the Prospectus

Vision
To nurture ‘The 21st Century St Anne’s Old Girl’
Mission
To provide an excellent, balanced and globally relevant education in a caring,
boarding environment which allows girls to develop to their full potential and to be
guided by Christian principles, enabling them to leave the College confident and
well-prepared for the future.
Values
A Christian foundation committed to:
Reflect: Integrity, Respect, Self-discipline
Embrace: Intellectual Curiosity, Diversity, Collaboration
Reach Out: Compassion, Humility, Service
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Introduction
College Head
Founded in 1877, St Anne’s Diocesan College is an
talent to enjoy their physical recreation. There is a
David Ian Arguile was born in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, in
Independent Examinations Board and being a member of
independent boarding school situated in Hilton, KwaZulu-
comprehensive music and drama programme. Social
1957. He is married to Venita and the couple have two
various school governing bodies. He is a Lay Minister in
Natal, with a long tradition of providing quality education
Responsibility initiatives provide a chance for each girl
adult sons, Malcolm and Wayne. David commenced his
the Anglican Church and has, since a teenager, been
for girls. Hilton is adjacent to Pietermaritzburg, the
to understand her responsibilities to society and, in a
term of office at St Anne’s in January 2010, after seven
actively involved in various community programmes. A
provincial capital, and about an hour’s drive from Durban.
meaningful way, participate in partnerships with those less
years as Head of Kingswood College in Grahamstown.
keen sportsman, David has served on various committees,
Although we are predominantly a termly boarding school,
privileged. Academic standards are high. There is a strong
Prior to that he was Principal of Pinelands High in Cape
has coached cricket and hockey at provincial level, and
accommodating both weekly and termly boarders from all
work ethic in the College, and the final results obtained
Town, and also taught at Westering High and Victoria Park
has run two Comrades Marathons. He currently plays as
over South Africa as well as abroad, we welcome a small
in the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations are
High in Port Elizabeth. He holds the following academic
much golf as possible and regularly attends the gym in
but integrated community of day boarders.
consistently excellent.
qualifications: Master of Education (Rhodes University),
Hilton. He and Venita particularly enjoy viewing wildlife,
Bachelor of Education (UNISA), Higher Diploma in
travelling and reading.
Owing to the relatively small size of the College, girls have
St Anne’s is an Anglican school, and the name Diocesan
Education (UPE), Bachelor of Arts (UPE) and a National
every opportunity to develop as individuals, especially in
College indicates our membership of the Anglican Church
Higher Diploma in Business Management (Technikon SA).
areas where they show potential, whether in sport, music,
and the Diocese of KwaZulu-Natal. As a result of this
dramatic performances or the classroom. Our College is
important relationship, the College endeavours to create a
David’s professional activities have included holding
firmly committed to providing a holistic education for each
secure spiritual foundation within each girl. Entrants do not
senior positions in ISASA and the former SA Teachers’
girl. There is a wide range of activities within the broad
necessarily have to be Christian, but our girls are expected
Association, serving as a Principals’ representative on the
curriculum offered at St Anne’s. Sport is compulsory and
to attend regular worship in our Chapel.
provides opportunities for those with varying degrees of
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Tradition
All girls joining St Anne’s enter into a rich and colourful tradition,
a heritage that began in 1877 and one that will always be a
part of the St Anne’s culture.
At the turn of the twentieth century, an increase in enrolment
at St Anne’s, then situated in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg,
necessitated relocating to larger premises. The Lady
Warden, Miss Usherwood, suggested a move away from
the heat of town. Thus a farm in Hilton, with its invigorating
climate and superb views of the Drakensberg, was purchased
and the foundation stone of the new College was laid in
1903. Miss Usherwood’s decision proved to be wise; the
new site allowed for the expansion of numbers and facilities
over the years. A Chapel, new boarding houses, laboratories,
classrooms, a theatre, a media centre, sporting facilities and
fields as well as various swimming pools have been added
to the original buildings. Where the necessary extensions
Upgraded Ablutions
and alterations have been made, the glorious old buildings
have not been compromised. Not only have the original
buildings been respected despite modern expansion, many
traditions and old values remain, giving the girls a strong
sense of stability.
