About Us

First Rate Facilities

Although the school is situated within walking distance of Wynberg, Constantia and Plumstead, our modern campus is set within extensive playing fields. Henshilwood has some of the best facilities and resources of any secondary school. There is also a wide range of out of school activities comprising sporting and cultural activities.

Quality Teaching and Learning

The National Curriculum is taught to Grade 12 level. Outcomes Based Education is the methodology used to implement the General Education and Training phase (GET) in Grades 8 and 9. The Further Education and Training phase (FET) will be implemented in Grade 10 in 2006. Life Skills and HIV/AIDS are taught across the curriculum. The progress of learners is monitored and supported by Education Support Teams (ESTs). Homework and portfolio work are set daily and parents are kept fully informed by detailed reports of learner progress and achievement. Consultation evenings occur three times per year. The school is proud of its academic standards. As a result, Staff development and learner achievement are two aspects that are allocated ‘high priority’ status.

Community Involvement

At Henshilwood we believe that education starts at home. However, the school is a partnership-relationship that parents enter into upon enrolment at the school. It is vital that parents become involved. Fundraising forms a large part of internal funds generation and is done to keep school fees’ payment down to a manageable level.

Every Child is Special

At Henshilwood we believe in giving as much individual attention as possible because they are all special. Learners have different abilities, personalities and individual needs. Because we are a relatively small school, we are able to get to know our children well and we know how to motivate them individually to make the most of their time at school.

Admission Arrangements

The school continues to go from strength to strength in both performance and popularity. However, a strict admissions policy is in place with limited space from Grade 8 to 12. All enquiries should be directed to the Bursar who will be pleased to give you any information that you may require.

Management and Governance Structures

The school is managed by a School Management Team (SMT) comprising the Principal, Deputy Principal and several Education Specialists (ES) (senior members of Staff).

The SMT is responsible for the daily management of the school. Education Specialists are allocated one grade to
manage. All correspondence concerning any grade matter is done through the relevant ES. The South African Schools’ Act 84 of 1996 mandates the school to be governed by a School Governing Body (SGB). The SGB is headed by a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary and, in total comprises 7 elected parent members, 2 educator representatives, 1 non-educator representative, 2 learner representatives and the Principal. In total, 13 members govern the school.

Traditional Values

Our emphasis on classroom learning places a premium on ensuring excellent behaviour at all times in and around the school. Self discipline is encouraged as a means to achieving the best possible results. Learners are able to learn effectively and receive recognition for their achievements. Uniform is smart and strictly enforced and every opportunity is given for learners to take on responsibility as part of an active School Council comprising the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) and Matric Council of Learners (MCL). Learners are expected to greet all adults on campus, whether they are in the classroom, on the sports field, participating in cultural activities or running errands to the office.

Code of Conduct

Henshilwood is proud of its Code of Conduct, a document which governs learner conduct at the school. It is a progressive code that encourages a culture of self-discipline yet clearly states the consequences of misconduct by learners. Parents, upon enrolment, are expected to sign acknowledgement of the code and undertake to ensure that their children abide by the code. The code is visited on an annual basis and is considered to be a permanent working document.