HIGH SCHOOL
Message from Headmaster
Increasingly as our world changes so the importance of a progressive coeducational truly independent school with a proven track record becomes non-negotiable. Each individual truly matters at our school, and we are explicit about character, attitude and skills education. While we celebrate excellence and hard work is duly recognised, every child is nurtured and encouraged to discover, explore and express their unique, God-given capacity for living with passion and purpose.
Our high school provides An Inspired Education for our children. Through the implementation of our unique programme of Consequence Management we empower the partnership of student, school and parent to ensure the development of confident, balanced people with a developed EQ so critical in the future empowerment of the human factor in synergy with concepts such as Artificial Intelligence.
As a Round Square International school we are deliberate in the promotion of an international mindset including international exchanges, tours and the digital exchanging of ideas with top schools from all over the world. Our holistic programme is meaningful and highly competitive in the arenas of sport, cultural activities and academic enrichment.
We do not know what the future holds for our children. Our only constant is change. It is for this context that we must empower and prepare our children to be Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.
Matthew Davies
High School Headmaster
Academics
At Thomas More College, we believe the learning experience goes beyond the classroom.
A major feature of the curriculum is that there is only one grade of study for all. Another feature is that all pupils have to do Core Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and all do Life Orientation as a formal subject.
The NSC promotes the skills of reading, writing and mathematical literacy. It encourages critical thinking and the bringing together of skills, knowledge, attitudes and values in the learning and teaching process. It also aims at developing people who are ready to participate fully and meaningfully in society.
Subject Information
In our Primary School, pupils are exposed to a wide range of inspiring subjects so that pupils can discover where their interests and abilities lie.
Our Grade 8 and 9 programme is geared towards uncovering academic intellectual passions and interest areas so that our children can make quality, well-informed decisions about their subject choices at the end of Grade 9.
From Grade 10 to Matric, each subject is studied in even greater depth, so it is necessary that a certain amount of specialisation take place. The number of subjects taken is seven, which means that some choices must be made.
Grade 10 pupils follow the National Curriculum, continuing in Grades 11 and 12, and culminating in the IEB (Independent Examination Board) exams at the end of Grade 12.
Subjects Offered
These activities are not only sources of knowledge but also stir conversation and a sense of wonder, not to mention belly-aching laughs and happy memories that are created to keep young minds inspired!
Grades 8 & 9
English
Afrikaans
isiZulu
Mathematics
Accounting (Grade 9)
Art (Grade 9)
Business Studies (Grade 8)
Computer Studies (Grade 9)
Design (Grade 8)
Design and Technology (Grade 8)
Drama (Grade 9)
EGD (Grade 8)
Geography
History
Life Orientation
Life Science
General Science
EQ
Grades 10, 11 & 12
English
Afrikaans
isiZulu
Maths Core
Maths Literacy
Further Studies Maths
Accounting
Business Studies
Design
Dramatic Arts
EGD
Geography
History
Information Technology
Life Orientation
Physical Science
Life Sciences
Further Studies Science
Visual Arts
Further Studies English
Subject Choices
There is always a tendency among pupils to believe that certain subjects are more fun and easier. Only later do they realise that both aptitude and hard work are required. We feel that while parents must not make their children’s choices for them, they must always act as a balancing influence on them.
Our Grade 9 pupils will be required to choose no fewer than seven (7) subjects for Grade 10, and these are made up as follows:
Four Compulsory Subjects
- Home Language (English)
- First Additional Language (isiZulu or Afrikaans)
- Core Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
- 3 Elective subjects from the “Subjects Offered” list above
Sports
The focus of the High School is developing balanced, well-rounded people who are able to participate fully in society.
The philosophy underpinning all of our extracurricular activities is one of growing key dispositions to live a full and successful life.
Dispositions such as resilience, truth, integrity, time management, empathy, love and respect are central to the opportunities described below.
Sports Available
Cricket
Cycling/Mountain biking
Equestrian
eSports
Golf
Hockey (Boys and Girls)
Indoor hockey (Boys and Girls)
Netball
Rock climbing
Rugby
Soccer (Boys and Girls)
Swimming
Water polo (Boys and Girls)
Culture
We aim to contribute to the holistic experience of our children through exposure to a broad base of cultural activities. We recognise cultural achievements in our school assemblies, in our weekly newsletter, at termly award assemblies and annual prize-giving/cultural awards evening. All phases of the school offer opportunities for children to perform in different genres, including specialised cultural assemblies, music performances and annual productions that are phase specific.
Cultural Activities, Events and Tours
Cultural tours, camps and inter-school events take place annually in all phases of the school in areas such as:
- Major Productions
- Musical Showcase
- Debating
- One-Act Plays
- Marimba Tours
- Choir Camps
School of Music
The School of Music at Thomas More College offers tuition for beginners to advanced pupils and is open to all pupils in the Highway community as well as adults. Trinity College of Music and Rock and Pop offer exams in both theory and practice.
Should you require more information or tuition in the future, please contact the School of Music at:
Telephone: 031 764 8640 between 7.30 a.m – 3 p.m, Monday – Friday
Email: musicschool@thomasmore.co.za
Your future is co-ed
The advantages of co-education lie in the fact that pupils are taught to naturally interact with each other from an early age. Children do better socially if they are educated in mixed groups. Regardless of who they are or what they wish to be, students build friendships and develop their intellect knowing they are valued. They leave Thomas More College with the skills and resources they need to succeed in the world, a world where co-ed is real life.
