St Alban's College Information Pack 2018
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St Alban's College
Information Pack
2018
CONTENT
Step by Step Application Process .................................................................................................. 3
Admissions Policy for boys ............................................................................................................ 4
Fee Schedule for 2018................................................................................................................... 5
Calendar for 2018 ......................................................................................................................... 6
Our Vision, Values and Mission ..................................................................................................... 6
Frequently Asked Questions by Parents ....................................................................................... 7
Why would you consider boarding in Pretoria? ............................................................................ 9
Scholarships, Exhibitions and Bursaries ..................................................................................... 10
Subjects offered at the College ................................................................................................... 11
The purpose of Sport in our School ............................................................................................. 12
Music at St Alban's College ......................................................................................................... 14
Clubs and Societies ..................................................................................................................... 16
The Form 3 Journey .................................................................................................................... 19
St Alban's College Contact Details .............................................................................................. 21
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STEP BY STEP APPLICATION PROCESS
STEP 1: GETTING TO KNOW ST ALBAN’S COLLEGE
You could...
• Visit our stand at one of our Expos:
Broadhurst Expo, Gaborone - February each year (date to be confirmed)
Various School Expos, Pretoria - during the year (dates to be announced)
• Send your Grade 7 son to Experience St Alban’s, which is held in March each year - booking is
essential!
• Come to our Open Day, in March every year (date TBC) - 14:00-16:00
• The following schools invite us to visit each year: The Ridge, Pridwin, St Peter’s Prep, St Paulus and
WHPS
• Visit the College at a time convenient to you – call our PR office for an appointment
• Visit our website: www.stalbanscollege.com
• Chat with a St Alban’s parent in your area (we will gladly put you in touch)
STEP 2: PROVISIONAL APPLICATION
This means that you are interested and that you genuinely wish to consider St Alban’s as your school of choice.
Applications should be made by March each year.
STEP 3: BENCHMARK TESTS
While boys from our main feeder schools are given preference, we have decided that ALL boys will write
Benchmark Tests in order to facilitate us with the Admissions and Scholarship Selection process.
These tests are written as part of the Experience St Alban’s programme in March.
STEP 4: PLACES OFFERED
Places will be offered by the end of March each year. We advise that you make your decision as soon as
possible as we offer more places than are available. However, the deadline for the completed Application
Form, together with deposits should be received as confirmation of acceptance by no later than the date
stipulated by ISASA for the relevant year.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Selected candidates are invited to attend the Scholarship Selection Programme for a limited number of
scholarships in April. Scholarships dates will be published closer to the time.
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ADMISSIONS POLICY FOR FORM 1 (GRADE 8) BOYS
Due to excessive demand and the increased need for boarding in Pretoria over the past couple of years, St
Alban's College has had to streamline and prioritise its Admissions process. We are a small school and have
limited space to offer, therefore we can only offer about 25% of places applied for.
PLACES OFFERED IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER OF PRIORITY
1. First come first served. Boys whose names have been on our waiting list for a number of years will be
given first option. This is, however, subject to these boys meeting the necessary entry level
requirements.
2. Old Boys families: sons, brothers, cousins – boys who fall into this category will be offered the next set
of places, subject to applications being submitted on time.
3. Scholarship candidates.
4. Boys from 5 main feeder schools.
5. Results based on benchmark tests, school reports and interview, if required (all other schools). (subject
to availability: balance of above)
Right of Admission is reserved and final decisions are at the Headmaster’s discretion solely.
ADMISSIONS POLICY FOR FORM 2-4 BOYS
All Admissions for boys in Forms 2-4 (Grades 9-11) are evaluated individually. Entrance is only considered
should a place become available. Boys must pass an Entrance Exam and be interviewed by the Headmaster.
We DO NOT accept boys in Form 5 (Grade 12).
Aerial view picture taken of the original farm in 1962, now hanging on the Anton Murray Pavilion to
Celebrate an amazing 50 Years!
