Academic Approach – Intermediate

Recent News

THE 2023 RESULTS ARE EXTRAORDINARY AND EXCELLENT

What an incredible journey and relationship it has been with the WCED! We are immensely proud of our pupils’ outstanding...

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS: 2022 Matric NSC Results

The 2022 results are awe-inspiring and excellent. Through a particularly challenging three years, our 2022 matriculants have achieved exceptional results!...

Academic Approach – Intermediate

Our academic focus in the Intermediate and Senior Phase at Herschel Preparatory is on developing independent, critical thinkers who learn to make a difference in the world.

At Herschel, we teach beyond the curriculum and emphasis is placed on the development of core skills, values and attitudes. We encourage girls to take ownership for their own learning and are proud of our tradition of excellence and academic rigour. Connectedness and belonging are essential and the importance of emotional and social skills is always stressed.

Subjects Taught

Our girls learn English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Xhosa, Life Skills, Physical Education, Drama, Music, Technology and Science, IT, Divinity and Integrated Studies.

In Integrated Studies, traditional subjects have been broken down and the focus is on enquiry, the acquisition of skills and project-based learning across a range of disciplines.

Relevant and appropriate topics are explored in a variety of ways, allowing for effective co-operative work, collaboration, creativity and problem solving.

This approach has proven to be both stimulating and rewarding for the girls as well as the teachers.

Our Integrated Approach to Continuous Learning

Our approach incorporates the use of digital platforms, coding, Habits of Mind and thinking skills to make learning and teaching relevant and meaningful. Assessment takes various forms and is continuous and as such, no formal examinations are written.

Technology in the Classroom

Our classrooms are designed for flexible learning and teaching. All classrooms are equipped with interactive Smart Boards, and iPads form an integral part of our teaching and learning.

The increased focus on technology in class has also led to us incorporating modules on digital citizenship, IT skills and coding into the curriculum. Creative teaching and learning options are constantly explored.

School Song

We are assembled here in love,
We are united, we care for one another.
The greatest lesson of all is the one
That teaches us to live together, together.

Refrain:
Everyone’s a spark and in the night
Together we make a light, a fire burning bright
Ad Dei Gloriam; Inkosi mayibongwe:
To the glory of our God: this is what we believe.

In times of trouble we support
Our fellows; we are taught to be there for our friends.
And all around us, there will be
That special unity, that binds us all together.

If we come back after many years,
We will think fondly of the things that we remember,
And the friends that we made then,
These will be friends forever, forever.

By Thandi Siebert, Head Girl 1993