Knysna High School

ABOUT US

The history of Knysna High School goes back to the last century when it was known as the Knysna Public School and functioned only as a junior school. The old school building (on the present site) came into use on 16 October 1916 and on 1 January 1929 obtained the status of a high school.

The official opening of Knysna High School took place on 28 January 1929. Numerous extensions have subsequently taken place and the present building that was erected around the original building, was occupied at the end of 1968.

At present, the school consists of a modern building with all the essential rooms. These include well-equipped laboratories; a Consumer Studies classroom, a school hall and two computer rooms. Originally tuition was in English. From 1936 Afrikaans was gradually introduced as an alternative language of tuition, and only in the early 1940`s did Knysna High School become a dual-medium school. The colourful history of the school can be traced from the days when it provided education mainly to the English-speaking village children. Later, with the addition of the hostels, provision was made for children from the farming community and the forestry sector. Today it fulfills the task of a typical town school in a rapidly developing area.

The Governing Body of the Knysna High School is a diversified spread of volunteers, sewn together by a common concern for the well-being of the school and those who pass through it. The Governing Body is the school’s accountable body. As such, it is responsible for the conduct of the school, for promoting high standards and for the fostering and preservation of its ethos.

Principal:

• Mr IJM Lourens

Parents:

• Mrs R Bruwer
• Mr S Jegels
• Mr G Muller
• Mrs D Wolmarans
• Mrs L Fourie
• Mr H Strydom
• Mr K Groom (Co-opted Member)

Educators:

• MR R van Lill Mrs P Eustice

Non-Educator:

• Ms A Olivier

Learner Representitives:

• Dune Henrick
• Aangelo Jenneker

SERVICES

Academic

Philosophy:

We strive to provide a stimulating learning environment in which the potential of each learner can be nurtured. To this end, we adhere to the notional time prescribed by the Department. We strive to provide support for learners with barriers to learning by providing alternative assessment procedures.

Assessment:

Learners are involved in regular informal and formal assessment. All assessment is done according to the requirements of the NCS Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. Formal assessment occurs in the following ways:

• Term 1: Test Series (10 days) towards the end of the term
• Term 2: Examinations, plus class assignments
• Term 3: Examinations (Gr 12) and test series for Gr 8 – 11
• Term 4: Examinations, plus class assignments

Reporting is done quarterly. Parents can fetch their children’s reports on Report Evening which is normally held on either the last or the first Thursday of a term. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s report with his/her educators.

Acknowledgement of Academic Achievement:

Learners who achieve academic success are rewarded in various ways.

• Academic colours:

Academic colours are awarded based on the individual learner’s final results at the end of the previous year. These are awarded at the beginning of the school year.

• Merit Position (Prize giving):

The top five achievers are rewarded for their overall achievements based on the first three terms of the year.

• Subject Prize Winners:

The top achiever in each subject is rewarded for his/her achievement in a subject based on the results of the first three terms of the year.

• Academic Certificates:

All learners who meet the minimum requirements for the grade are given a certificate to acknowledge their achievement.

• Dux Scholar:

This prestigious award is given to the Grade 12 learner who achieves the highest marks for the first three terms.

Grade 8 and 9

Senior Phase – Grade 8 and 9

Compulsory learning areas:

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences
• Economic Management Sciences
• Life Orientation
• Creative Arts
• Natural Sciences
• Technology

Grade 10 and 11

Further Education and Training – FET Grade 10 and 11

Compulsory – Two Languages:

• English/Afrikaans - Home language
• Afrikaans/English - First Additional language

Compulsory– Life Orientation:

Choose one:

• Mathematics
• Mathematical literacy

Choose from each of Groups 1 – 3:

Group 1:

• Accounting
• Consumer Studies
• Visual Arts
• Geography

Group 2:

• Life Sciences
• History
• Computer Application Technology (CAT)

Group 3:

• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Business Studies

Grade 12

Further Education and Training – FET Grade 12:

Compulsory– Two Languages:

• English/Afrikaans - Home language
• Afrikaans/English - First Additional language

Compulsory – Life Orientation:

Choose one:

• Mathematics
• Mathematical literacy

Choose from each of Groups 1 – 3:

Group 1:

• Accounting
• Consumer Studies
• Visual Arts
• Geography

Group 2:

• Life Sciences
• Business Studies
• History
• Computer Application Technology (CAT)

Group 3:

• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Computer Application Technology (CAT)
• Business Studies

Sport:

We encourage our learners to achieve a balanced education. At Knysna High we know, and understand, that not all learners can achieve at the highest levels in sport. So, part of the sport mission statement is to develop and grow participation in sport at ALL levels.

We consider sport to be valuable as it builds character. Learners develop very important social skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, co-operation, leadership, self-discipline and sporting ethics.

For those learners who are not competitive, sport can be a form of recreation. Our emphasis here is on participation NOT necessarily achievement. Learners, previously not been afforded the opportunity to do sport, take this recreational opportunity and flourish. This in itself is very rewarding!

Our Sport Mission Statement:

The aim is to utilize knowledge, expertise, influence and resources to develop and grow participation in sport at all levels.

The aim of our sport is:

To establish and promote a healthy body and mind To create the opportunity for healthy relaxation To create and develop a positive self-image To instill an appreciation for certain values such as sportsmanship, self- control, loyalty, unselfishness, honesty, determination and leadership To help the pupils to recognize the effect of another person’s way of life and their achievements on his/her own life through sport To create an opportunity for learners and teachers to get to know each other on a different level To enable the learners to develop a happy, healthy and well-balanced way of life To treat opponents the way we would like to be treated and no unfair or unlawful advantage will be reached – only the advantage of skills. To accept the rules of the sport and the decisions of the referee at all times. To perhaps consider that the benefit of the doubt will be given to the opponent. To give our best and will not give up in either competition or practice and will try not to lose the respect and appreciation of our opponents. To win with pride, and will remain humble in our success and will be big enough to accept defeat with dignity and will congratulate our opponents

Culture:

At Knysna High School every learner has the opportunity to stand out as an individual while being part of a group. The vibrant culture activities at the school, shape and form their personalities to its full potential. The Inter-act club shines in its efforts helping the community in and around Knysna. The choir is still in its baby shoes, but has grabbed the attention of the judges during the Eisteddfod. The learners themselves take the initiative and organize a lot of the events themselves under the guidance of a teacher.