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 4
FEE SCHEDULE FOR 2018
ADMIN FEE:
This is a non-refundable fee paid by all applicants R 350
NON-REFUNDABLE ENROLMENT LEVY for ENTRY IN 2018 (effective until January 2018):
Day Scholars R 40,300
Boarders R 70,860
NON-REFUNDABLE ENROLMENT LEVY for ENTRY IN 2019 (effective until January 2019):
Day Scholars R 43,490
Boarders R 76,470
FEES FOR 2018:
Per Term (3 terms) Per Annum
Tuition R 43,490 R 130,470
Boarding & Tuition R 76,470 R 229,410
• An early payment incentive may be discussed with our Accounts Department.
• Payments must be paid in advance before the first day of each term.
• If you are a CURRENT parent and already have a son at the College, please contact us to discuss the Enrolment Levy
as special arrangements are made per Family.
• Please note that credit card payments are no longer accepted.
PAYMENT METHOD:
In order to facilitate payments, it is possible and preferable for all payments to be made directly into the St Alban’s College
bank account as follows:
Account Name: St Alban's College
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Pretoria
Branch Code: 010045
Account No.: 010 621 733
Reference: SON’S SURNAME, FIRST NAME
Please fax a copy of the deposit slip for the attention of the Accounts Department to (012) 361 1917 in order for our
records to be updated.
FEES AND OTHER CHARGES
a) Textbooks and stationery can be purchased from our Book room at the start of each year. Stationery can also be
bought from the College during the course of the year.
b) All queries with regard to College fees are dealt with by our Accountant.
c) While the College Council hopes to maintain the published scale of fees and charges, unforeseen circumstances
and rising costs may, from time to time, necessitate changes. The Council therefore reserves the right to alter all
or any of the fees or charges at its discretion subject to one term’s notice.
PAYMENT OF FEES AND WITHDRAWAL OF PUPILS
All fees itemized on the schedule are, together with any extras outstanding from the previous term, payable strictly in
advance at the beginning of each term.
One term’s written notice of termination of the Enrolment of a Pupil shall be given by the Applicants, failing which the pro-
rata refund of the Enrolment Levy shall be forfeited, and the Applicants shall also be liable to the College for the full
amount of the following term’s fees, which shall be due and payable to St Alban's College.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 5
CALENDAR
We are a 3 term school.
Term dates for 2018 are as follows:
Term 1 17 January – 11 April
Term 2 2 May – 3 August
Term 3 4 September – 6 December
Term dates for 2018 are also available on our website.
During each term there is a break for the Half-term Exeat. A detailed term calendar is sent to parents and
issued to pupils at the start of each term.
SCHOOL HOURS:
School hours are from Monday to Friday, 07:15 - 17:30 (boys may leave earlier if they have fulfilled their
commitments). The afternoon programme is given in the term calendar.
Matches are played on Saturdays and Boarders are allowed to go home after the last match and to return at
18:30 on Sunday evening for a Chapel service at 19:00.
OUR VISION, VALUES AND MISSION
OUR VISION
St Alban's College is a learning community of boys, staff and parents. We are forward looking, committed to
quality and service, and we pursue innovative strategies and encourage personal responsibility in the interest
of all-round development of the boy as he journeys towards manhood.
OUR VALUES
St Alban’s is an Anglican Church School that strives after Christian values.
These, held in common with people of other faiths, include compassion, courage, and a commitment to what
is right.
We aim to create a just, peaceful, united, positive, happy and caring community.
OUR MISSION
We dedicate ourselves to a stimulating, balanced programme, which is sensitive to the needs of individual
students, encourages them increasingly to assume responsibility for themselves and which promotes an ethos
that learning is enjoyable.
We aim to lead in the effective development and use of innovative learning systems, turning our educational
ideas into reality.
We strive to be at the leading edge of appropriate technology enabling us to access and exchange information.
We aim to equip students with the life skills which will enable them to make a positive contribution in an open
and dynamic global society.
We accept our responsibility to the wider educational field; and with those concerned, to develop innovative
programmes for the community at large.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 6
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY PARENTS
How big are our classes?
This most frequently asked question expresses parents’ concern about the amount of attention their child is
likely to receive and the quality of the education provided by the school.
We regard ±26 as the optimum class size. This allows for the identification of individual needs and such needs
are addressed. The provision of quality education is the basis of our existence and we are committed to a
partnership of teachers, boys and parents to bring out the best in every single pupil. The interest in places at
St Alban’s for next year has been overwhelming.