College Foundation
The St Anne’s Diocesan College Foundation was established in 1977. Through generous benefactors and the support of
parents, Old Girls and Board Members, the Foundation now has substantial assets. The Foundation’s primary function
is to provide bursaries. In addition to this, it renders funding for capital projects. The College has benefited through loans and
donations from the Foundation, which has helped it to establish a new Indoor Sports Centre, the Science Centre, Music
School, the ICT Centre, the Auditorium, the Theatre, the Media Centre, a heated swimming pool, a synthetic hockey pitch,
improved boarding facilities, and the extensions to the Chapel and Dining Room.
Old Girls
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The Old Girls’ Guild was founded in 1903 with the intention
of linking together, in good fellowship, past and present
Chapel & Worship
pupils of St Anne’s….and uniting them in one body for a
common cause, namely the highest welfare of the College.
Over a century later, St Anne’s still enjoys the support of a
strong and active Old Girls’ Guild. Many of our pupils are
St Anne’s is an Anglican Church School where the spiritual
daughters of Old Girls; some of whom are fourth generation.
life of the St Anne’s community is cared for by the College
Reunions are organised annually and take place on Old
Chaplain. On Sundays, there is either a Holy Eucharist
Girls’ Day which is traditionally held on the first Saturday of
or a service of Evening Prayer. All girls attend morning
June. The Guild runs the very efficient school shop which
services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Form 2 and Form
sells new and second-hand uniforms, and makes a sizeable
3 girls attend classes given by the Chaplain. These are
annual financial contribution in providing bursaries for the
aimed at exploring faith in Jesus Christ and learning how
daughters of Old Girls.
to live as a spiritual being in a frenetic world. A very active
Students’ Christian Association is run by the girls under the
supervision of staff members. Girls of all denominations are
welcome.
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Boarding
Academics
A cornerstone of a boarding school such as St Anne’s is its
Excellent facilities at St Anne’s allow for exciting academic
House system. The girls, 80 to 85% of whom are boarders,
programmes, enabling our pupils to experience their subject
are comfortably accommodated in six boarding houses:
Andrews, Frances Baines, Macrorie, Marianne Browne,
Mollie Stone and Usherwood. A strong sense of competition
exists between the Houses, and regular Interhouse
competitions in Drama, Music and all sports take place.
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Each House is cared for by a resident Housemistress, who
plays a crucial pastoral role in the girls’ lives as well as
liaising with parents. She is assisted in the House by
resident staff and the senior girls. Junior girls are normally
accommodated three or four to a room, progressing to having
a room of their own by the time they are in Form 6. The
well-equipped House Common Room is a focal point where
the girls relax and socialise. Day Boarders are assigned to a
House, with their own study area for senior Forms, and are
encouraged to be as much a part of the House as are the
boarders. Parents have the opportunity to meet at annual
House get-togethers.
choices to the full. Classroom teaching is complemented by
fieldwork and visits to places of interest.
Each classroom has been equipped with the educational
and technological resources applicable to the particular
subject. The fully-computerised and wireless Media Centre is
situated in the heart of the classroom block, making it easily
accessible to all. It has an up-to-date collection of books and
other media, which provides support for the curriculum and
material for independent study. The Centre also has the
latest fiction for recreational reading, including e-book
classics and audiobooks, as well as a wide selection of
Health Care
Health care is provided in the San by qualified nursing staff
members who are on duty 24 hours a day. The San is a
peaceful wing of the College, with windows opening onto
beautiful gardens; it is a pleasant place where girls (and
staff) may go when they are ill or are in need of help. A
doctor is in attendance for girls to consult on three mornings
a week.
magazines, periodicals, and DVDs.
