Since 2004, Waterfall College has focused on building sound administrative, academic and discipline structures. Within these boundaries, which are clearly defined in the school policies and the code of conduct, students are able to function effectively in order to:

• Achieve results according to their full potential
• Build a foundation of values and ethics which will enable them to contribute to the society as stable, well adapted adults
• Feel happy and settled in their learning environment

The outdoor programme, which forms a significant part of the curriculum, equips students with a knowledge of environmental issues while simultaneously developing a spirit of unity and teambuilding skills.

A homework routine of three subjects per night and a weekly cycle exam timetable provides a base for continued revision of subject content and material in order to maintain the consistent 100% pass rate of the IEB NSC (National Senior Certificate) examinations written by the Matrics.

The discipline policy of controlling minor offences in order to prevent major problems has worked extremely well. This policy was implemented by previous mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, in order to successfully purge New York of serious crime. He initiated his ‘broken window policy’ whereby small offences were consistently fined and ‘brought to book’.

In our quest to employ excellent teachers who are well qualified and have sound experience, many previously employed experienced teachers have accepted part-time posts. This has resulted in the acquisition of an outstanding, highly motivated and dynamic teacher group. Subject teachers regularly attend IEB cluster meetings and the national IEB conference to keep abreast of the very latest educational trends and testing procedures.

Future strategy includes the further development of teaching facilities, sport, culture and information technology at the school. The move to iThemba has resulted in the acquisition of our first sports field for rugby and hockey and facilities for a science laboratory, an art room and a school hall for drama and choir practices.

As a member of ISASA, the school is required to undergo an evaluation every six years. This recently took place in March 2010 under the mentorship of Dr Manfred Schroenn.  Stakeholders (parents, teachers and students) opinion surveys have delivered extremely positive results and the teaching and learning delivered by staff have received commendable praise from Dr Schroenn.  Members of staff have been commended for the excellence, energy and expertise in their teaching delivery.  It has been wonderful to share this well kept secret with IQAA, the external evaluating body of ISASA.

We pledge to do everything possible to maintain the ethos and spirit of our humble beginnings as well as the knowledge that through God’s grace our school has progressed to its present status.

Jeanette van der Merwe
Principal

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