Fun, Curiosity and Discovery

The corridors of Cowan House still resonate with the values instilled by the school’s founding principal which echo a sense of fun, curiosity, and discovery. Every child is an individual with varied interests and talents. At Cowan House, we do away with stereotypes and embrace what we know to be true:

“The best learning happens in extraordinary academic environments, full of inspiration and guided by excellent teachers.”

A co-educational primary school environment allows children to develop vital life skills which have untold benefits in adult life. Shared learning environments afford boys and girls, brothers and sisters, opportunity to balance competitive, risk taking, styles in problem solving, with cooperative and empathetic behaviour. Co-education is an invaluable and immeasurable option helping boys and girls interact, share perspectives and function as equals. It also provides the wonderful opportunity of keeping families together.

“Our pupils are exceptionally well-prepared for the future … After all, real life is co-ed.”

In a world where the status quo is constantly challenged, thinking skills are central to learning at Cowan House; we do not focus on teaching our pupils what to learn but rather HOW to learn. A meaningful academic curriculum cannot be static and as an Independent School we enjoy the freedom of choice in our curriculum. It is designed to evolve and adapt in order to develop our pupils’ ability to think individually, collectively, analytically, and creatively.

To be successful in the future, in a world that we do not yet fully grasp, we encourage our pupils to come out of their comfort zone, to be unafraid, to be curious, to express their ideas, to try new ways of doing things, and to make room for mistakes.

The academic facilities on our 14-hectare campus include the Innovation Centre (home to the Science and DT Lab and Art Studio), Knowledge Centre (home to the Library and Computer Lab) and classrooms all equipped with interactive white boards - are used creatively in order to provide a flexible learning environment. Our curriculum (carried out by staff of the highest calibre) has the ability to be adjusted to each child’s individual learning needs in order for them to perform at the best of their ability.

At Cowan House, we believe that education is far more than just academics, it is about nurturing the whole child, encouraging growth in mind, body, and spirit.

Our holistic approach to education provides students with opportunities to learn not only inside the classroom but also beyond its walls, surrounded by nature and a rich network of care and values.

Our expansive campus is a living classroom, featuring beautiful facilities designed to inspire curiosity and creativity. Central to our outdoor learning philosophy is our sanctuary space, a peaceful natural environment where students connect with the world around them. The boma offers a unique setting for storytelling, reflection, and group activities in the fresh air and under open skies.

Whether it’s science lessons under the shade of ancient trees, creative writing inspired by nature’s beauty, or physical education on our spacious playing fields, taking learning outdoors deepens understanding and enriches every child’s experience.

Whether it’s science lessons under the shade of ancient trees, creative writing inspired by nature’s beauty, or physical education on our spacious playing fields, taking learning outdoors deepens understanding and enriches every child’s experience.

At the heart of our school is a warm, caring community grounded in Christian principles. We cherish each child as a unique individual with distinct gifts and needs. Through our holistic approach, we support their intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and social development, nurturing confident, compassionate young people ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Our pastoral care goes beyond the traditional model, we focus on building strong, supportive relationships between students and staff. Our innovative Mentorship Programme is a cornerstone of this approach.

Vertical grade groups bring together boys or girls from Grades 5 to 7, encouraging meaningful discussion, peer support, and the sharing of experiences across ages.

We foster a “big brother/big sister” culture where our senior pupils guide and support Grade 1s as they navigate the exciting transition into “big school,” creating a warm and welcoming environment from day one.

We focus on themes throughout the year that promote values such as respect, kindness, spirituality, and belonging. These themes are woven into daily school life to inspire reflection and personal growth.

At Cowan House education is a journey shared by our students, families, and staff - a journey of discovery, care, and a celebration of every child’s potential within an exceptional learning environment. Join us in nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in school and beyond.

Sport is a critical part of a primary school education and experience. From teamwork to discipline and sportsmanship, all these characteristics are important in developing a Cowan House child.

At Cowan House, both sport and culture play an integral part of our holistic approach to education. We provide age-appropriate skills whilst growing the ability of each child. We strive to compete at all levels and across all age groups and are guided by our Sports Vision Statement which is applicable to children, coaches and parents alike.

Music is an important part of life at Cowan House.

From Grade RRR to Grade 7, pupils explore their musical talents through singing, instrument practice, and ensemble work, building confidence and creative expression along the way. Our dedicated music school is designed to inspire with spacious classrooms, a Marimba room that rings with energy, and private practice spaces for focused learning.

Class music lessons at Cowan House include singing, theory, and practical experience with a range of instruments, building a solid musical foundation. Beyond the classroom, pupils can join Marimba groups, a string ensemble, or explore instruments through an introduction programme in Grade 4. Choral music is a key part of our music offering, with both junior and senior choirs regularly showcasing their talents.

Private lessons, available at Cowan House, give the pupils the opportunity to master their chosen instruments.

“Dramatic arts play an important role in developing empathy, critical thinking and confidence.”

Formal drama lessons are included in the Cowan House curriculum from Grade 3 to Grade 7. These lessons lay a solid foundation in the subject, inspire pupils to nurture their talents, and equip them for future success in drama. Pupils are also encouraged to make the most of extra-curricular opportunities, these experiences help develop performance skills and self-assurance.

At Cowan House, we embrace individualism, creativity and confident self-expression. In every art lesson, our goal is to form children who are confident expressing themselves, and comfortable ‘thinking outside the box’.

Art lessons begin in Grade RRR and continue through to Grade 7. Up to Grade 3, pupils enjoy class-based art sessions, after which they transition to specialised art lessons. From Grade 3 onwards, our art teacher provides an hour art lesson each week throughout the year.

Boarding forms an integral part of life at Cowan House. Our boarding product is a unique and homely space where boys and girls live in an environment which is suitable for preparatory school boarding.

Cowan House is deeply committed to the welfare of our boys and girls and our Boarding Houses provide a caring and secure atmosphere as well as a balanced and fun-filled support system for our weekly and termly borders.

With a full complement of boarding staff, life in the boarding house is structured to provide boarders from Grade 1 to Grade 7 with the routine they need, while also ensuring there is plenty of ‘family-style’ fun. Weekends are filled with engaging activities on our expansive campus, as well as outings beyond the school grounds.

Our distinctive boarding setup integrates boys and girls into a single, structured boarding environment rather than housing them separately. This model strengthens pastoral care, encourages friendships, and promotes a warm and supportive atmosphere for all boarders. Shared yet separate spaces contribute to the development of well-rounded and independent individuals. A designated junior boarding further supports the unique developmental needs of our younger boarders while maintaining their connection to the broader boarding community.

One would have to traverse vast distances to discover anything quite like the natural setting which Michaelhouse enjoys and our school capitalizes on a myriad of opportunities to include the environment as a critical part of our learning. The outdoor programme for our E (Grade 8), D (Grade 9) and C Block (Grade 10) boys keys into the major advantages of a Michaelhouse education: fostering curiosity, resilience and belonging.

The additional benefits of environmental awareness, and cultural understanding are fundamental to the journey or personal growth which our boys enjoy while they are challenged physically and mentally miles away from the home comforts of daily school life.

Michaelhouse believes that outdoor education is essential for holistic development, shaping our boys into thoughtful, capable, and environmentally conscious individuals.