Five laboratories and several preparation rooms are
accommodated in the Science Centre. The comprehensive
range of specimens, models, resource material and microscopes is in constant use. Every effort is made to ensure
that girls get individual hands-on experience of working with
laboratory equipment, chemicals and glassware and they
are taught safe practice in this regard.
We encourage an education that will be both stimulating
and relevant in all facets of a girl’s future and, in so doing,
prepare her for the challenges of the changing and developing
world.
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Music
At St Anne’s, music is an integral part of the school curriculum, and girls
have innumerable opportunities to pursue their interest in it and to
develop their talent to the full. The St Anne’s Music Department strives
to develop excellence and instil a love, enjoyment and appreciation
of music amongst all its girls. The Music Department firmly believes
that music should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, and thus
strives for: “Excellence through enjoyment.”
Music as an Academic Subject
Music is offered as a subject at the College from Forms 2 to 6, and
the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) syllabus is covered in
preparation for the Matriculation Examination. Although stimulating,
innovative, creative and enjoyable, Music as a subject is demanding
and requires real commitment and dedication. In addition, girls are
encouraged to enter the UNISA, Associated Board of the Royal
Schools of Music (ABRSM), Trinity College (TCL) Trinity Rock &
Pop, and International Rock School Examinations.
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Information and Communication Technology
At St Anne’s technology is embraced as a powerful tool
to personally manage their selected device. They learn
used to endow girls with competency and confidence. ICT
how to use software to enhance their productivity and
facilities include a robust network infrastructure of 12 servers,
communication, along with basic principles of digital
campus-wide wireless coverage, interactive boards in
citizenship, referencing and research.
nearly all classrooms, two fully-equipped IT Centres and 25
computers in our Media Centre. Our network allows girls to
Timetabled lessons are offered to teachers to explore new
utilise personal devices of choice that they feel add value to
technologies, encouraging interactivity in the classroom
their academic experience.
and stimulating the learning process in a relevant and
efficient manner.
Information Digital Literacy is a compulsory subject from
Forms 2 to 5 equipping girls with life-long skills in how
Music as a Co-Curricular Activity
The College endeavours to provide tuition in any instrument of
choice. At present, tuition is given to over 190 girls in the following
instruments: voice, piano, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone,
tenor saxophone, classical guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar,
bass guitar and drums. The tuition may have a serious focus or a
lighter approach according to the girl’s preference. These lessons are
conducted during and after the academic day by our dedicated and
specialist music staff. Girls, who wish to enter for Eisteddfods and
external examinations, or join a variety of external choirs and
orchestras, are encouraged to do so, if they are at the requisite
standard.
Life Orientation
Life Orientation is aimed at equipping girls for the increasingly complex demands of contemporary life. It covers topics such as
adolescent problems, health hazards, sexuality education, self-defence, budgeting, career guidance and the world of work.
Good relationships with peers, parents and boys are explored. Decision-making and problem-solving are encouraged, as are
sound study skills and self-motivation. Individual counselling is available.
Counselling
As St Anne’s is predominantly a boarding school, it is important that girls are able to discuss problems with the School Counsellor,
their Housemistress, teachers or the Chaplain. Counselling provides a supportive relationship for girls to acquire insight,
knowledge and the skills necessary for day-to-day interactions. During the counselling process, girls are encouraged to
believe in themselves and grow through facing challenges in appropriate ways. Career and personal counselling services are
offered. Each of these is strongly supported by the Life Orientation programme offered during class time.
A peer counselling service is also provided. Peer counsellors, chosen from senior Forms, assist in supporting girls in need.
The peer counsellors receive formal training to help them grow as individuals and endow them with the skills to assist their
fellow learners.
Dramatic Arts
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Dramatic Arts is taken by all junior girls, and is an excellent opportunity
to develop confidence and self-esteem in creative,
practical explorations. Dramatic Arts can be chosen as a National
Senior Certificate subject and the drama studio, situated in a beautiful part of the estate, is a private and spacious venue for the senior
classes to explore theatre practitioners, play texts and theatre history.