Do you offer extra lessons?
All of our teachers are obliged to assist boys in their classes who may be struggling. Most of our major
academic departments offer lessons in the afternoons throughout the week. The boys are selected for such
assistance based on their attitude to work and their level of achievement. Boys who have specific learning or
concentration difficulties will be referred to our Educational Psychologist.
What about bullying?
We are a small school which is characterised by good relationships between staff and boys, seniors and juniors,
employers and employees. We put a premium on the fact that the school provides a cheerful, friendly
environment for growth and development, and this is something that is frequently remarked on by visitors. If
we tolerated bullying, we would destroy what we hold most dear. Therefore rare occurrences of abuse are
treated in a very serious light.
When allegations of bullying are brought to our attention, we seek to establish the facts, to interview all
involved and to understand the relationship dynamics that are causing the problem. If necessary, we will
involve a professional psychologist to help us understand the emotions that are causing the dysfunctional
behaviour. When disciplinary action is appropriate, it will be undertaken.
The best advice that I can offer any new parent on this important issue is to speak to other parents, contact
your son’s Housemaster and let the school know of your concerns. Your son’s happiness is as important to us
as it is to you and when a boy makes allegations of bullying, it is important that we listen. Communication is
the key!
Are there drugs in the school?
For the majority of time the school is entirely free of drugs. However, young people in our society are under
threat and we don’t try to dodge the reality of the threat posed by all forms of substance abuse.
We adopt a proactive approach, seeking a commitment from the boys, counselling them, carrying out regular
random and whole-school testing and dealing vigorously with any irregularity that comes to light.
Side by side with disciplinary procedures, however, there is also provision for boys who find themselves in
trouble to receive expert help. We have found that the use of drugs is often a symptom of deeper emotional
and relationship issues. One of our achievements in recent years has been the drawing up a Parents’ Charter
that helps our families to support the school in its approach by bringing home values in line with school values
and by establishing a set of norms for supervision, curfews and freedoms for the boys at the College.
Is sport compulsory?
Yes, we see our task as the mental, physical and spiritual development of the boys entrusted to our care.
However academically gifted a boy may be, we don’t favour a one-sided development. However weak a boy
may be physically, it would be irresponsible not to strengthen and encourage him. On the one hand, excellent
facilities and coaching are available to enable the gifted to excel; on the other, sport is played in such diversity
and at so many levels that there is something for everyone. It follows from the above that participation in
cultural activities is also compulsory.
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Is religion forced on the boys?
We make no secret of the fact that we are an Anglican Church School. The Bishop of Pretoria heads our
Foundation; an ordained chaplain serves on our full-time staff; the chapel plays an important role in the life
of the school. Yet an aspect of the Anglican ethos of the school is sensitivity to people of other faiths and no
attempt is made to proselytise. Boys are required to attend chapel on certain specified occasions but we are
not so foolish as to imagine that anyone’s conscience can or should be forced.
Which is the best House?
In allocating boys to Houses we make a conscious effort to distribute talents so that there can be a healthy
balanced competition between the Houses. The more equal the Houses are, the more we raise the quality of
this competition. At different times the Houses have varying strengths and weaknesses, which tend to cancel
each other out. The history of the House and the personalities of the Housemaster and Assistant Housemaster
will also impact on the House culture, but this produces diversity rather than superiority. Within a very short
time boys make friends within the House context and develop a fierce loyalty to the house to which they are
allocated, and it is extremely rare for a boy to seek transfer to another House.
Can my son come home on Friday night?
We consider the standard boarder week to begin at 19:00 on Sunday and end after sport on Saturday. Thus,
while Friday night is a ‘school night’, boys may go home for Saturday night. However, boys can gain the
privilege of occasionally going home on a Friday night by serving the College as a Server or in the choir, by
gaining a place on the School Positive or House Positive Performance lists, or by achieving a set number of
Credits from their subject teachers.
International Studies
The Life Orientation Department has linked up with Global Education to ensure the students at St Alban’s
College who would like to continue their studies overseas will receive the most current information.
Global Education’s primary focus is to assist students wishing to study abroad in countries like; Australia,
Switzerland, US, UK, Canada and Cyprus. They facilitate the student’s application process into a university,
school or institution. Once this has been achieved, they assist the student with the visa procedure,
accommodation and anything else pertaining to a smooth transition.
