Epworth High School

Our girls-only high school offers exceptional facilities, committed teachers and an amazingly diverse way to learn and grow: academically, culturally, spiritually and personally. Epworth makes learning a fun and lively experience every day. There are multiple “beyond the classroom” sporting, cultural and social awareness activities, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic education for our “extraordinary” pupils. We encourage our girls to lead a life of significance in a rapidly changing world.

“Epworth has always embraced us as individuals in its community through diversity, opportunity and the motivation to excel. You truly cannot leave Epworth without being embedded in faith, instilled in courage and always valuing and expressing compassion.” ~ Grade 12 Epworth pupil

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From the Principal

Introduction to the Principal of the High School – Mrs Tracey Munro

The appointment of Mrs Tracey Munro as Principal of the High School for 2021 was a very popular one. Mrs Munro needs no introduction as she has been at Epworth since 1998 and was previously the High School Deputy Head, Academics. On Mrs Munro’s appointment as Principal, we sat down with her, between her very busy schedule, to find out a little bit more about who she is, the person behind the teacher and her journey leading up to being appointed.

While completing her Masters in the USA, Mrs Munro was offered three jobs at three different schools, but it was Epworth that stood out for her, and apparently, it was her husband, Orde, who helped her make her choice by visiting the three schools! She was then interviewed telephonically (as it was before the days of Zoom or Skype), and the rest is history! Mrs Munro joined us at Epworth in 1998 as a Mathematics and Physical Sciences teacher. Mrs Munro’s teaching philosophy is derived from two Greek words, the first, philos, meaning “loving” and the second, sophia, meaning “wisdom”. “A love of wisdom should be the base from which a teacher works and aims to inspire. I believe that leading starts with listening and serving and should focus on facilitating those around you to flourish. A growth mindset should underpin both teaching and leading,” she explains. Commenting on the unique character of our school, Mrs Munro says the proof is in the pudding and in the calibre of pupils produced at Epworth.

“Testimonies of current and past pupils prove what an outstanding school we are. Building spirit and pride, and energising our brand are key to moving Epworth into the future. Added to this is the nurturing environment where unpretentious, talented and passionate pupils are able to freely express themselves” says Mrs Munro. “And besides, I have the greatest colleagues!” she adds with a smile. Sharing her view on how our school has had to adapt to remote teaching and learning during the Covid-19 lockdown, Mrs Munro says, “Our dependence on technology has been dramatically increased, and we have had to be very innovative and adaptable, but essentially teaching objectives have not changed.”

“Added to this, our pupils have coped very well; they too had a lot to learn and to which to adapt under challenging circumstances. Our younger pupils had the greatest learning curve in terms of technology use and working independently; they had barely settled into high school and then had to learn to learn at home.”

Talking about the adaption of technology and education into the future, Mrs Munro says “Epworth will certainly continue using our online platform. It was most useful prior to Covid-19 for staff collaboration and is now very much part of managing our teaching with our classes. Recording lessons and digital learning resources are very helpful for when pupils have to be away from school for reasons other than Covid-19, and for allowing pupils to re-watch lessons to assist with their learning and understanding. From 2021, all of our Grade 8 pupils will need to have a laptop. Many of our innovative ways to meet, share information and collaborate will continue after Covid-19 due to the many benefits that they have presented,” she says.

So, what does Mrs Munro get up to when she’s not in the classroom or at school? Stamp collecting and indigenous gardening! “I love working in my garden, and hiking anywhere in our beautiful country certainly puts a smile on my face and gets my approval.” And finally, what doesn’t get Mrs Munro’s approval? When resources are wasted!

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Academics in the High School

We are known for our academic prowess. Our small classes, with no more than 26 pupils per class, ensure that each girl receives special, personalised attention from the teachers and is able to meaningfully interact with others in the classroom. Our pupils are never ‘lost in the crowd’. Our pupils are individuals – to us, to themselves, to those around them.

Each pupil is assigned to a tutor and Grade 12 pupils also have a staff mentor to guide them during their final year at Epworth. Pupils are able to meet with their teachers one afternoon a week to discuss academic issues or queries.

Epworth pupils write the National Senior Certificate examinations set by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and we are proud to consistently achieve a 100% pass rate. Epworth is one of a select group of schools in South Africa (and one of only two girls’ schools in Pietermaritzburg), which are identified as Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Circle of Excellence Schools. These schools are selected for their excellence in education and for repeatedly producing successful candidates for the Allan Gray Fellowship programme.

