A holistic approach to Education
Located on the edge of the Van Stadens Wildflower Nature Reserve, Woodridge College is a mere twenty-five minute drive from Port Elizabeth.
Well known for its beautiful and eco-friendly campus, the school is committed to promoting environmental awareness, amongst other things.
Kids Connection had the wonderful opportunity to talk to Lynne Niemann, parent and employee of Woodridge, to ask her why parents should choose Woodridge for their children.
Here is what Lynne had to say at our Q and A
Q. What is the ethos of Woodridge College and Preparatory School?
Woodridge is all about holistic education, with an approach that aims to develop the body, mind and spirit of each pupil in order for them to reach his or her full potential in life.
To achieve this, Woodridge challenges pupils to experience the broadest possible range of academic, cultural, spiritual, social, outdoor and sporting interactions.
This is achieved by facilitating- individual attention in small classes, a healthy and natural interaction with the environment, nurturing leadership and self- discipline, and by encouraging free thinking and service to the community.
Q. How long has the school been established in Port Elizabeth and what services does it provide for pupils?
The Preparatory School was established in 1936, while the College came into existence in 1967.
The school opened its doors with only 3 pupils and now is home to over 700 day scholars and boarders, some from as far away as Australia. Transport to and from school- provided via buses for scholars and staff from various points within Port Elizabeth and surrounds.
Q. What ages and grades do you cater for at Woodridge College and Preparatory School?
The intake starts at the age of 3 with Grade 000 and continues to Grade 12.
Q. What do you think makes Woodridge stand apart from other schools in the Port Elizabeth area?
What sets us apart from other schools is not only our beautiful location, surrounded by nature, but our Experiential Learning Approach, through which we get all our pupils, boys and girls, involved with conservation in one way or another.
In addition, our 365 acre campus also lends itself well to teaching pupils outdoor adventures skills, such as- climbing, archery, fishing, camp cooking, orienteering, camp craft, cycling proficiency and bike maintenance.
Other unique offerings include character building and stamina developing activities such as canoeing and trail running, while pupils participate in 2 annual camps per Grade.
Finally, Woodridge is a private school. The College being classified as an IEB school in that it offers exit examinations through the Independent Examinations Board.
Q. What extra-mural activities does the school offer?
In terms of sport, compulsory extramural activities take place daily from Monday to Thursday. A wide variety of other extramural activities are also on offer, from horse riding to speech and drama, individual music tuition, judo, dancing and golf, amongst others.
Q. Who is the ideal Woodridge pupil?
We aim to produce individuals who are thought of as all-rounders. With a rigorous academic programme, focusing on innovative learning experiences, alongside an extensive sporting, cultural and outdoor education curriculum. Anyone with an affinity for the outdoors and a passion for nature will thrive at Woodridge.
For more information visit: www.woodridge.co.za
By Liesl Silverman
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