Students can contact Miss Momberg for further advice.
Members of our PR Committee will gladly give you a tour of the school at any time. Please call to make an appointment.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 8
WHY WOULD YOU CONSIDER BOARDING IN PRETORIA?
Boarding and other options
It is not easy deciding whether or not to send your boy to a boys’ boarding school. Will he adjust to the new
environment? Will the physical separation from family and old friends be tough? Could the same education
and experience not be offered by an independent boys’ day school or a co-educational school or a good public
high school?
Financial costs are also something to think about. It is worth it?
Things to consider and compare
Depending on where you live, local schooling options can be just as good as boarding schools. Independent
day schools (boys or co-educational) or public high schools can naturally have very bright students and well
qualified teachers. Academic and extracurricular offerings can also be really challenging and diverse. But if
you are considering local options as an alternative to boarding school, think about this...
An education in itself: you will find that boarding schools, boys’ boarding schools in particular, are amazingly
unique. In boarding school research, you will likely hear the phrase that “boarding school is an education in
itself.” While it may sound a little corny, the phrase is true. Living in a boarding school community leads to
learning that is just as valuable as the education you get in a classroom.
A word to parents
For the modern family, the stress of advancing your career while also providing for your children is
considerable. If your son is enthusiastic and has the potential to develop a wide range of interests, you have
probably already encountered the continual cycle of afternoon activities, drop offs and pick ups. The pressure
does not lessen in the adolescent years, for despite the views that teenage boys are lazy, the reality is very
different!
So how do you provide a safe, ordered and full life for your son while pursuing a career and still playing a full
role in his life? This is where the option of boarding in Pretoria becomes attractive. St Alban's College boarders’
homes range from as close as 100m from our front gate to as far as China – you are never too close or too
far to be a boarder at St Alban's College!
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 9
SCHOLARSHIPS, EXHIBITIONS AND BURSARIES
Entrance Scholarships
These are awarded annually on the basis of performance in the Scholarship Examination, which is usually
written on the second weekend in May each year. Based on performance in our Entrance Examination (written
in March), the St Alban's College Entrance Examination or on the recommendation of a boy’s Prep School
Head, the Headmaster will invite selected boys to write the Scholarship Examination.
Examination: written papers in English and Mathematics are based purely on Grade 6 work, a prepared
speech and an interview with senior staff.
Awards: Major and Minor Scholarships of values ranging from 33% to 50% of tuition fees are awarded. In
addition, Closed Scholarships of values from 25% to 33% of tuition fees are awarded to boys from St Peter’s
Prep School, The Ridge, Pridwin, Waterkloof House Prep School and St Paulus Primary School.
Conditions: these scholarships are awarded on academic performance only. All awards are for the
scholar’s whole career at St Alban's College, up to Form 5 (Grade 12), provided that conduct and industry are
satisfactory. There will be a maximum of eight Entrance Scholarships awards each year. The right to not
make awards, or awards to the amounts stated, in any year, is reserved.
Exhibitions
These are awarded annually on the basis of a demonstrated talent in scholarship, sport or music. These
awards are usually granted on entry to St Alban's College. Sports for which we award Exhibitions include
cricket, rugby, hockey and water sports/aquatics.
Awards: there will be a maximum of eight such awards per year group of values ranging from 10% to 50%
of tuition fees.
Eligibility: prospective parents who wish their sons to be considered for such an award should submit a 1
page detailed curriculum vitae of their son’s achievements, with the names and contact details of at least three
referees.
Exhibitions for Music: additional Exhibitions for Music may be granted at Form 3 (Grade 10) level, due to
our long-standing relationship with the Drakensburg Boys’ Choir School.
Bursaries
Funds are available each year for financial assistance to families in need. Applications for bursaries should be
made to the Headmaster in a letter of motivation, during the first half of the preceding year for which the
bursary is required.
