"Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people."
William Butler Yeats |
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Michaelhouse situated?
- What makes Michaelhouse such an attractive option for parents?
- How do education costs at Michaelhouse compare with those of comparable international institutions?
- How can I justify sending my son to a boarding school hundreds of kilometres away from home?
- Where will my son reside?
- How will I know my son will be cared for?
- How often can we see our son?
- Will my son be active in extra mural activities?
- Will my son be able to pursue his studies in the country of his choice once he has completed his formal schooling at Michaelhouse?
- Where is Michaelhouse situated?
Michaelhouse is situated on a 600-hectare country estate in South Africa's picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. At 1300 metres above sea level, the climate is temperate where temperatures can reach the upper 30 degrees Celsius in summer and plummet to below 0 degrees Celsius during winter nights. Our geographical co-ordinates are 29 degrees 23min and 54sec south and 30 degrees 2min and 48sec east.
The nearest city is the provincial capital of Pietermaritzburg, which is some 50 kilometres from the school. The port city of Durban is 130 kilometres away (1 1/2 hours drive). Johannesburg is approximately 500 kilometres away (4 1/2 hours drive).
The school's location, just off the main highway, makes it easily accessible by car. Boys arriving by air may choose either the Oribi Airport at Pietermaritzburg or the Durban International Airport as their initial destination. By prior arrangement, school transport will collect boys from either airport for delivery to school.
- What makes Michaelhouse such an attractive option for parents?
Michaelhouse is proud of its reputation as one of the world's leading educational and sporting institutions and is dedicated to preparing young leaders for an ever-changing global community. Michaelhouse is an inclusive school and recognized for its diversity.
Michaelhouse is committed to nurturing the development of each of its boys. At the very core of the Michaelhouse experience is the inculcation of personal and community discipline. Michaelhouse boys' pride in their school manifests itself in a healthy respect for peers and adults alike. Visitors to our school are impressed by the genuinely friendly and respectful attitude of our boys.
Michaelhouse is a South African school with international reach. While the majority of international students are from countries on the African continent we are also host to boys from the United Kingdom, America, Scandinavia, the Far East and Europe. There is an active base of over 5 000 Alumni across five continents.
- How do education costs at Michaelhouse compare with those of comparable international institutions?
For purposes of comparison we will assume an average cost for full board and tuition at a comparable school in the United Kingdom to be £20 000 per annum.
A conservative rand/sterling exchange rate of 1:11 translates to a rand cost per annum of ZAR220 000 for a first-class secondary education in the United Kingdom.
The comparable full board and tuition figure for Michaelhouse is currently less than ZAR100 000 per annum.
- How can I justify sending my son to a boarding school hundreds of kilometres away from home?
In an ideal world most parents would choose to keep their children at home. Where, however, the choice is for safe, affordable, first-class all-round education, based on sound values and discipline, Michaelhouse becomes more than a viable education destination. Part of our educational philosophy is based on care, concern and compassion for others and our pastoral care system is designed to support and promote this philosophy.
It is a truism that boarding schools provide the opportunity for a wide and diverse range of friends. The development of close friends is one of the most extraordinary aspects of life at Michaelhouse. At a time in their lives when boys begin to seek for independence and are insatiably curious, we offer a full-time expert, residential staff to cater to their needs.
Michaelhouse is one of only two all-boy all-boarding schools in South Africa. We have no day scholars and no boys who are weekly boarders. We understand the unique needs of boys and design our programme accordingly. Our boys are exposed to formal and informal activities which will develop independence, initiative and, above all, maturity.
- Where will my son reside?
Our boys are each accommodated in one of eight Houses which are arranged hierarchically in year groups. About a dozen boys per year group live in each House which is administered by a Housemaster assisted by Staff Tutors and senior boys who have been elected as Prefects.
The primary role of the Prefects is to assist in the smooth running of the House and to ensure that the youngest boys settle into Michaelhouse as soon as possible. Prefects pledge publicly to care for the younger boys. This system produces remarkable and lasting friendships amongst our boys.
Housemasters are supported in their pastoral care function by an all-resident academic staff, a full-time School Counsellor and Chaplain.
- How will I know my son will be cared for?
Pastoral care is the hallmark of Michaelhouse. From the Rector, Chaplain, Guidance Counsellor, Housemaster, Teacher, Prefect, Sanatorium Sister, Mentor, Staff member and friend - we all "walk the talk."
The role of the Housemaster is pivotal to any concerns that parents may have. He is the "point of entry" of academic, cultural, sporting and social exchange of information. He is confidant, educator and father figure to your son. He will individually meet with every boy each term to discuss his progress, aspirations and goals.
In addition, the Sanatorium Sisters are on duty each day and night and offer expert medical care and compassionate support in the event of a boy feeling unwell.
- How often can we see our son?
Michaelhouse operates on a four-term system, with each term approximately 2 months in length. A half-term leave is given each term which begins on a Thursday morning and ends the following Monday evening.
In addition, each boy may have two weekend leaves per term, commencing once his sporting commitments to the school are completed. Boys need to return in time for Chapel on Sunday evening. Boys may also be granted supper and Sunday leaves at the discretion of their Housemaster.
Coach transport is available at the beginning and end of each term and half-term to and from Durban and Johannesburg. At weekends, bus transport may be arranged from Durban and Pietermaritzburg to Michaelhouse on Sunday evenings.
- Will my son be active in extra mural activities?
A comprehensive sporting programme in which participation in at least two sports is compulsory, coupled with vibrant cultural activities and a choice of close on 40 clubs and societies, all combine to make Michaelhouse a busy and happy place.
The learning and recreational opportunities and facilities are comparable with the best in the world.
- Will my son be able to pursue his studies in the country of his choice once he has completed his formal schooling at Michaelhouse?
The simple answer is "yes." Our boys, like the majority of their peers at independent schools in South Africa, write the national examination set by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) of South Africa.
The National Senior Certificate with endorsement (university entrance) written in A Block (grade 12) is equivalent to the GCE AS level and the Scottish Higher Standard, and the learning outcomes equivalent to the Australian Senior Certificate which provides admission to higher education.
While the majority of our school leavers will choose to pursue their tertiary studies at one of a number of fine internationally recognized universities and other tertiary institutions in South Africa, a growing number of our matriculants are furthering their studies at tertiary institutions overseas. More recently matriculating boys from Michaelhouse have joined Oxford University and Essex University in the United Kingdom and Augusta State University and Pennsylvania University in the United States of America.
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