ACADEMICS CULTURAL PHYSICAL Hudson Park High School PROSPECTUS 2019 PASTORAL Hudson Park High School CONTENTS • Introduction • Building a Tradition • Admissions Policy • Important Events In The Hudson Park Year • Useful Contacts • Academic • Cultural • Pastoral • Physical • Pupil Management • School Organization • Facilities • Finance • Discipline • Code Of Conduct • Uniform • Appearance • Essential Questions Answered INTRODUCTION We are a co-educational school focusing on balance and excellence, in a caring, pupil-centered, environment. This prospectus aims to provide an informative and stimulating reference guide. We hope it gives you, our parents and friends, insight into how our philosophy of education is reflected in every facet of school life. At Hudson Park: o Children are educated in a warm environment based on Christian values. o We believe in personal growth through positive expectation. o We are committed to a balanced education encouraging excellence in academic, physical, cultural and pastoral activities. o We strive to help each pupil attain his or her full academic potential through the development of skills, the encouragement of creativity, and the assumption of responsibility. o We promote an attitude of caring. o We recognise each person as an individual whose dignity is respected and whose sense of self-worth is promoted. o We encourage open communication at all levels. o We provide many opportunities for leadership. o We strive to engender a spirit of loyalty and pride in our school and its traditions. o We believe that fair discipline leads to the development of individual accountability and to the attainment of self-discipline. The success of Hudson Park is measured in terms of confident, happy pupils and staff, equipped to face the challenges of a changing world with courage and sensitivity. We believe in honesty and integrity, positive expectations, balanced involvement, accountability, caring, mutual respect and encouraging excellence. CORE VALUES Core Values At Hudson Park High School we believe in: RESPECT OF: Ourselves, the worth of others, the rights of others, authority. RESPONSIBILITY TO: Contribute to the care of our school, be reliable, accept accountability for our actions. HONESTY: In our thoughts, words and actions, so that we can be people of integrity and create harmony in our school. TOLERANCE THROUGH: Mutual understanding and respect, valuing our differences. LOYALTY TO: The traditions of our school, sharing a vision for its future. BUILDING A TRADITION How it all began A small primary school, catering for the Clifton area, was established in 1905 and housed in the St Albans Church Hall. In 1912, buildings were erected on the present site and the school began to grow. It became a secondary school in 1959 and was named Clifton Park High School in 1965. It was during this period that the uniform, badge and school song were established. A new school is born In 1978 the Primary Department amalgamated with Hudson Park Primary School and the school changed its name to Hudson Park High School. The Grade 7 class remained with the High School until 1985, at which time it was decided that the phenomenal growth of the senior school required that the Gr 7s move to join the Primary School. The school continued to grow, and in 1991 the decision was made to open its doors to pupils of all races. New buildings to house an expanding school 1993 saw the fulfilment of a long-time dream for many people, as a new administration and classroom block, as well as new garages were built, and renovations were made to the entire school. The extensions were opened officially in August 1994 by the Minister of Sport, Mr Steve Tshwete. Latest extensions o In 2005 we built the Centenary Hall. o In 2010 we built a mini hockey astro turf together with a refurbished clubhouse and change rooms at Dashwood Park. o In 2012/13 we built four new classrooms, a new Swimming/Water Polo pool, a gymnasium, change rooms and a clubhouse, named Eagles’ View, overlooking the Swimming pool and Clifton Fields. Founders’ Day Since 1978, one day has been set aside in August each year for the school to pay tribute to its heritage. During the Founders’ Day Ceremony, held as a combined event with the Primary School, the Head Prefects light the lamp symbolizing enlightenment. The Oath of the Eagle, a promise of loyalty to the school, is then led by the Head Prefects: “I promise to honour God, to be loyal to my country, to respect my family, to uphold the traditions of my school, Hudson Park, and to make a positive contribution so that this school will be made richer by my presence”. Our school motto has come to epitomize everything for which we strive: “Tentando Superabis” By Endeavour We Will Succeed The tradition continues Our Past Pupils’ Association ensures that we continue to remember our heritage. Members meet on a regular basis, and a tie and blazer badge are available from the school or from our stockists. Since 1988, each Matric class has celebrated its 10-year reunion weekend