Bursaries are awarded on the basis of need and talent, and we are exploring the possibility of increasing the
number of bursaries through means of partnerships with outside sponsors.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 10SUBJECTS OFFERED AT THE COLLEGE
FORM 1 FORM 2 FORM 3 FORM 4 FORM 5
Compulsory Subjects:
English English English English English
Afrikaans/isiZulu/French Afrikaans/isiZulu/French Afrikaans/isiZulu Afrikaans/isiZulu Afrikaans/isiZulu
Mathematics Mathematics Mathematics OR Mathematics OR Mathematics OR
Natural Sciences Natural Sciences Mathematical Literacy Mathematical Literacy Mathematical Literacy
Human & Social Sciences Human & Social Sciences Life Orientation Life Orientation Life Orientation
Life Orientation Life Orientation
Economic & Management
Technology
Sciences
Aspects of Arts & Culture
Optional Subjects:
(One of) (One of) (Four of) (Three of) (Three of)
French French French French French
Visual Art Visual Art Visual Art Visual Art Visual Art
Music Music Music Music Music
Sports Sciences Sports Sciences Accounting Accounting Accounting
Mandarin Mandarin Business Studies Business Studies Business Studies
Geography Geography Geography
History History History
Information Information Information
Technology Technology Technology
Life Sciences Life Sciences Life Sciences
Physical Science Physical Science Physical Science
Additional Optional Subjects:
Add Maths Add Maths Add Maths
Additional English Additional English
Maths ІІІ Maths ІІІ
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 11THE PURPOSE OF SPORT IN OUR SCHOOL
Sport and its place in Education
Many people would say that the education one receives in school is about thinking – mental activity, part of
our work, our career, something that is the essence of what it means to be human – while sports are merely
recreational, a physical activity, and therefore less important.
But that would be a narrow perspective, for to be human is to have both mental and physical abilities.
Educations helps people understand their world, to get along in a changing and complex society, to appreciate
its benefits and recognise its dangers. We may think of education as a means and participation in civilisation
as the end. The more education you have, the more you can participate. In contrast, people usually think of
the benefits of sports differently. Sports provide personal pleasure, enjoyment of the game and the pleasure
of competence, camaraderie with other players (including opponents), and sometimes the exultation of
winning. Where education is thought to be necessary, sports are thought to be optional. Communities and
individuals who subscribe to this view prefer schools in which the physical development of students is ignored.
In the UK for example, four decades of government hostility to competition in any form at school has led to
the majority of schools not offering games at all: now that country has among the highest rates of teenage
obesity and diabetes in the world. A government policy initiative (January 2007) once again stated the urgent
need for sports to be re-established in schools if the country is to overcome the rising rate of chronic health
problems among its youth.
Here in South Africa, we are fortunate in that sport is valued and is still largely based in the school system.
This has ensured that the majority of schools have retained a sports programme of some kind and while some
may remain traditional in the extreme, the more progressive schools have diversified their sports offering to
accommodate the growing diversity in our country. The better schools will have sports programmes that are
flexible and individualised and yet the importance of team sports is also recognised.
How Sports are like Education
We believe that sports participation is more than just fun, more than optional recreation. It helps to build
character. It teaches leadership. One learns to try harder when things get tough instead of giving up, to
persevere, concentrate, and practise. One learns how to compete with friends, to play with people one does
not like, to consider game strategies, even to sit on the bench. One learns the capabilities of one’s body, to
have a positive self-image and greater self-confidence.
The clichéd metaphors about being “team players”, “playing the game”, “playing by the rules”, “good
sportsmanship”, even “knowing the score”, all testify to the value of sports participation in learning to flourish
in our society. And that is exactly what education is all about: to provide the tools for success in our culture
and the means to participate fully in the world.
A victory for all – team spirit being the winner!
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 12But must all of our Heroes come from Sport?
Sport certainly allows boys to find heroes among their peer group and being good at sport is a valued trait at
St Alban’s. However, so too is being good at Music, Maths or Art! There are many outlets for leadership in
our school. The best scholars, the Parliament Representatives, the leads in school or House plays, the boys
with musical talent, the Mathematics Olympiad champion, are all possible school heroes at St Alban’s College.
Excellence in sports is only one way to become a hero here.
A society comes with rituals and activities that constitute its civilisation. Barring people who live in that society
from important aspects of the civilisation is unjust, whether or not what they are excluded from has particular
value. It is unjust if those activities are used as symbols of power or as signs of who is allowed to have power.
