Foundation Phase – Our Philosphy

The core focus of the Foundation Phase is to create an environment in which scholars are exposed to different experiences. This promotes a learning agility-focused culture that enables our children to be more adaptable and confident individuals – setting the tone for future-fit thinking and a collaborative-learning style – a pivotal skillset for the 21st century child.

Our teacher-scholar ratio ensures that every child is nurtured as an individual and their unique qualities can shine through.

Relationship-building is the cornerstone of developing self-esteem and trust for scholars to blossom and explore the many facets of what we offer at Penryn.

Ultimately, our no-one-size-fits-all approach allows for each child to transition comfortably and confidently to the next phase at the Senior Prep.

James Goldschmidt

CLASS OF 2018 | BOARDING HEAD BOY

I came from a small school in Hazyview and arrived at Penryn in Grade 8, 2014. From the beginning of my boarding experience at Penryn, I learned the true meaning of friendship. It has been an amazing experience and I am looking forward to University to use the valuable life skills that I learned exclusively from boarding at Penryn.

Sphe Mavimbela

CLASS OF 2018 | BOARDING HEAD GIRL

As a young Grade 8 coming into the College, I was excited about the new adventure that Penryn held for me, but at the same time I was shaking with fear at the thought of leaving my home in Swaziland. When I arrived at Kiaat House, I was warmly received by all. It was in Kiaat that I found other international boarders who shared my fears and gave me guidance on everything regarding school. Penryn boarding became my home away from home.

Penryn is proud to have produced some of the nations most gifted creative artists, such as the likes of Simon Attwood, who was awarded the Presidential Scholarship for his achievements in visual art, allowing him to study abroad at the School of Art Institute in Chicago.

Our experienced art teachers instruct with a difference. Art at Penryn is viewed as freedom to delve into more than just creativity. We create a space where scholars are free to create through an array of mediums and style – empowering them to express their beliefs about certain social and cultural topics, which is all part of critical thinking.

Our Prep scholars are taught basic techniques, in a warm, vibrant and energetic space that cultivates their creativity through to College years.

At College level, we hone in on technique and theory – giving scholars the opportunity to ‘flex their creative muscle’ in photography, sculpture, print making and various painting styles. Scholars are also given ample opportunity to exhibit at eisteddfods and even travel abroad to learn more about the world of visual art.

Many of our scholars are frequently published in major art publications, including Art Times and The South African Art Magazine. We place a strong emphasis on teaching our scholars the importance of showcasing and selling their work, such as platforming and selling their work on social media, which is a future-fit skill for any aspiring creative.

SCHOLAR EXEC

The development of leadership skills is an important part of the school’s non-academic programme and several opportunities are presented to the scholars, throughout the year. During August each year, all scholars and staff participate in a democratic election to determine the twenty members of the Scholar Executive Committee for the following year.

All Exec members are in matric and the group consists of a head boy and head girl, the chairperson of the Scholar Representative Council (or SRC), eight heads of houses and nine heads of committees. The head boy and girl are full voting members of the Council and manage the different activities and programmes organised by the heads of houses and committees.

2021 College Scholar Leadership Team:

Rocques Janse van Rensburg

SRC

Ntsako Silinda

HEAD BOY

Matete Mabaso

HEAD GIRL