Southdowns College

Southdowns College, a member of the Centurus Colleges group, was founded in 2007 and is an independent school affiliated with the Independent Schools Association of South Africa. Southdowns College is situated next to the beautiful Southdowns Estate and Irene farmlands of Centurion. The vision of our founders, Centurus (Pty) Ltd, is that the area along the Hennops River Valley adjoining the Irene Village should be a group of exciting lifestyle enterprises that include environmentally attractive office parks, a convenient shopping Centre and a residential estate.

Southdowns College is an important component of this vision that will provide a complete education solution for discerning families seeking a superior lifestyle. We are proud benefactors of the important contribution that Centurus is making towards a better life for its community.

Southdowns College provides a dynamic and progressive education for all pupils who respect individual needs, and embrace diversity and change in pursuit of academic, sporting and cultural excellence. The school imparts social and leadership skills and nurturing spiritual growth to create dynamic, independent leaders for a global society. We are an independent day and boarding school and operate from Grade 0000 – Grade 12, providing outstanding facilities; qualified and dedicated educators with a passion and enthusiasm to fulfil the needs of each learner in a sensitive, caring manner within a balanced programme.

In this dynamic, happy learning environment, supported by a Christian-based value system, our learners are able to achieve their full potential academically, physically, socially and spiritually to emerge as well-balanced, productive individuals.

We aim to develop the full potential of each individual , to create lifelong pupils who are confident, compassionate and multi-skilled.We strive to live our lives with compassion and courage in service to our community and country.We are dedicated to getting the best out of the learners through sport, providing opportunities for teamwork in order to reach goals and build lasting friendships.We assist pupils in developing their leadership skills, creating dynamic leaders for global society.All children have unique talents and we intend to capture, encourage, hone and promote those talents as far as possible.

Our vision is to develop the full potential of each learner and to create lifelong learners who are confident, compassionate and multi-skilled. We want learners to fulfill their potential and reach their dreams.

Southdowns College Pre-Preparatory is not just a school, it is the start of your child’s journey.With qualified, passionate, hardworking and dedicated staff we strive for excellence. I honestly believe that “It takes a village to raise a child”, therefore each one of our Pre-Prep staff members contributes to the happiness, development and raising of our children. We strive to raise upstanding citizens for our country.

Our Academic Enrichment Centre, managed by Dr Claire Symington, is making a huge difference in many children’s development. This centre provides top quality speech and occupational therapy. We work hand-in-hand with our parents to ensure that we support our children to develop in all areas.

We are extremely proud of the various departments in our school, which adds to the value of having your child in this top quality Pre-Preparatory School. Our swim school, Orcas is doing amazing work with our children. They ensure that our children are prepared for the next level in the pool, when moving over to grade 1. We offer two swimming lessons per week, which are included in the school fees.

Our preparatory school is a happy place where children are encouraged to explore, discover and share their natural passion for learning about their world. We all share a common goal – that is our responsibility to each and every individual pupil in our school. The children are given the intellectual and emotional nourishment that will help them to reach their full potential.

The emphasis at this level is to lay the foundations for learning in a fun-filled and integrated manner, and to encourage respect and resilience. We follow an integrated curriculum presented in a “hands-on” approach, but more formal styles of teaching are also incorporated in some areas.

Wherever possible learning activities are child-centered and children are encouraged to think critically and share responsibility in the learning process. The learning is theme based, which encourages the students to explore and research age appropriate topics. These themes bring learning to life and are extended by educational outings and tours, to expand their knowledge and interests.

Individual attention is given to learners and this is made possible by having smaller classes. All teachers are available daily after school for any learner who may be struggling in a subject. A homework venue is provided from Monday to Thursday after school. In addition, the school has a resident Educational Psychologist who deals with learners who are experiencing learning difficulties and who require continual support. Parents are notified and communicated with through emails and panel discussions.

A peer tutor programme, where learners assist other learners who are experiencing difficulties, provides learners with additional academic support. These peer tutors attend workshops to provide them with the necessary skills and all tutors are selected based on their academic performance.