Besides the practical Drama curriculum, there are many
opportunities afforded to all pupils at St Anne’s to get involved in
performances. Each year, there is a major production. The Interhouse
Theatre Festival allows girls to audition to be in their House performances.
FUNK, a popular annual event involving twelve Pietermaritzburg
schools, gives pupils who are interested in movement a chance to be
part of a large dance programme. Girls can become Theatre Monitors
and are trained in the technical areas of lighting, sound, videography,
stage management and front-of-house.
Our Theatre Director ensures that the theatre hosts numerous
outside professional productions that the girls attend to broaden their
theatrical horizons. Workshops are regularly offered to the Dramatic
Arts girls by these companies, enabling
the girls to learn from professionals in the industry.
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Visual Arts
The Visual Arts has considerable standing at St Anne’s, both
as an academic subject in the curriculum and as an integrated
part of many of the girls’ lives. An exceptional standard of
practical art, as well as visual cultural studies, has been
established in the Art Department over many years, as
indicated in the excellent exam results.
Attractive facilities, combined with significant resources,
are conducive to creativity. Each girl is encouraged to fulfil
her own artistic potential, and has the choice of a variety of
disciplines and media.
Leadership
Leaders are not normally born; they are people who have
ICT Centre and the Theatre, and as social functions committee
had the chance to grow their leadership abilities. This
members. Girls who have embraced the spiritual life of the
forms the basis of what we aim to achieve in our leadership
College can serve on the SCA Committee or as Sacristans.
programme at St Anne’s, a programme which is carefully
designed to give all of our girls, from Form 2 to Form 6, the
By Form 6, our girls have been equipped with the skills
opportunity to play a leadership role in this College. Lead-
necessary to take on enhanced leadership roles in the
ership is an important part of our curriculum, and how we
community. All Matric girls are mentors; because of this all
develop our leaders is designed to complement, and be
Matric girls play important roles on the Houses’ Management
driven by, our College values, as enshrined in our Mission
Committees. The Head and Deputy Head of the College,
Statement.
Heads of Houses and the other Portfolio Heads, are elected
democratically. Thus all Form 6 girls help with the effective
All Forms and classes are represented at College Forum, a
running of the College and its overall leadership; all Form
consultative body of girls, chosen by their peers, that meets
6 girls benefit from this experience in their final years of
twice a term to participate in important discussions about a
school and will take these benefits with them as they leave
variety of topics. The Catering Committee meets regularly
St Anne’s.
with the contracted catering company to discuss menus and
suggestions offered by the girls - an important discussion
in a boarding school where meals matter! There are many
other opportunities for girls to lead: for example, as sports
captains and vice-captains, peer counsellors, social
responsibility co-ordinators, monitors in the Media Centre,
Sport
Healthy physical activity is a very important part of the
development of each St Anne’s girl. All pupils are introduced
to, and given coaching in, an extensive range of sports
throughout the year. Regardless of previous ability or
experience, every girl is expected to participate in sport.
Form 2 and 3 girls are required to play a team sport, unless
they are involved in another group activity on campus (e.g.
Choir). The wide variety of sports on offer means that all
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girls can find something they enjoy, and our programme is
designed to appeal to both the expert and the novice; to
those girls who are naturally competitive and to those who
gymnastics, hockey academy, kickboxing, modern dancing,
simply enjoy the social and fitness benefits that sport offers.
pilates, scuba diving and yoga.
St Anne’s has an excellent sporting tradition and is fortunate
Many recreational activities are offered and these change
enough to enjoy spacious playing fields, including a Green-
from term to term. Private specialist coaching is offered in
field (our synthetic hockey surface), a heated swimming pool
athletics, hockey, tennis and squash, and Club swimming is
that doubles as a water polo venue (and also has its own
also on offer.
diving well with 1m and 3m boards), a brand new, state-ofthe-art Indoor Sports Centre, eight all-weather tennis courts,
During the year, girls have the opportunity to go on sporting
four glass-backed squash courts, four basketball courts and
tours and attend sports festivals.
seven netball courts. The school also has a beautiful 2.7km
cross country course.