That is why we pledge ourselves to providing opportunities for all boys to participate, not just the more able
sportsmen. We consistently maintain a 90% participation rate among our boys and we gave as much attention
to the D-teams as we did the A-teams. Participation, enjoyment, pride and giving of one’s best are all we ask!
St Alban’s Rowing Club, coached by Mr Tiago Loureiro, and driven
by a passionate parent body, is recognised as the best sculling club in South Africa
Sports offered at St Alban's College Schools we play annually in all sports
Athletics Hockey St Stithians Boys College King Edward VI
Basketball Rugby St John’s College Jeppe Boys’ High
Cricket Rowing Pretoria Boys’ High Parktown Boys’ High
Golf Soccer St David’s Marist St Benedicts
Squash Tennis
Swimming Water polo
“The Passion” that is St Alban’s College & Rugby Hockey in Pretoria on a fine winter’s day
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 13MUSIC AT ST ALBAN’S COLLEGE
At St Alban’s College, Music is an integral part of the school curriculum and extra-mural life and students have
innumerable opportunities to pursue their interest in it and to develop their talent to the full. We, in the Music
Department, firmly believe that music should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, thus we strive for
“Excellence through enjoyment.”
Music as an Academic Subject
Music is offered as a subject at the College from Forms 1-5, and the Independent Examinations Board (IEB)
Syllabus is covered. Although innovative, creative and enjoyable, Music as a subject is demanding and requires
real commitment and dedication. In addition, students are encouraged to enter the UNISA, Associated Board
of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), or Trinity Examinations.
Music as an Extra-mural Activity
The College endeavours to provide tuition in the instrument of the student’s choice. At present tuition is given
to over 140 students in the following instruments: voice, piano, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, alto saxophone,
tenor saxophone, trombone, classical guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums and trumpet.
The tuition may have a serious focus or a lighter approach according to the student’s preference. These
lessons are conducted after the academic day by our dedicated and specialist outside staff. Pupils who wish
to enter for eisteddfods and external exams, or join a variety of external orchestras, are encouraged to do so,
if they are at the required standard.
Chapel Choir
Over the past few years the Chapel Choir has grown from strength to strength.
It plays an integral role in College Chapel services; performs at internal and
external functions, including PR tours, concerts, festivals and eisteddfods, where
they have won many awards and other accolades; was selected over several
longer-established choirs to shoot a television commercial for M-Web that was
shown on South African national television; has featured on four CD recordings
and enjoyed a highly-successful tour to the World Choir Games in Austria, where
they won a Silver Medal in 2008. The most recent of the Choir tours was to the
USA in 2010.
Barbershop Boys
The Barbershop Boys are seen as the elite members of the Choir and only boys with exceptional voices achieve
the distinction of being a part of this group of accomplished singers. Established in 1996, the group was an
overnight success and is now expected, as a matter of course, to perform at all internal College functions,
musical evenings and concerts. They are regarded as one of the College’s best Public Relations asset; enjoyed
highly successful and publicised Tours to Argentina in 2004, the World Choir Games in Austria in 2008 and the
USA in 2010; have appeared on a national television on the entertainment programme Kyknet; have featured
on four CD recordings; have appeared as guest artists at several national and international events and
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 14conferences, including, a function of our own Minister of Education; have appeared in A Night At The Proms
at the Pretoria State Theatre; have performed at numerous International Expos in and around the country;
and have participated in numerous festivals and eisteddfods, where they, too, have won many awards and
accolades.
Big Band
This outstanding group of musicians performs on a regular basis and provides light musical entertainment at
all major College events. It has a varied repertoire, including Jazz, Blues and Ballads, and performs with
distinction at many functions. It has featured on three CD recordings, and has participated in numerous
festivals and eisteddfods, where it has won multiple awards and accolades.
Clubs and Societies
The Music Department also operates a Guitar Club. This Club caters for beginners and more advanced
musicians and they regularly perform at functions and often go on specially planned outings.
CD Releases
The St Alban’s College Music Department has produced four CDs, Music Mix 2001, The Anniversary CD - Forty
Years On, A Musical Celebration and in 2010 for the American Tour, St Alban’s College Chapel Choir CD. These
CDs feature works by the College Choir, Barbershop Boys, Jazz Band, Rock Band and a variety of soloists.
