Maths; Life Sciences; Physical Science; Visual Art; Dance Studies; Geography; Dramatic Arts; Design; Economics; Music; Information Technology; History;  and Accounting.

The IEB assessment philosophy encourages independent thinking and exploration. The examination prepares candidates for the style of teaching at University, as the examinations are broad and challenging. The IEB is innovative, informed and thoroughly professional. Through its user groups, the IEB accords teachers the opportunity to influence both the curriculum and assessment thereof.    

Physical Education lessons form part of Life Orientation and  follow a programme that focuses on motor development and identifies specific activities that are age-appropriate. 

By offering and exposing our children to a wide variety of sports and activities, rather than focusing on a few, we hope to enable our pupils to make informed choices about their sport of preference.  

Our relatively small numbers preclude us from participating in all the major sports leagues, but we aim to be competitive against co-educational schools of our own size whilst placing a strong emphasis on commitment, team-work and self-discipline both on and off the field. A  comprehensive range of sporting activities encourages participation and the development of personal and social skills.

In the High School learners in Grade 7 get involved with all aspects of Arts & Culture including Visual Art, Dance, Music and Drama.  In Grade 8 and 9 they choose one of the four disciplines for the whole year in preparation for their subject choice in Grade 10. This gives them a more comprehensive experience and enables them to make an informed choice.

In Grade 10 they may then choose to continue in the fields of Visual Art, Music, Dance, Drama and Design.  The visual arts represent a broad field of creative practice that involves the hand, the eye, the intellect and the imagination. Through conceptualising and crafting two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects and environments, they reflect the aesthetic, conceptual and expressive concerns of individuals or groups.

At Elkanah House all children are encouraged to play a musical instrument of their choice in which to develop both individual and group skills.  Individual lessons are offered in keyboard (for the very young beginner), piano, recorder, violin, cello, woodwinds, drum kit, acoustic and electric guitar.Student Representative Councils, debating teams and community service all encourage leadership and responsibility in the high school. Once certain levels of sight-reading and technical ability have been reached in a specific instrument, the Recorder Consort and/or Orchestra can be joined to provide additional stimulation and opportunities in making music with others.  Individual voice training lessons are offered to singers and each campus has its own choir to provide another outlet for creative expression. Our Jazz Band and Marimba Bands are often seen playing at functions, weddings and social occassions.

Leadership forms a large part of our life skills program and is also taught within various themes throughout the school. The leadership programme is portfolio driven, involving every Matric pupil, giving them the opportunity to lead in some way and to make a contribution to the school and to their society. These portfolios are run as committees.  In addition to these committees, a Head Boy, Head Girl and heads of portfolios - including our Houses - are democratically elected. 

Activities

Clubs and Societies:

• Body Conditioning
• Bling (Jewellery design and fabrication)
• Animation
• Warhammer
• Horse Riding Fitness Programme
• Forum Discussion
• Reporters' Club
• Robotics

Winter:

• Jogging
• Body boarding
• Netball
• Soccer
• Rugby
• Hockey

Summer:

• Tennis
• Swimming
• Body Boarding
• Jogging
• Cricket
• Softball
• Basketball

Detailed School Statistics

Associated schools

Photo Album