FOSTERING
Sport & Culture at
Somerset College
PREPARATORY SCHOOL SPORT
Sport is a key part of Prep School life. It builds teamwork, discipline and physical health. Our programme runs year-round and is structured around winter and summer sporting seasons.
WINTER SPORTS
The following sports are offered during the winter season in the Preparatory School:
Hockey | Rugby | Chess | Cross Country | Squash | Tennis | Netball
SUMMER SPORTS
The following sports are offered during the summer season in the Preparatory School:
Athletics | Chess | Cricket | Indoor Hockey | Squash | Swimming | Tennis | Water Polo
AREAS OF EXCELLENCE
We offer a structured Co-Curricular program. This helps every child discover their unique talents. Students are exposed to many sports from a young age. As they progress, they gain more opportunities for growth.
We compete in the Helderberg Zonal League against local schools. Matches usually take place on Thursday afternoons. We focus on maximising team participation.
PRE-PREP (Grade 000–00)
We start with movement and water safety programs. Private, paid extramurals are available from Grade 00.
JUNIOR PREP (Grade 1–3)
This program is compulsory four days a week. The focus is on holistic development and team sports. Students start competitive play from Grade 1 with expert coaching.
MIDDLE PREP (Grade 4–5)
Sport is still compulsory four days a week. Students choose from a limited activity program that now includes cultural options. Team sports involve one practice and one match per week, including local league and Saturday derbies.
SENIOR PREP (Grade 6–7)
The school day is extended for a broader co-curricular program. Students engage in both cultural and sporting activities. This phase includes two weekly practices and matches. Students compete in leagues, tournaments and derbies as they reach their highest skill level.
COACHING
Our coaching team is chosen for its expertise and holistic approach. The team includes academic staff, interns and external specialists. Coaches receive regular training to align with our school philosophy. This ensures a seamless link between the classroom and co-curricular activities.
SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT
The Senior School promotes a balance between academics and sport. Our programme is structured across winter and summer seasons to accommodate a wide range of interests and abilities.
WINTER SPORTS
The following sports are offered during the winter season in the Senior School:
Rugby | Hockey | Netball | Soccer | Squash | Chess | Golf
SUMMER SPORTS
The following sports are offered during the summer season in the Senior School:
Cricket | Chess | Golf | Tennis | Rowing | Water Polo
AREAS OF EXCELLENCE
Students compete in inter-school leagues and tournaments. Training sessions are held throughout the week. We emphasise both participation and excellence. Our program accommodates both beginners and advanced athletes.
COACHING
Our coaching team is chosen for its expertise and holistic approach. The team includes academic staff, interns and external specialists. Coaches receive regular training to align with our school philosophy. This ensures a seamless link between the classroom and co-curricular activities.
FACILITIES
Our extensive sports facilities support a wide range of activities:
- 4 cricket ovals and 3 turf nets
- 2 hockey astroturfs
- 3 rugby fields and 1 soccer field
- 6 courts for tennis/netball
- 2 squash courts
- An indoor multi-purpose hall
- A 25m x 27m heated pool (for swimming and water polo)
CENTRE OF SPORTS EXCELLENCE
This is our cutting-edge facility designed to help athletes reach their full potential. It features:
- A high-performance Cricket Indoor Centre with advanced training technology.
- A specialized Rowing Gym with ergometers. The Centre allows for year-round skill refinement and strength building.
CULTURE
Cultural involvement is vital for shaping well-rounded, future-ready students. The arts, including theatre, music, and visual arts, build crucial life skills:
- Confidence and Communication
- Collaboration and Leadership
- Creativity and Critical Thinking
- Resilience and Independence
Programmes like the Pops Concert teach real-world project management. Playing in ensembles builds teamwork and adaptability. The arts also foster empathy, belonging, and a strong sense of community.
PREPARATORY SCHOOL CULTURE
Cultural activities in the Preparatory School are grouped into academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities. These categories help students explore creativity both within and beyond the classroom.
ACADEMIC
Academic culture forms part of the school curriculum and is integrated into the school day.
All students from Grades 1–7 participate in Music, Art and Drama, with opportunities to showcase their talents in Junior and Senior Prep Plays, including dedicated Grade 6 productions.
CO-CURRICULAR
Co-curricular activities extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage participation, collaboration and skill development.
Creative Writing | Debating | Drama | P4C | Public Speaking | Music Ensembles | Performance | Exhibition Opportunities
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Extra-curricular activities provide additional opportunities for students to develop individual interests outside the formal curriculum.
Music | Visual Art
SENIOR SCHOOL CULTURE
Cultural activities in the Senior School are structured across academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular pathways, allowing students to deepen artistic interests while balancing academic commitments.
ACADEMIC
Academic arts subjects form part of the curriculum and can be pursued through to Grade 12 or A-Levels.
All students take two Arts and Culture subjects in Grades 8–9, with both practical and written components, and can continue with Design, Dramatic Arts, Music or Visual Arts.
CO-CURRICULAR
Co-curricular activities provide structured opportunities for performance, collaboration and creative expression.
Theatre Productions & Drama Activities | Music Ensembles | Visual Arts and Design | Performance & Exhibition Opportunities
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
Extra-curricular activities allow students to pursue specialised artistic interests beyond formal curriculum time.
Dramatic Arts | Music | Visual Arts
ANNUAL CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
DRAMATIC ARTS
Major theatre production (Term 2), Drama Showcase (Term 3), Drama Society activities (Terms 1 & 4).
VISUAL ARTS
Art Exhibitions (SomCol Experience Day, Founders Day, Grade 12 Exhibition), year-long “Art in Action” displays.
MUSIC
Annual and termly concerts, campus concerts and music tours.
AREAS OF EXCELLENCE FOR PREP AND SENIOR SCHOOL
MUSIC
Students consistently achieve high results in Trinity College London practical exams, demonstrate individual excellence at the Stellenbosch and Helderberg Eisteddfods, and are represented in the Stellenbosch Youth Orchestra.
VISUAL ARTS AND DESIGN
Students demonstrate individual excellence at local eisteddfods, particularly the Stellenbosch Eisteddfod, and participate in and achieve success in local and national exhibitions and competitions.