They are a wonderful celebration of the immense musical talent at the College and we are justifiably proud
of, and thankful to, all those who made these possible.
General
In conclusion, St Alban’s College aims to give a balanced, all-round education to its students. This includes
developing the musical talent and potential to all the boys we are privileged to teach. St Alban’s Music
Department strives to develop excellence and instil a love, enjoyment and appreciation of Music amongst all
its students.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 15CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Adams Family Parliamet
Afrikaans Club Photographic
Anime Club President’s Award
Audio-Visual Club Promethean Society
Book Club Public Relations
Bridge Club Radio Club
Chess Club RAPS
Christian Fellowship Rock Climbing
Community Service Server’s Guild
Culture Vultures SOCIAL (College Fundraising)
Dance Sport thegreyandblue
Film Society The Stock Market Challenge
Fly Fishing Word of Art
French Young Ambassadors
E-Sport Young Engineers
Guitar Club
Gumboots
Life Support
Mitre
Oratorical
MUSICAL GROUPS
Choir Big Band
Barbershop Jazz Club
Classical Rock Ensemble Drum Circle Ensembles
MORE ABOUT CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Adams
For thespians to be, for self-exploration, for role- playing, for whatever or whoever you want to be!
Afrikaans
For developing and enjoying the rich cultural heritage a language always displays.
Audio-Visual
For sound advice join us! For the technically minded, for the ‘man behind the scenes’, for the lights and sound
‘engineer’.
Bridge
“Build a Bridge and Get Over It”. For the keen mind, sharp thinker.
Chess
From Rookies to Kings.
Christian Fellowship
In His service – meet and share with fellow Christians
Community Service
Assisting those who are disadvantaged and bringing hope and pleasure to them.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 16Culture Vultures
The heart of culture – organisers of all cultural events.
Dance Sport
From Bossanova to Tango – prepare yourself for the Matric Dance – and
more.
Film
Senior movie boff? Limited spaces. Forms 3-5 may apply.
French
Would you like to parle français? Enjoy another culture and meet les
filles at DSG!
Guitar
For the social entertainer and strummer – a life skill!
Life Support
A life skill - for the server, for everyday use, for a qualification in First Aid
and Life Support. For The Journey.
Mitre
Journalistic tendencies required for this termly ‘newspaper’ publication.
Oratorical
“To be or not to be?” To debate or not to debate? To speak or not to speak? Join the Public Speakers and
say your piece!
Parliament
Speaker of the House - Listen to, propose and take action in the best interests of your ‘constituents’.
Photographic
Kodak Moments! Creative ‘clicker’, record keeper. Camera owner.
President’s Award
Personal challenges, service to others, life skills. Go all the way to Gold!
Promethean Society
Previously called political Awareness: “The term "Prometheism" was suggested by the Greek myth of
Prometheus, whose gift of fire to mankind, in defiance of Zeus, came to symbolize enlightenment and
resistance to despotic authority. “ (quoted from Wikipedia)
Public Relations
For your first experience of the school. You are The Chief Salesperson!
Radio
Broadcasting the world of St Alban’s all over the campus.
RAPS
Rhythm and poetry, sharp thinker.
Rock-Climbing
Abseil, climb and challenge on “The Crags”.
Servers’ Guild
The Chapel cannot do without you. The College cannot do without you.
Social (College Fundraising)
The Organizer and Planner of social events, mainly for fundraising.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 17The Stock Market Challenge
Virtual Reality… are you a business man, an entrepreneur, a Gambler?! You need to be ‘on the ball’!.
Word of Art
A different, flamboyant artistic skill.
Young Ambassadors
For the ambassadorial type of guy who wants to be a part of the global community.
Young Engineers
Bridge building – be creative and practical!
For further information about any of the Clubs or Societies speak to either the Chairman (listed in the diary)
or to the Cultural Portfolio holder.
MUSICAL GROUPS
Choir
“Sing us a Song, you’re the Piano Man.”
Barbershop
A cut above the rest…!
Classical Rock Ensemble
Rock music played with a mixture of
classical and modern instruments.
Rock Band
“Rock Me Amadeus”.
Big Band
Brass, Blues, Brilliant Boys!