Our pupils lap up challenges, and tackle tests with enthusiasm. They write various national and international tests such as the English, isiZulu, Mathematics and Consumer Studies Olympiads. We also offer two extension courses for Grade 12 pupils: Advanced Programme Mathematics and Advanced Programme English. Both these courses are designed to stretch students with talent in these subjects and better prepare them for tertiary study. Although these subjects are not part of the National Senior Certificate, the Independent Examinations Board recognises the effort and achievements of these students with a certificate.

Our recent academic achievements:

100% pass rate in IEB National Senior Certificate examinations
96.88% bachelor degree pass
165 subject distinctions (64 candidates)
59 out of 64 pupils achieved at least one distinction
One pupil made the IEB Commendable Achievement list
20 top 1% positions were achieved with some pupils achieving top 1% in multiple subjects
One pupil achieved 8 subject As and five pupils achieved 7 subject As

Our proven recipe produces fully rounded, exceptional adults, and our girls thrive on formal and informal educational opportunities. One class a week is reserved for club activities and pupils choose from a wide selection of club topics such as craft, photography, cooking, debating, scrapbooking, chess and dance.

Epworth has its own school counsellor and female chaplain for additional, possibly non-academic, support of its girls.

Download Subjects on offer

“The academics are excellent. We are encouraged to test our limits and go beyond our abilities as we strive to maintain an even higher academic standard. We are privileged to have a wide range of subjects offered to accommodate every girl’s needs. I am proud to be at a school that takes such pains to make sure that I am well educated.”
~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Spiritual Life

Epworth is a Christian school with a proud Methodist ethos. Our religion is important to us and central to school life. Our beautiful 50-year old chapel is set fittingly in the centre of our grounds. Assemblies and other school gatherings begin with Bible readings and prayer. Every week there is boarders’ chapel, school chapel and assembly, and attendance is compulsory. Weekly chapel focuses on our lives and our relationship with God. Assembly focuses on life in the world and our role within the community.

As in the words of our school motto, “Fida, Humana, Fortis”, we believe:

Faith enables us to believe in spiritual good for everyone
Compassion helps us care for the world and all who live here
Courage gives us strength to strive for change wherever it is needed.

Epworth is not owned by the church. We are a Christian community with an affiliation to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The school is independently owned by a Trust, governed by a Board, and is operated through a management structure.

Epworth pupils represent over ten different Christian denominations and we also have many non-Christian pupils. We welcome all, as our Methodist ethos allows us to welcome anyone who is willing to live according to our standards and values.

Whilst we recognise that every moment of each day is an opportunity to be aware of the presence of Christ with us, and to grow in the knowledge and grace of Him, these are the specific activities that allow our pupils to engage and reflect on matters regarding their faith journey:

Monday chapel (compulsory for all pupils)
Boarders’ Sunday chapel (compulsory for all termly boarders): alternates between services at Epworth, Metro Methodist church in town and St Charles College (along with the St John’s boarders)
Cell groups: these small discussion groups (six to eight pupils from within the same grade) meet weekly during school time to further discuss and engage with the topics covered in chapel, look more closely at what the Bible has to say and also provide support and accountability for the pupils. These groups are not compulsory: girls may choose instead to be part of a reading group that looks at relevant issues, without a Christian focus.
Confirmation classes: for girls wishing to be confirmed, or to grow in their Christian faith, these classes take place in the second and third term of each year, culminating in our Confirmation service in the third term. At this service there is also an opportunity for girls to be baptised, should they wish.
SCA: this group meets weekly and is a wonderful, safe place for Christian pupils to worship together, receive teaching, discuss, pray for and support one another. It is a great opportunity for Christians from all grades, day scholars and boarders to get to know each other better, and encourage Christian unity. We also try at least once a term to link in with SCA’s from other schools.
Prayer meeting: we have a weekly prayer meeting that takes place at break time, and also provide opportunities after our chapel services for girls who would like to be prayed for.
Worship team: our worship team assists in leading worship at our Monday chapel services. The group meets on a Friday in our club slots to practice, but also to share and grow in our understanding of worship and how to lead worship.

“Epworth provides us with a perfectly balanced life, allowing us to grow in faith. Epworth is a place that I can show my true self!”
~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Sport

At Epworth, we believe that a rounded education includes the opportunity to test your body’s strengths and skills as well as developing academic talents in the classroom. Every girl is encouraged to take part in at least two afternoons of sport each week. We have a wide selection of sporting activities and our top-quality facilities and coaches ensure that there is something for everyone.

