Thomas More College

We’re delighted you are interested in learning more about Thomas More College. We’re proud to present a school at which our Christian-based ethos and the importance of family values are paramount in preparing your child for the future.

Thomas More College first opened its doors in 1962 and has grown from its modest 55 pupils, all boys, to being Kwazulu-Natal’s largest co-educational independent school. Situated on 20 hectares within the gorgeous Kloof Conservancy, the college calls the lovely suburb of Kloof home. While the college focuses on smaller, personal classes, it offers a sizeable campus catering to students right from Grade 000 through to Grade 12. Learning follows three stages of development, from Foundation Phase to Primary School, and finally, to High School. The Foundation Phase is where students begin to develop their identities and individuality. It forms the base on which all fundamental life skills develop. Students continue to develop and grow through primary and high school, and can confidently step out into the world and chase their goals by the time they leave us.

In the Pre-Primary Phase our pupils are taught vital foundational skills through free and structured play, as well as through a formal School Readiness programme. Learning is achieved through the emphasis on group work and self discovery within a guided programme. The solid foundations established in the Pre Primary create a wonderful springboard to enhance further learning in our Junior Primary Phase. Children are taught to develop a sound work ethic through stimulating their desire for knowledge and understanding. In the Senior Primary School we build on the academic platform set in our Junior Primary.

Pupils’ self-confidence, self-esteem and competence are enhanced, and ease of transition into the High School is facilitated by our well-balanced curriculum and nurturing, professional staff. Throughout the first three phases of education, up to and including Grade 9, the pupils are exposed to a wide area of subjects so that pupils can discover where their interests and abilities lie. From Grade 10 to Matric, each subject is studied in greater depth, so it is necessary that a certain amount of specialisation take place. The number of subjects taken is reduced to seven, which means that some choices must be made.

Grade 10 pupils in 2018 will follow the National Curriculum, continuing in Grades 11 and 12, and culminating in a National Senior Certificate (NSC) at the end of Grade 12. At Thomas More College, pupils will write the matric examinations that are set by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). A major feature of the curriculum is that there is only one grade of study for all. Higher Grade and Standard Grade have been abolished. Another feature is that all pupils have to do Core Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and all do Life Orientation as a formal subject.

The NSC promotes the skills of reading, writing and mathematical literacy. It encourages critical thinking and the bringing together of skills, knowledge, attitudes and values in the learning and teaching process. It also aims at developing people who are ready to participate fully and meaningfully in society.

Our Christian values are embedded in our ethos and permeate all that we do. The school prides itself on developing Christian love and self-esteem in children and a moral code as espoused in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so that our education remains centered in Christian values which forms the base of judgement and decision making in an ever changing world. Each phase has a Christian leader who works with the teachers as well as outside youth pastors from the wider community to make Christianity pertinent and relevant for the developmental stage of each pupil. This team meet regularly and on a rotational basis write a weekly article for the weekly newsletter. They also plan whole school Christian activities such as the Christian Arts Festival which runs for a week, Thanksgiving Assembly, Carols service and weekly assemblies across the phases.

Thomas More College strives to encourage individuals to become actively involved in a wide variety of sports, providing them with the opportunity to participate at their personal level of ability. We believe that a healthy balance between competitiveness, acknowledgement of responsibility and fun is obtained. Every pupil is valued, both by their team-mates and their coach, irrespective of the level of achievement. Our coaches and staff strive to bring the best out of each pupil in all levels of ability. All pupils are given an opportunity to represent the school at matches. Team skills, collaboration and collegiality as well as good sportsmanship are fostered.

We aim to contribute to the holistic experience of our children through exposure to a broad base of cultural experiences. We recognise cultural achievements in our school assemblies, in our weekly Horse’s Mouth newsletter, at termly award assemblies and annual prize giving/cultural awards evening. All phases of the school offer opportunities for children to perform in different genres, including specialised cultural assemblies, music performances and annual productions which are phase specific.