DSG PROFILE PDF.cdr

If she believes in herself...
she will fly
...
DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
our promise to you
St Mary's DSG offers forward-looking, pupil-centred education for the
women of tomorrow that is strongly Christian and Anglican in its essence.
aim
Our aim is to provide holistic, high quality, relevant, global education in a stimulating, Christian and caring environment that gives
every girl the confidence and skills to develop to her full potential and which prepares her for the challenges of the future.
Creative and motivated educators and professionals, supported by an up-to-date technological base, act as
learning facilitators. They provide challenging learning experiences to ensure that the global citizens of
the new millennium are equipped to influence and impact on the society, community and home of tomorrow.
Each girl knows that it is an honour to be a Filia Regis (Daughter of the King).
our values
RESPECT FOR GOD and the spiritual traditions of the school
RESPECT FOR SELF Responsibility • Self-Confidence • Honesty • Commitment
RESPECT FOR OTHERS Tolerance • Co-operation • Equality • School Pride
serious roots
more than a century
of deeply-rooted values
T
The first Anglican Bishop of Pretoria, Bishop Bousfield, established St Mary's DSG in
1879. Until 1975, St Mary's was under the guidance of the Sisters of the Community of
St Mary the Virgin, where it rose to become one of South Africa's leading girls' schools.
The Christian ethics espoused by the Bishop and Sisters have been handed down over
the years and remain at the heart of our teaching philosophy, with daily acts of worship
and chapel services co-ordinated by our resident Chaplain. Girls of all denominations are
welcome as part of the community.
Our curriculum encourages the girls to aim for the highest standards in accordance with
their abilities, whilst learning to appreciate and acknowledge the achievement of others an ability they learn from the caring, committed, warm environment that surrounds them
throughout their schooling.
DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
seriously
Information Technology
The modern Knowledge Centre with an
extensive range of computers and software
provides pupils with a world of knowledge.
Additional clusters of computers and personal
laptops linked via wireless to the intranet
allow these facilities to form an integral part
of the academic programme.
Every girl in Grade 8 - 10 is required to
have a laptop which is used to enhance her
academic achievement.
smart
where brilliant brains are bred
S
St Mary's DSG offers the finest all-round education to over 800 girls from Grade 0 to
Matriculation. Supported by highly-qualified teaching staff and an up-to-the-minute
technology base, we offer a wide range of subjects, leading to the internationallyrecognised examination of the Independent Examinations Board.
Girls are encouraged to extend themselves academically through participation in
Olympiads and other enrichment programmes. We offer fully-equipped Science,
Natural Science and Consumer Studies laboratories, all of which contribute to
academic excellence, a hallmark of St Mary's.
Every year, girls have the opportunity of participating in educational tours. Some are
day trips to enhance what is currently being studied, while others take girls further, as
these extend the girls academically and encourage lifelong friendships.
At St Mary's we strive to develop mature, responsible adults, equipped not only with
the confidence, competitive edge and leadership skills necessary to succeed, but also
with the knowledge and compassion to make their mark in life.
if she believes in herself... she will fly
serious
about culture
from Beethoven to Beyoncé
O
Our first-class teaching staff nurture and encourage creativity throughout the
school not only academically and personally, but also through a carefullystructured programme of relevant activities in the fields of Art, Music,
Speech and Drama and other cultural activities.
The painting studio, craft room and gallery comprise the heart of the
Art Department.
Drama plays a significant role, as an academic subject and also in regular
stage productions.
In addition to offering Music as an academic subject, individual music tuition is
available in a wide variety of instruments. Our facilities include three teaching
rooms, over seventeen practice rooms and a performance hall in our vibrant,
modern Performing Arts Centre.
if she believes in herself... she will fly
serious
about sport(s)
at DSG sport is more than just a medal
S
St Mary's offers competitive hockey, netball, swimming, basketball,
tennis, squash and biathlon. Special arrangements for participation in
equestrian events can be made.
A talent identification programme allows each girl to progress to the best
of her ability. Inter-house competitions allow for the demonstration of the
vibrant house spirit which is part of St Mary's DSG.
We are proud of our pupils who have represented their province
and their country over the years and we wish those on sports scholarships
abroad all the very best.
if she believes in herself... she will fly
serious
Leadership
Girls are encouraged at all ages and levels to
take responsible roles within the school.
A School Council with representatives from
Grades 7 to 12 allows the girls to make a
valued contribution in major decisions within
the school.
The whole Matric class, with girls taking
responsibility for specific portfolios, under
the able leadership of the Head Girl, is
responsible for the smooth running of the
school and for encouraging the great spirit
within the school.
growth
DSG girls always measure up!
I
Important foundations for the future are laid in the Junior School. Our team of
creatively innovative teachers provides a challenging, relevant, outcomes-based and
pupil-centred educational programme which ensures that each girl is able to reach her
potential in academic, cultural, sporting and social accomplishments.
We structure our classes to provide opportunities for growth of confidence and selfesteem. The more nurturing environment of the Foundation Phase with a class
teacher is expanded to one wherein structured freedom allows for independence of
thought in the Intersen Phase. Music, Art and Drama are important threads weaving
through many activities.
Camaraderie, etiquette, social skills and extension opportunities are provided in the
many clubs, school outings, visits by speakers, camps and our aftercare facility.
The opportunities for leadership begin early and culminate in our Grade 7 year
when all girls are involved in a Mentoring Programme.
if she believes in herself... she will fly
seriously
at home
where boarding is never boring
S
St Mary's offers full boarding facilities for 160 pupils, supervised by the Boarding
Manager, assisted by matrons and other resident staff. Grade 8 - 12 boarders
are catered for on a full-term basis while Grade 5 and 7 boarders are catered for
on a weekly basis.
Over half the boarding house remains in over the weekends, while those who
live closer go home. Recreational opportunities are provided for the boarders
over the weekend.
Facilities include separate Junior and Senior facilities, where each girl has her own
private, well-furnished cubicle. A small sanatorium is supervised by two fully-qualified
nursing sisters and the school refectory provides balanced meals. Cognisance is taken
of the needs of vegetarians.
Temporary boarding is available to day scholars whose parents may be travelling
out of town.
if she believes in herself... she will fly
serious
about caring
guiding the young towards a bright future
T
The Counselling Centre
The Counselling Centre provides professional and relevant career, spiritual and
psychological guidance to pupils, staff and parents. The primary function of the Centre
is to equip our girls to make well-informed, mature decisions. Girls are given
assistance concerning subject selection, study packages and the skills needed to
succeed as balanced, well-informed and happy individuals.
Social Responsibility
St Mary's Outreach is a self-funding Centre which works with Junior and Senior
Schools in Atteridgeville. Several clubs at the school allow girls to work with
pre-school children and gain insight into the problems and difficulties of the country
and the world we live in.
The DSG Foundation
Parents contribute voluntarily towards the DSG Foundation Fund for those who
would not otherwise be able to attend DSG.
if she believes in herself... she will fly
DIOCESAN SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Duxbury Road Hillcrest Pretoria PO Box 11379 Hatfield Pretoria 0028
Tel: (012) 362 1352 Fax: (012) 362 1080 E-mail: [email protected] www.stmarys.pta.school.za