Our sporting facilities include six all-weather tennis courts; two hockey/cricket/rugby/soccer fields; five netball courts; four glass-backed squash courts; a dance studio with sprung floor; an artificial hockey surface; a ten-lane, 25m swimming pool and springboard diving facility; a full cross-country course, a gym and two multi-purpose indoor centres with basketball, indoor hockey, netball and tennis courts.

Our girls can choose from highly competitive and physically-challenging sports or try activities that are more social and less technical. Epworth pupils make their mark each year at both the provincial and national level.

Sports on offer:

Athletics (user paid)
Netball
Basketball
Soccer
Body conditioning
Squash
Canoeing
Stretch and tone
Cross country
Swimming (transport is provided for boarders who swim at clubs in Pietermaritzburg)
Diving
Artistic swimming
Hockey
Tennis
Indoor hockey
Water polo
Canoe polo (user paid)

Top Fit Programme:

The Top Fit programme caters for the school’s top athletes regardless of age, to prepare them for competition in their chosen sports. During these training sessions, the girls work on physical, mental and social skills in a fun yet challenging atmosphere. The girls are kept in touch with training myths and trends and are guided to prevent over-training.

Adventure Sport:

Our girls may take part in Adventure Sports Tours, such as hiking in the wilderness, sea kayaking around Mauritius, trail running and mountain biking in pristine KZN locations and paddling down the Orange River, as well as participating in multi-sport challenges.

Our recent sporting achievements include:

Top canoeing school in South Africa:
- 12 SA Schools’ Canoe Sprints titles
- Winner of the Inter-schools’ Canoeing League for 13 consecutive years
- Two-time winner of KZN Schools’ K1 River Championships
21 SA Top Schools’ Squash titles
29 KZN Top Schools’ Squash titles
Two-time winner of the Senior Midlands Cross-Country League
Two-time winner of the Junior Midlands Cross-Country League
Two-time winner of the Inter-schools’ Adidas Athletics Relay
Winner of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament
14 SA representatives or top 10 SA-ranked sportswomen

“At Epworth pupils are encouraged to do their best at sport. The sports coaches help you grow and achieve your goals. The Epworth spirit is so wonderful as your friends support you on and off the sporting field.”
~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Performing Arts

Epworth’s Visual and Performing Arts Programme supports our desire to offer a holistic education to our pupils, through regular performances, exhibitions and residencies in drama, dance and music.

Music:

Music is one of the major growth areas in our school. Our Music Department boasts two choirs, a jazz band, a string ensemble, various marimba bands and a worship team. There are ample opportunities for music-making in the school, and around 25% of our pupils are enrolled for instrumental or vocal lessons with specialist music teaching staff. A diverse range of performances on and off-campus expose our pupils to a variety of music, whilst simultaneously offering them opportunities to perform. Music may be taken as a subject to Grade 12.

Art:

Our Grade 8 to Grade 12 art pupils are challenged to push the boundaries of artistic expression by developing critical thinking and an expressive visual language. The pupils are exposed to a variety of art processes and explore both traditional and non-traditional media and practise. The pupils’ art is on display throughout the year in various areas of the school, and the Grade 8 to Grade 11 exhibition in October usually coincides with the Grade 12 Art Exhibition, featuring the Grade 12 examination and year work.

Theatre & Dance:

Epworth stages at least one major annual production, usually in association with a neighbouring boys’ school. Productions include musicals and straight plays. Participation in these productions is by audition, open to all High School pupils whether they study Drama as an academic subject or not. All Epworth pupils get to experience Drama as a Grade 9 subject, with many continuing with the subject to Grade 12.
Epworth’s Junior and Senior Dance Companies, together with the Epworth LiveArt Dance Company, perform in various dance reviews on and off campus. Participation in residencies and the workshops at the Jomba! Dance Festival in Durban provides valuable experience and stimulation for our Dance pupils whose creative work is featured in the ExperiDance festival in the second half of the year.

CLICK HERE to view some of our recent Performance Arts clips/videos on YouTube

“Epworth offers an abundance of opportunities for eager minds and fierce hearts. There is never nothing happening – no girl is left out and everyone radiates an excited and positive atmosphere that fills the school with life.”
~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Community Engagement

Service is a key element of our Methodist ethos and means the use of our personal and community (school) resources to help others, making a true difference to the world around us. We believe that this isn’t a solely Christian emphasis. Only through values-based education are young people guided towards making sensible and compassionate decisions that balance personal interests and needs alongside the wider issues of our society.