St Anne’s successfully participates in the Midlands or KZN
Inland Schools’ and UmGungundlovu Leagues in most
The sports on offer are: athletics, basketball, canoeing,
sporting disciplines. Many pupils have earned representative
cross-country, diving, equestrian, hockey, indoor hockey,
colours at district, provincial and national levels. At all times
netball, soccer, squash, swimming, tennis and water polo.
and at all levels, a spirit of fair play and sportsmanship is
Extra activities include: fitness, ballroom dancing, golf,
encouraged.
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The Chanel Programme
Outdoor Education
The Chanel Programme at St Anne’s continues to be a high-
At St Anne’s, outdoor education is important; we value it
while carrying their own belongings, including tents and
light of the Form 4 calendar, with the Chanel Ball in September
as a means of challenging our girls spiritually, socially and
food. The girls are fully prepared for the Adventure before
being its culmination. The programme teaches much more
physically. By persevering at difficult physical tasks as well
they depart.
than just fashion and dancing. Girls grow in character, in
as quietly reflecting afterwards, the girls are able to gain in-
knowledge of themselves and of each other. They are also
sight into their own strengths and weaknesses. They cherish
The Babanango Trip is a highlight for the Form 4 year
involved in the complexities often experienced within the
the face-to-face communication with their peers, away from
and the girls are given a glimpse into the rich, vibrant Zulu
democratic process whilst planning and making choices.
the pressures of technology and the school routine. Each
culture. The dramatic unfolding of the Zulu wars is brought
Form has its own specific trip which focuses on the needs
alive on the battlefields. At Babanango Valley the entire
for that year. .
Form benefits from team building, a vital component for their
The programme invites outside speakers to talk on a wide
range of topics including social skills such as grooming,
interaction as a group of St Anne’s girls. The academic
etiquette and dancing, as well as critical life skills, which
In Form 2 the girls spend a few days in the Kwazulu-Natal
rigours of the classroom continue out in the bush where
include conversation around the dinner table, interacting
Midlands at a formal school campsite where they engage in
river, grass and ecosystem studies are pursued. Babanango
with boys appropriately and learning to co-operate with
outdoor activities such as hiking and group challenges. This
Village is ideal for the geographers to view the “rainbow
others. Various topics are presented to the girls through
enables them to bond as a Form in their first year of high
RDP Village”
talks and workshops over a period of six months. The girls
school and make new friends who may not be in their class
are encouraged to listen to the opinions of their peers,
or House.
The Form 5 girls are taken to Spirit of Adventure on the
Shongweni Dam. There they participate in different outdoor
improve their communication skills and remain true to themselves. The programme’s finale is a Ball held at the end of
The Form 3 girls undertake a much longer and more chal-
activities such as abseiling, rock-climbing and hiking. These
the third term, attended by the girls’ parents as well as their
lenging outdoor programme called “The Great Adventure”.
activities form part of the preparation for their leadership
partners from Michaelhouse, a local boys’ school, whom
In this programme the girls are divided into smaller groups
roles in Matric and help the girls gain insight into their own
they get to know during the dancing classes.
of about 16 and taken to the Spioenkop Dam and Nature
strengths and weaknesses.
Reserve area. They hike, cycle and canoe specific routes,
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Social Responsibility
Cultural Enrichment
St Anne’s has embraced the notion that social responsibility
is crucial to the education of a pupil, a school, a community
Every year there are a number of educational tours; some
and a nation. This belief has been translated into the formal
in connection with a specific subject, and others that are
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structure of the St Anne’s Education in Partnership Programme,
cultural. Tours have taken girls to places within South
commonly known as STEPP.
Africa and overseas. These exciting expeditions encourage
camaraderie, fun and great cultural enrichment.
