Dainfern College is committed to positive education, which focuses on developing skills and values to empower students to thrive in all aspects of life. The school believes in fostering a culture of kindness among its students, emphasising this essential value as part of its core values of Fortitude, Integrity, Self-discipline, Accountability, Humanity and Respect.
Education at Dainfern College High School is student-centred, with the wellbeing of each student a priority. There is a strong House system in place, headed up by the House Directors and supported by teams of tutors and the school chaplain as well as a strong counselling department. The structured vertical tutor group programme ensures that each student is nurtured and supported in all aspects of school life, while the well-developed mentorship and class buddy system guides and supports all students new to the school.
Deputy Principal of Student Wellbeing, Mrs Cheryl Coetzee, comments: “We believe that actively practising kindness ensures a more positive and fulfilling world, where every student’s unique abilities are not only noticed but intentionally cultivated.”
Dainfern College is an independent, standalone school that prides itself on the excellence of its holistic programme, based on the five pillars of academics, sport, culture, leadership and service.
Being a long-time member of the international network of Round Square schools, the College also connects and collaborates with schools around the world, thus developing global competence, character and confidence in its students.
Students write the internationally recognised and well-respected IEB National Senior Certificate (‘Matric’) as the exit exam in Grade 12. Since 2001, when the first cohort wrote matric, College alumni have gone on to study at top universities both in South Africa and abroad, and achieved significant success in the working world.
Deputy Principal of Academics, Mrs Michelle Hoffmann, and her team of Grade Heads and professional and well-qualified teachers are responsible for the academic progress of all High School students.
The innovative Leadership Academy in place at Dainfern College commences in Grade 8 and culminates in Grade 11 when all students have the opportunity to join the Leadership Programme, provided they meet the relevant criteria. Skills are intentionally developed through a series of grade camps and training courses to ensure that each student is given the skills and knowledge necessary to become a confident young leader.
While Academics is obviously the priority, all students are encouraged to participate in the comprehensive extramural programme of sports and cultural activities offered by the school as well as to serve their school and surrounding community by participating in service and outreach activities.
The College recently appointed Mr Andrew Baker as the Executive Head and High School Principal.
Mr Baker is clear about the vision of the College:
“Being part of our close-knit student community instils our young people with a sense of identity, a feeling of belonging, and above all a powerful sense of self-worth. The progressive educational programme that we deliver is broad and innovative.
“Our educational ethos is simple – we strive to give every student the strength, resilience, determination and opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential. At Dainfern College, every student matters.”
