EMPOWERING MINDS
SOMERSET COLLEGE
ACADEMIC PROGRAMME
Our Approach to Teaching and Learning
The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) curriculum is internationally recognised for its rigorous academic standards. In 2022, the IEB introduced an international school qualification to expand its reach and impact across the African continent.
Our Preparatory School follows the Cambridge curriculum, laying a strong foundation for global learning and academic independence.
In the Senior School, students may pursue either the National Senior Certificate (NSC) through the IEB, South Africa’s Grade 12 school-leaving qualification, or the internationally recognised Cambridge A-Level programme. The NSC offers three levels of achievement: Higher Certificate Pass, Diploma Pass, and Bachelor’s Degree Pass, providing pathways to further education and career aspirations.
Families may choose between the IEB pathway (leading to the NSC) or the Cambridge A-Level pathway, depending on their child’s academic goals and future study plans.
CAMBRIDGE CURRICULUM
For students seeking an internationally recognised qualification with global university access, Somerset College offers the Cambridge A-Level programme.
The Somerset College Cambridge Programme offers students the opportunity to complete their A-levels, achieving a school-leaving qualification recognised locally and internationally. Designed for students aged 16 to 19, the programme runs parallel to the IEB Grade 11 and 12 years, providing advanced academic preparation for higher education. We welcome applicants who have completed Grade 10, GCSEs, or an equivalent qualification.
Our programme is unique in South Africa, enabling students to complete their full Advanced Level qualifications within two years, without requiring an additional “Year 13.”
INSPIRING INNOVATION THROUGH ESTEAM
ESTEAM is the integrated study of Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, and forms the foundation of Somerset College’s project-oriented, inquiry-based learning programme. Woven into every school day from Grade 000 to Grade 11, ESTEAM combines classroom learning with hands-on projects as part of every student’s school day, with specialised ESTEAM clubs available to extend learning further. This dynamic approach unites the pursuit of knowledge with critical 21st-century skills, cutting-edge technology, and global connectivity, ensuring our students excel today and thrive in their future.
ESTEAM CLUBS
ESTEAM is integrated into the formal curriculum across grade levels, with additional enrichment opportunities through specialised clubs.
Coding And Robotics | Rocketry | E-Sports | Entrepreneurship Launch Lab
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Every student’s learning journey is unique. Our Academic Support Services ensure that individual strengths are nurtured and learning barriers are identified and supported early.
At Somerset College, we value a holistic, multidisciplinary approach when providing support to our students. The Student Development Unit (SDU) aims to provide onsite support and assistance to those students who experience academic, psychological, social and/or emotional challenges.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SDU
- Support
- Individual guidance
- Advice
- Empathetic listening, Tools
- Confidentiality
- Professionalism
- Care
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
- Focus on the individual’s needs – facilitating access to expertise, assessments, support and tools to assist them to achieve his or her full potential and thrive.
- Identification of learning profiles
- Subject Choice Assessments
- Study skills training
- Exam Technique guidance
- Academic interventions
- Support for students with barriers to learning (Dyslexia, ADHD etc.)
PERSONAL SUPPORT
- The SDU facilitates access to expertise and tools in a supportive and confidential space.
- Counselling
- Referral to specialist help / other resources
- Career Guidance
- Workshops
STUDENT WELLBEING
- Supported by established programmes to assist students to connect, grow and thrive
- Student Orientation
- Vertical home groups
- Mentoring system
- Tutors
- Grade heads
- Student wellbeing committee
PASTORAL CARE
At Somerset College, pastoral care is central to our Academic Support Services, ensuring students flourish in a nurturing environment. Each student joins a tutor group of 10 to 18 peers, led by a dedicated tutor who mentors and guides them throughout their school journey. Tutors, supported by grade heads, act as “parents at school,” fostering strong relationships and aiding academic and personal growth.
Our Chaplain provides essential guidance on values and ethical decision-making, especially for Grades 8 and 9 through dedicated lessons. For specialised support, the Student Development Unit (SDU) offers short-term mental health counselling, study assistance, career guidance, accommodations, and referrals to external professionals.
This comprehensive care equips students with the resilience and skills to face the challenges of a complex world.
HEALTH SERVICES
Before a child enters the school, parents must complete a medical form, providing their medical aid details and their child’s health information.
At Somerset College, our staff is supported by a dedicated, non-resident Nursing Sister who provides care for various health concerns at our School Clinic. The nurse attends to both day students who may feel unwell and need to rest until their parents can collect them, as well as boarders who are ill.
The clinic has 2 sick bay beds should students need monitoring during the day.
OUR LIBRARY
The Library staff are avid readers and book lovers who enjoy little more than bringing readers and books together and to supply reading material to the Somerset College community. We believe that fostering a love for reading is crucial to the academic and personal development of every child. We value the importance of reading as a fundamental skill that opens doors to endless possibilities.
THE SENIOR LIBRARY OFFERS
Our libraries serve Preparatory School students with age-appropriate resources and collaborative spaces:
- a wide-ranging book collection, including non-fiction and fiction in a variety of genres
- DVDs and audiobooks
- a well-stocked ebook library (Sora) that provides ebooks and audiobooks
- relaxation tools, such as jigsaw puzzles, games and sheets for colouring;
- spaces to work individually or in small groups
- student-led book clubs
reading spaces with comfortable chairs, small blankets and highly sought-after reading pods - a colour printer for the use of students and staff
THE PREP LIBRARY OFFERS
Our libraries serve Senior School students with age-appropriate resources and collaborative spaces:
- weekly library visits and book Lending – every week, all students from Grade 00 to Grade 7 visit our library and we encourage students to take books home throughout the year, including during school holidays
- engaging Book Clubs and Author Visits;
- Reading Week – this special event is filled with activities designed to promote the joy of reading, from storytelling sessions to book-themed competitions
- a library for the whole family – we regularly host open afternoons where parents are invited to visit our library
- a collaborative approach with teachers – our library team works closely with teachers to select books that are not only age-appropriate but also aligned with the curriculum.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Our Outdoor Education programme challenges students to step out of their comfort zones and connect with nature. Through camps, hikes, and adventure activities, students build resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills while creating lifelong memories.
SPORT & CULTURE
Sport and culture play a vital role in developing well-rounded individuals. From competitive sports to vibrant cultural activities, our students have ample opportunities to explore their talents, nurture creativity, and foster team spirit.