Our Community Engagement work encompasses the following:

The environment:

Epworth girls who care about the environment join our Earth-Active club, focusing on projects such as recycling, tree planting, animal welfare and highlighting environmental issues at our school. Club members take part in eco-themed quizzes and competitions. Epworth is proud to be part of the Eco-Schools programme that aims to bring environmental awareness to our schools, and we are one of the first schools in the country to be awarded an International Eco-Schools flag for our support of environmental projects. Some of our projects include a wormery, recycling including making and selling items made from waste, tree labelling, Adopt-a-Spot (caring for areas of the city) and we support and visit animal-focused projects such as the SPCA, FreeMe and Rhino protection.

Outreach:

Our Interact Committee aims to enrich and uplift the lives of those less fortunate members of our community, with visits to orphanages, old age homes and other organisations that care for the needy. The committee liaises with similar interact clubs at other schools for a wider awareness of pertinent issues and an opportunity to share with other pupils. The abuse of women and children is an especially important focus. Interact also co-ordinates fundraising events for the whole school.

We are affiliated to the Pietermaritzburg branch of Rotary International.

Vogue:

We feel it is important for our girls to experience life in the outside world. The popular Vogue programme sees Grade 10 girls working in the Edendale community in partnership with Deloitte and Touche and the Thandanani Children’s Foundation. Other elements of Vogue include the learning of invaluable life skills such as self-defence and healthy living. The programme culminates in a much-anticipated formal ball in the third term.

The President’s Award:

The President’s Award is an international self-development programme that seeks to empower young people between the ages of 14 and 25. It is a balanced, non-competitive programme, which enables pupils to become responsible and active citizens within their communities. Operating in 140 countries, it comprises three levels: bronze, silver and gold and involves successfully completing activities under the following sections: physical recreation, skills development, community service and adventurous journey.

Community Engagement Epworth High School

“Epworth cares! Compassion without boundaries.”
~ Grade 10 Epworth pupil

Beyond the classroom

Epworth is committed to ensuring that our pupils experience a diverse and stimulating education, both on campus and through exposure to new places and people. Our girls enjoy tours to various destinations; presentations, seminars and talks on a variety of topics; opportunities to attend the theatre; career guidance sessions; participation in Rotary Exchange and in an international exchange programme with Mount St Mary’s College in the UK, as well as various community initiatives.

Epworth-on-the-Move is a week-long programme that takes place after the third term half-term when the Grade 12 girls write their trial examinations. The rest of the school’s pupils leave their classrooms to explore non-academic facets of life and learning. The Grade 8s engage in an HIV/Aids education programme, the Grade 9s go away on an educational journey, the Grade 10s participate in a special outreach programme, and the Grade 11s engage in two days’ work experience and attend a leadership camp.

“The academics at Epworth are supported by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who care about each pupils marks and improvement. The academic programme is so much more than what is offered in the classroom. ”
~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Boarding and Pastoral Care

We know how important it is for boarders to be happy, comfortable and secure in their home-from-home boarding environment. We cater for boarders from Grades 8 to 12 on a weekly, termly and even overnight/temporary basis. Experienced and caring house-mothers and boarder mistresses take care of our boarders, developing personal relationships with all of ‘their’ girls.

There are currently about 180 boarders at Epworth, with 35 or so beds per grade: about 54% of the high school girls are boarders. Boarding is increasingly popular, with many families seeing the benefits of boarding, both practical (for working parents and single-parent families, for example) and educational (girls learn to be independent, socially confident and responsible).

The physical, academic and emotional needs of all of our boarders are of special concern:

Departure from the school grounds is carefully monitored.
A clinic and san, managed by qualified nursing sisters, is available 24/7. Should a girl fall ill during the day, the state of the pupil’s health is assessed and the parents contacted if necessary.
Healthy, nutritionally balanced and appetising meals are prepared by an outside catering company with the likes and appetites of active, growing girls in mind. Special dietary needs are accommodated as far as possible.
Boarders may use the school’s sporting facilities.
The boarders’ academic progress and prep sessions are monitored by the Head of Boarding, an academic staff member who resides on the property.
Academic support in some subjects (at no additional cost) is offered during the evenings.
Outings and trips are arranged over weekends, while the games room and TV room are popular social areas.