The mission of STEPP is to make excellent education
accessible to all South Africans. In doing so the girls are
involved in socially relevant opportunities that consciously
partner them with society and cultivate a mature perspective
Exchange Programme
on what it means to be part of a community. The relevance
For Form 4 and 5 Pupils we offer Exchange Programmes
to effect positive change in education within the community
involving schools in Brisbane and Sydney in Australia, in
and allows all concerned to grapple and find ways to deal
Canada and in Charlotte and New York in the USA.
with the issues we face daily in South Africa.
of STEPP is that it has educational benefits for the girls and
facilitates the development of a real relationship with society.
That relationship meets actual needs, creates opportunities
STEPP partners with like-minded organisations in areas
such as Early Childhood Development, English Literacy,
Science, and Sport, and creates libraries in schools through
the ‘Making Libraries Happen Programme’.
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Environment
Our world is changing all the time; many of these changes
are because of rapid industrialisation and ‘progress’, at the
cost of our environment. It is crucial for a sustainable future
for all global citizens that a love of nature and a grasp of the
principles of environmental conservation are taught. At St
Anne’s, environmental education forms a key component of
the curriculum, not only because we must save our precious
Earth but also because giving back to our world develops
the kind of women our girls will become.
We have a committed, active and purposeful Environmental
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Committee dedicated to promoting responsible environmental
use in our community. One of the most important activities
of the committee is promoting waste management, through
encouraging waste monitoring. Everyone is urged to recycle
have been returning to this special part of the campus, alien
whenever possible, using many accessible sites to do so.
plants are being eradicated and the College is striving to
Water, such a precious resource in our country, is a focus:
preserve the unique biodiversity of our wetland for everyone
energy-saving devices are in place in the College and we
to enjoy into the future.
are doing all we can to reduce our water consumption. To
complement the committee’s work, girls and staff can join
The Environmental Club is also striving to make a difference
our industrious and passionate Environmental Club. This
beyond our campus gates by fundraising to support a local
club supports the committee’s initiatives on this campus,
community vegetable garden, doing regular litter clean-ups
assisting with recycling, helping with communication and
and conducting MiniSASS water studies in local river systems.
engaging the whole College in activities such as the
These initiatives serve to make the girls aware of environ-
environmental quiz. The Club members have the opportunity
mental issues in surrounding areas and the impact that they
to be addressed on environmental issues by outside speakers
can have on the wider community.
on many occasions during the academic year.
In recognition of the investment that St Anne’s is making in
St Anne’s is blessed with beautiful, extensive grounds,
our environment, the College has been listed as an Eco-
including a wetland that has been a rehabilitation project
School.
for some years now. Indigenous plants and local wildlife
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ENTRANCE
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Green Field
PARKING
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Parent Evening
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Word of Mouth
Map of College Grounds
How did you find out about St Anne’s?
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1. Chapel
2. Reception
3. Foyer
4. Dining Room
5. Kitchen
6. Administration
7. Music School
8. Macrorie
9. Marianne Browne
10. Andrews
11. Usherwood
12. Drama
13. Shop
14. Frances Baines
15. I.T. Department
16. Classroom Block
17. Auditorium
18. Theatre
PARKING
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To N3 Highway / Hilton College
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Indoor Sports
Centre
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19. Science Centre
20. Art
21. Media Centre & Classrooms
22. Consumer Studies
23. Counselling & French
24. Mollie Stone
25. Sanatorium
26. Staff
27. Tennis / Netball / Basketball
28. Squash
29. Indoor Centre
30. Equestrian Field
31. Swimming / Diving Pool
32. Hockey / Athletics
33. Volleyball Field
34. College Head’s Residence
35. Staff Accomodation,
Workshops and Laundry
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Hilton Avenue, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Private Bag 6002, Hilton 3245
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +27 (0)33 343 6100
Fascimile: +27 (0)33 343 1623
www.stannes.co.za