Looking for a school that’s more than just textbooks and tests? At Southdowns College, they’re all about shaping the future … one well-rounded learner at a time.
Tucked away in the idyllic Irene Valley in Centurion, Pretoria, Southdowns College started with a bold dream … to shape well-rounded individuals who’d go on to make a difference, not just in South Africa, but all around the world. It might’ve seemed like a big ambition at the time, especially with only a handful of learners in the beginning. But with a little faith and a lot of passion, the teachers and leadership team took on the challenge with open hearts and big ideas.
With a commitment to holistic education and the ideal of creating lifelong learners, the school invested in the creation of four main campuses on one beautiful property.
The journey begins at the pre-preparatory school, where their youngest learners (Grades 000 to 0) are lovingly guided by the ever-talented Ms Barbra Furness. She’s been with the school for years, and with her amazing team, does wonders with the college’s littlest family members.
From there, it’s on to the preparatory school (Grades 1 to 7). Which is led by the knowledgeable and energetic Ms Jessica Fritz, who’s backed by a team that knows the ins and outs of the school.
Then comes the high school (Grades 8 to 12), where Ms Suzan Thupane and her dynamic management team and teachers are carrying the school’s vision forward, preparing young adults to face the world.
And let’s not forget the school’s fourth campus which is also its creative heartbeat. The SAX (Sports and Arts Exchange) Precinct. This vibrant space has it all. The school gym (with an indoor heated pool). The SAX Arena (a full-blown theatre). A fringe theatre. And the music, drama, dance and visual arts departments. Needless to say, it’s where creativity shines and where learners can let their imaginations run wild.
It’s no secret that women have always had a profound impact on shaping young minds, and at Southdowns College, this trio of principals is proving just that. Ms Furness, Ms Fritz, and Ms Thupane aren’t just leaders … they’re trailblazers, inspiring the next generation by leading with strength, compassion, and a vision for excellence. They exemplify the power of women in leadership roles, paving the way for a future where young girls can look up and see that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
And so, with these phases working together like a well-oiled machine, Southdowns College isn’t just creating great learners … it’s nurturing responsible, innovative, and passionate citizens who are ready to take on the world. This college is not merely a place where people go to learn, though. It’s a second home. A place where lifelong friendships are made. Where learners can play together, create beautiful things and contemplate the greatness of things to come.
At Southdowns College, they know that every learner has unique abilities and learns at their own pace, often seeking different outcomes from their education. To support them, the college collaborates with the parents, staff, and their academic support team to develop tailored strategies so they can truly thrive. The support team, led by the highly accomplished and published Dr Claire Symington-Viljoen, includes educational psychologists dedicated to helping students in need to produce work that truly reflects their abilities and aspirations.
This team not only provides educational support but also nurtures their students’ well-being, where and when needed. They believe the path to success requires not only a healthy body but also a healthy mind. And so, their academic support team is always available to assist students in any way possible.
Over the years their learners have done them proud. Whether it’s on the sports field, in the classroom or on stage, Southdowns learners have shone, earning top honours across the board. But more than that, they take pride in the fact that their alumni, who now number in the thousands, have taken critical positions in society, both locally and internationally, and are valuable contributors to our civilization.
The learners that started off as children at the school are now adults who have made it into some of the best universities not only locally, but also globally. And some are now multiple degree holders, too. Their alumni consist of internationally accomplished sports stars, creators (musicians, artists, actors and dancers), researchers, developers, accountants, actuaries and lawyers to name just a few.
What started as a vision, with a handful of learners and staff, has now blossomed into a thriving institution with 1,700 future leaders. The school truly stands on the shoulders of giants and today they can say that what has come in the past will prepare them for what they will deliver in the future.
Details: Visit southdownscollege.com for more info
