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.
The continuation of the Saturday School programme has the potential to decisively and sustainably lift the Cape Winelands district’s scholastic performance by improving base pass rates, Bachelor’s Degree pass rates and learners’ access to and successful completion of university courses. Furthermore, the model’s success will hopefully open up opportunities for replication in other areas of the Western Cape and South Africa. Our sponsors make it possible for us to offer the activities we do, and allow us to do our work. We are so grateful for, and humbled by, their belief in us and what we are doing here. We thank you for allowing us to grow our Saturday School programme and to offer additional enrichment activities that support our philosophy of whole-student development.
Contact Us: j.nel@somcol.co.za