A VISION FOR EXCELLENCE AND
OPPORTUNITY
THE ACORN BURSARY TRUST
Established by the parents and staff of Somerset College, the Acorn Bursary Trust (ABT) is a registered Public Benefit Organisation that believes education is the greatest form of empowerment. As a living expression of our school values of dignity, aspiration, creativity and contribution, the ABT represents our commitment to make a real, valued and significant difference in our community and country.
MESSAGE FROM THE ACORN BURSARY TRUST CHAIR
For the past decade, The Acorn Bursary Trust (ABT) has been steadfast in its mission to provide talented students with the financial support they need to pursue excellence in education and personal growth. At ABT, we firmly believe that education opportunities should not be constrained by financial barriers. Our esteemed donors share this belief and are committed to ensuring that ABT continues to empower students by providing access to high-quality education, which has the potential to transform their futures. As Trustees, we are proud to champion individuality and are intentional in fostering and
developing the diverse talents of our recipients at Somerset College. Witnessing our students’ positive contributions beyond the academic setting inspires us to expand the reach of ABT, enabling us to support more students and make a broader impact. By doing so, we aim to shape the lives of future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.
As Chairman of ABT, it is a privilege to be part of this endeavour to broaden our impact and build upon the significant progress made over the last ten years. Somerset College offers a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to embrace freedom of thought, cultivate curiosity, and commit to self-improvement—qualities that will benefit ABT recipients long into the future. We look forward to following the progress of our recipients during their time at Somerset College and in their future endeavours beyond the institution
ACORN BURSARY TRUST TRUSTEES
Mr Seelan Gobalsamy CHAIRMAN
Mr Jacques Nel EXECUTIVE HEAD
Ms Su Chetti
Ms Meg Fargher
Mr Nicholas Ganz
Mr Heine Matthee BUSINESS MANAGER
Mr Michael Taberer
Mr Craig Verdal-Austin PREPARATORY HEAD
THE SATURDAY SCHOOL INITIATIVE
Born from a vision to make a difference and promote equal educational opportunities, the project began in 2021 when Somerset College teachers offered informal curriculum support to students from Nomzamo High School. In 2022, the programme was officially launched, supporting 23 Grade 12 students from Nomzamo. This formal support included lessons, assessments, and feedback in English, Mathematics, and Physical Science at Somerset College, with books, stationery, food, and transport provided.
By 2023, the programme expanded to include 62 students from Nomzamo, Gordon High, and Simanyene High Schools, selected based on strong academic records, and Life Sciences was added to the curriculum. In 2024, the initiative supported 130 students in Grades 11 and 12 from the same partner schools. The growth continued in 2025, with the programme expanding to reach 181 students in Grades 10 to 12, including students from Nomzamo, Lwandle, Khanyolwethu, and Simanyene High Schools.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
It is with great pride and gratitude that I reflect on the incredible journey of the Somerset College Saturday School. What started in 2021 as a small initiative supporting 33 students from Nomzamo High School has now grown into a thriving educational programme, impacting the lives of 181 students across multiple schools within the East Metro district.
Our commitment has always been to provide quality academic support in key subjects, including mathematics, English, physical sciences, geography, and life sciences. Over the years, we have expanded not only in numbers but also in the depth of support we offer, introducing structured lessons and assessments and providing essential resources such as books, stationery, transport, and meals. We have provided these essential resources with the help of our sponsors, whose generosity has been instrumental in the success of this programme.
The heart of this programme is the belief that every student, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Seeing our students grow in confidence, improve academically, and strive for excellence is what drives us forward. This initiative would not be possible without the dedication of our educators, the unwavering support of our partners, and the resilience of our students.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our impact, expanding our reach, and ensuring that Somerset College Saturday School continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity. To our students—your hard work and perseverance inspire us all. To our teachers and supporters—thank you for being part of this journey.
Together, we are shaping futures and transforming lives.
Mrs Nthabiseng Moloi
Director of Somerset College Saturday School
INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY
Somerset College Saturday School stands out for its shared vision of shaping character, building knowledge, and preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This holistic approach combines academic excellence with exploration, offering Holiday and Post-Secondary Programmes. We focus on improving results in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, while also providing opportunities for sporting and cultural engagement. Classes take place every Saturday from 8h30 to 14h15 at Somerset College, with students bussed from and back to Lwandle and Somerset West. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
TRANSFORMING EDUCATION FOR A CHANGING WORLD
We are committed to investing in their education today to secure their futures tomorrow. Somerset College is proud to partner with local schools, aiming to transform society and make a meaningful contribution to education in South Africa.
Beyond the students, the Saturday School works closely with leaders and educators at partner schools. We’ve introduced a leader’s forum for Principals and Deputies, teacher development, intern programmes, and tertiary support. The success of this model may pave the way for its replication in other areas across the Western Cape and South Africa.
CURRENT PARTNER SCHOOLS
Nomzamo High School | Khanyolwethu High School | Lwandle High School | Simanyene High School
SPONSORS
Main sponsor: Life Healthcare
Secondary sponsor: KAP Industrial Holdings
Other sponsors: Somerset College | The Answer Series | Pick 'n Pay Panorama | Steers Waterstone Village | Gaffley's Transport
Radiography Bursaries
We are excited to announce a wonderful opportunity for our Saturday School students. Winelands Radiology will sponsor five bursaries, covering full tuition, books, and scrubs, for qualifying matric students enrolled in our programme to study radiography at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Upon successful completion of the degree and community service, these students will be offered full-time employment at one of the Winelands Radiology medical centres. This initiative represents a life-changing opportunity for five deserving students and underscores our commitment to their future success
SAICA FASSET Development Camps
The SAICA FASSET Development Camps, a collaboration between the provincial departments of Basic Education, SAICA, and the Finance and Accounting Sector Education and Training (FASSET), are held annually during the winter holidays for at least seven days. These camps provide academically talented Grade 12 students from Quintile 1 to Quintile 3 schools with additional support in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Accounting. We are pleased that several of our Grade 12 students were selected to attend the Western Cape camp from 23 June 2024 to 29 June 2024 in Constantia. This year’s camp was highly successful, providing valuable resources and guidance to the participants.
National Senior Certificate (NSC) Awards for 2023
We are thrilled to announce that two of our partner schools in the Saturday School programme, Nomzamo High School and Khanyolwethu High School, achieved remarkable success at the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Awards for 2023. Nomzamo High School was ranked 6th, while Khanyolwethu High School secured the 9th position in category 1 for the most improved public schools in the Western Cape. This achievement highlights their significant improvements in pass rates, increases in the percentage of candidates qualifying for Bachelor’s degree studies, and excellence in individual subjects. Somerset College is proud to partner with these schools and remains dedicated to making a meaningful contribution to education in our community.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Join us in making a difference in the lives of our students! Your generous donations enable us to provide quality education, essential resources, and enriching experiences for children in our community. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us create a brighter future for our students. Together, we can empower young minds and transform lives.