School Type: Co-Educational

HISTORY

Situated on the heights of the Van Staden's Pass, approximately 40 km from Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay in a rugged, rural setting, Woodridge is within easy access of a major city.

Woodridge Preparatory School was founded in 1936 by Mr and Mrs Leslie Carter, who owned the school privately. The Woodridge Trust was created to assume the ownership and administration of the School and to ensure that it would be maintained in perpetuity. In 1966 it was decided to extend the scope of Woodridge and to establish a College, which would guarantee the continuity of a child's schooling. It was felt, furthermore, that use should be made of the unique natural resources of the Woodridge estate and its environs.

Development was rapid and extensive, much of the building being performed by our own labour force. Originally designed as a boys school, Woodridge became fully co-educational in 1983 when a new residence for girls was built.

As a leading independent day and boarding school of southern Africa, Woodridge attracts boarders from all over the world. We are proud of our academic and sporting achievements, our small classes and the excellence of our staff.

OUR MISSION

We are intent on developing each pupil as an individual, whole person, in mind, body and spirit. "While it is wrong to coerce young people into opinions, it is essential to compel them into experiences", was the credo of Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun, and we embrace this philosophy with enthusiasm. Intellectual, academic and physical growth are our targets.

We offer opportunities for the building of character, the development of self-discipline and the nurturing of leadership so that our pupils will be equipped to take their place in society as responsible, well-adjusted citizens who are also free-thinking, independent individuals.

ACADEMIC MATTERS

To foster positive self-evaluation and empower each pupil to cope with gradually increasing responsibilities, we follow a unique system, known as the Training Scheme. This means that at any stage of their senior grades at Woodridge, a pupil could, depending on the progress of his/her development, be ranked as a full School Prefect.

Woodridge uses up-to-the minute teaching technology and modern methods to maintain our high academic standards. The individual attention which is only possible in small classes is of major significance.

The curriculum in Grade 8 and 9 is aimed at a broad education and includes these subjects; English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, History, Biology, Accounting, Business Economics, Music, Art and Computer Studies.

We prepare our Grade 11 and 12 pupils for the Independent Examination Board Senior Certificate of which the examining body is a leader in its field. From Grade 10 pupils specialise by selecting subjects from the following: English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Computer Studies, Business Economics, Accounting, History, Geography, Art, Biology, Physical Science and Music.

The majority of staff are resident on the campus, which ensures that academic, emotional and social support is available at all times.

PRE-SCHOOL

Our Pre-school caters for pupils from 3 - 6 years old. The Pre-School follows the same outcomes- based curriculum as the rest of the Foundation Phase. The pupils are exposed to wonderful experiences outside the classroom in the form of outings, swimming, mini-olympics, tennis, with  the optional extras of Monkeynastix, Playgolf, Judo, Dancing and Kindermuzik.

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Following a long tradition of providing a warm home-from-home atmosphere, Woodridge offers a diversity of activities to help shape our day scholars and boarders in their vital junior school years. They study the usual academic subjects which are augmented by exposure to computers and entrepreneurial classes in order to develop important life skills. Grade 0 to 7 scholars can expand their interest through subjects as varied as Chess, Cooking, Crafts and Pottery.

Teachers make full use of the 'outdoor classroom' which is our own Nature Reserve in order to educate the whole child and stimulate an interest in conservation, ecology and wildlife.

We cater for children eager to enjoy the traditional sports and, in addition, we arrange regular Outdoor Education expeditions to increase the scope of their physical and mental development.

BOARDING

Pupils enjoy a relaxed, homely atmosphere in which to interact with peers and staff. We try to allow them privacy and individuality while maintaining a healthy sense of discipline. Friendships developed at Woodridge last a lifetime, testimony to which is given by Old Woodridgeans both nationally and internationally.

Meals at Woodridge are provided by professional caterers who ensure that food is well balanced and varied. We do our best to supply acceptable alternatives for vegetarians and those who require special diets. Our pre-planned menus are subject to the approval of a dietician.

Medical care is available at Woodridge. We have a fully-equipped Sanatorium, staffed by two resident qualified nursing sisters. Our School Doctor attends to those requiring further treatment, in Port Elizabeth.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND SOCIETIES

Woodridge offers an exciting variety of activities and societies outside the classroom. All pupils are encouraged to take part in at least one cultural activity per term from the following: Chess, Community Service, Debating, Students' Christian Association, Choir, Steel Band, Pop Band, Wind Band, Art, Dramatics and Photography.

Music forms an important part of the cultural life at Woodridge. Individual tuition is offered in a variety of different instruments. Musicial groups (Choir, Pop Band, Steel Band, Marimba and various ensembles) entertain the community and further afield.

Dramatics is an important part of the cultural programme with an annual school production as well as a One-Act play competition for which plays are written and produced by the pupils themselves.

The spiritual life of the Woodridgeans is taken care of by a resident 'JOT' teacher (Jesus our Teacher) who has been trained under Scripture Union. The services of a local minister are also employed. Students are prepared as communicants in the Anglican and Methodist churches, whilst Catholic Catechism classes are arranged as the need arises.

Career guidance is offered by a trained psychologist, with visiting speakers from many tertiary instutions and other walks of life being arranged on a regular basis to keep pupils informed of the changing needs for successful employment in the modern world.

SPORT

Sportmanship, camaraderie and co-operation, and not merely the development of skills, are always in focus when Woodridge pupils participate in teams sports. The wide variety on offer includes: Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Swimming, Hockey, Aerobics, Water-Polo,athletics, Weight Training, Squash and Cross Country.

We believe we are the only school in the world to have its own Surf Lifesaving Club which mans a public beach as a voluntary community service. All active members hold the Surf Proficiency Award which means they have been trained in CPR, First Aid and Surf Rescue. Annual competitors in regional and national surf events, our teams have won many competitions over the years. Some Woodridge surfers have achieved national and provincial colours.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

This is an activity which was an integral part of the founding manifesto of the College. Exercise and activities, coupled with lectures on leadership, survival, first aid, bivvy building, cooking, orienteering, bush craft and awareness, initiate the pupil in easy, logical stages. Prep school pupils follow a core curriculum which exposes them to as many aspects as possible.

Our College pupils are exposed to a wide range of activities. Those who develop an interest in a specific area have the option of specialising in one or more of the Clubs offered; Mountain Biking, Rock-climbing, Abseiling, Canoeing, Orienteering and Map Reading, Hiking and Fishing.
 
More than a school ... an experience!

School Phase:

• Primary
• Secondary

Lowest Grade: Grade 0
Highest Grade: Grade 12
Boarding: Yes
Boarding From: Grade 1
Number of Pupils: 727
Founding Year: 1936
Religious Affiliation: Christian
Lowest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R9240
Highest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R40815
Lowest Boarding Fees (inc. Tuition): R27500
Highest Boarding Fees (inc. Tuition): R66060
Examinations or Curricula:

• General Education and Training (GETC)
• National Senior Certificate (IEB)

Postal Address: PO Thornhill
Postal Code: 6375
Telephone: 041 956 6200
Fax: 041 956 6202
Website: http://www.woodridge.co.za/
Suburb: Thornhill
City/Town: Port Elizabeth
South African Province: Eastern Cape
Country: South Africa