at the end of August with a special Founders’ Day Assembly. Twenty and thirty year gatherings have been added to the Reunion Assemblies. USEFUL CONTACTS Headmaster Mr Dennis Vorster Senior Deputy Headmaster Mr Dave Alers Deputy Headmaster Mr Andy Knight Vice Principal Ms Cathy van der Merwe Vice Principal Ms Sandy Bode Head of Academics Ms Cathy van der Merwe Head of Sport Mr Dave Alers Head of Culture Ms Claire Branford Head of Service Ms Brenda Friend Director of Pupil Management Mr Dylan Hawkes Director of Operations and Protocol Ms Sandy Bode Director of Hostels Mr Dave Alers GET Phase Head Ms Carmen Schenk FET Phase Head Ms Cathy van der Merwe Director of Social Cohesion Ms Megan Kayser Grade Heads: 8 Ms Elizabeth Gallant Mr Wayne Marr Grade Heads: 9 Ms Tara Gravett Mr Garth Carelse Grade Heads: 10 Ms Jessica Scholtz Mr Thabo Sisusa Grade Heads: 11 Ms Lindsay Weyer Mr Tollie Opperman Grade Heads: 12 Ms Rosanne De’Ath Ms Theresa van der Merwe Student Counsellor Ms Kristy-Ann Govender Mr Damian Timms Headmaster’s Personal Assistant Ms Caryn Sirgel Deputies’ Personal Assistant Ms Clodine van Heerden Financial Manager Ms Michelle Heyman Receipts Ms Dulcie Goss Debtors Ms Andrea Bezuidenhout Debtors Ms Charmaine Bezuidenhout Receptionist Ms Toby Dallas Clothing Shop Ms Elaine du Plessis Utilities Manager Ms Elaine du Plessis Tuckshop Supervisor Ms Deidre Bezuidenhout Bookroom and Textbooks Ms Delicia and Mr Doug Berndt Marketing Ms Kirsty-Lee Dell We are committed to a balanced education, encouraging excellence in academic, cultural and pastoral activities. ACADEMIC We strive to help each learner to attain his or her full academic potential through the development of skills, the encouragement of creativity and the assumption of responsibility. EXCO and SMT membership The Vice Principal (Academic) is appointed to the School Management Team to represent the academic area. Subject Heads and Learning Area Heads In each academic area, a staff member is appointed as Subject Head (in the FET Phase) or Learning Area Head (in the GET Phase) to co-ordinate staff, teaching material and examinations. Meetings are held regularly to discuss teaching and assessment methods and matters of common interest. Teachers Most teachers have a subject classroom with the distinctive character of the subject. The pupils move around the school to attend their classes. General Education and Training (GET) (Grade 8 and 9) 1. English Home Language 2. Afrikaans First Additional Language, or isiXhosa First Additional Language 3. Mathematics 4. Social Sciences – History and Geography (SS) 5. Natural Sciences – Science and Biology (NS) 6. Life Orientation (LO) 7. Technology (Tech) 8. Creative Arts (includes: Drama, Art) or Specialised Art or Specialised Music 9. Economic and Management Science (EMS)-Business Studies and Accounting National Senior Certificate – FET Course (Grades 10, 11 and 12) Rules of combination: Subject choices at Hudson Park High School FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT: GROUP A (all these subjects are compulsory) 1. English (Home Language level, as this is the Language of Learning and Teaching at the school) 2. Afrikaans OR isiXhosa (First Additional Language level) 3. Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy 4. Life Orientation ELECTIVE COMPONENT: GROUP B (learners must choose three subjects, one from each group) Subject choices are dependent on there being sufficient demand, and they are subject to timetabling restrictions. GROUP 1 GROUP 2 GROUP 3 Life Sciences Physical Science Accounting Business Studies Business Studies Geography Computer Assisted Technology Computer Assisted Technology Consumer Studies Physical Science History History Information Technology Consumer Studies Visual Arts Engineering Graphics and Drama Accounting Design Engineering Graphics and Music Design Life Sciences Learners may study a maximum of TWO additional languages (not already offered in Group A) by special application to the school. Certain conditions apply in such cases. In making subject choices, the following criteria should be observed: o In order to be admitted to Mathematics, a learner should achieve at least 60% in the Grade 9 June Mathematics examination (HPHS recommendation). He or she should also preferably have attained this mark throughout the year. o In order to be admitted to Accounting, a learner should have achieved at least 60% for both the Accounting component of the EMS examination in June and the third term tests of Grade 9. He or she should also preferably have attained this mark in Accounting component of EMS throughout the year. Note: Some Universities require Mathematics and NOT Mathematical Literacy for admission to a B Comm degree course. o In order to be admitted to Physical Science, a minimum of 60% must have been achieved in the Physical Science section of Natural Sciences in the June examination of Grade 9 (HPHS recommendation). Note: Learners are required to take Mathematics and not Mathematical Literacy as per Departmental Regulation.