For further information about any music queries that you may have, speak to the portfolio holder for Music.
SO…Whatever else you do or don’t do…
Remember this…
LAUGH, LOVE & LIVE!
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 18THE FORM 3 JOURNEY
Preparing a young man for life by Shane Kidwell –
Deputy Headmaster (2002-2008); Headmaster at Oakhill College
(2009-2016) and now, our current Headmaster (2017- )
John Eldredge, in his book Wild at Heart says ‘The way a man’s
life unfolds nowadays tends to drive his heart into remote regions
of the soul.’ The world we live in continues to surprise me. Our
economy continues to grow rapidly and the young people of
today seem to want more and more self gratification. There is a
feeling that having the latest cell phone, laptop or MP3 player is
what will keep you happy. Young men and women are finding it
more difficult to find themselves, to understand who they are and
how they relate to the world. Peer pressure continues to place
them under enormous strain.
More than ever, there is a sense that having more means more
personal satisfaction. The world measures success by material possession. Adults are driven by their greed and are forced
to work harder to produce more in less time. Eldredge says that corporate policies and procedures are designed with one
aim: to harness a man to the plough and make him produce. As a result, parents dictate what careers their children should
pursue when they complete their schooling, forgetting that most of them are unfulfilled and frustrated in their own work
place.
Independent schools run the danger of becoming cocoons that pamper boys, coercing them to do what is correct. We are
sometimes afraid to allow our young men to make mistakes and, as a result, we stifle personal growth. Our schools are
often comfortable places where we allow young men (or women) to do
what they are good at. What we tend to forget is that in life we all make
mistakes and it is our reaction to those mistakes that actually counts in
the end.
Boys, ultimately, want to know whether they have what it takes to be a
man. Until a man knows he is a man, he will forever be trying to prove
he is one, while at the same time shrinking from anything that reveals
he is not. St Alban’s aims to challenge these comfort zones that we
naturally bed down in. We aim to make our young men feel
uncomfortable in a number of situations that will challenge them and
ultimately help them understand themselves a little better.
At St Alban’s we have been implementing a series of interventions that
will enable young men to understand who they are; to help them
understand that the soul of a man cannot be harnessed and dictated to. Eldredge says, ‘The soul longs for passion, for
freedom, for life.’
We endeavour to start our students on a journey of self-discovery by exposing them to different experiential situations.
This pivots around our Form 3 Journey, which happens in March and April of the Grade 10 year. Our young men journey
for 400 kilometres, travelling on horseback, canoeing, cycling and hiking through some of the most rugged and picturesque
terrain in the country. They eventually reach a physical destination, but realize that their emotional and spiritual journey
has only just begun.
In his book The Wonder of Boys Michael Gurian says, ‘Boys need to compete and do combat, they need to feel tested in
the physical and interpersonal world. Our job is to help them navigate – not squash – this need.’
Halfway through the Journey, participants spend 30 hours contemplating, in total isolation, what they have learnt so far.
The aim of the trip is for every boy to participate in a life-changing experience. We hope that this experience will go a long
way to enabling young men to establish the kind of positive values, perspective and self- awareness that they will need to
adopt and build on during their early adult life.
There are many benefits that emanate from this experience, including greater self-awareness, improved confidence, a
deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, appreciation for the strengths and weaknesses of others and a
sincere appreciation of friends, family and daily comforts.
They realise that they can actually cope without their computer for a month. They also develop an appreciation for greater
issues, satisfaction from stretching themselves, physically or otherwise. They become more open when dealing with and
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 19helping others, develop an admiration for nature and have first-hand experience in solving problems dealing with difficult
team members and they develop leadership skills, which will stand them in good stead for years to come.
Once they have returned, there is a sense of independence about them. They realise that they are who they are because
of others – ‘Ubuntu’ is understood without ever being defined. Every pupil takes his own lessons from this experience.
Sometimes looking in the mirror is not pleasant, but it certainly gives you perspective.
Each boy writes a letter to himself which he will open exactly one year after he has written it. The challenge is to see
whether they have put into practice, any of the things they promised themselves. Sometimes they realise they have failed
themselves in some of the goals and promises they set. Other times they realise how much further down the road they
have actually travelled, and this in itself is affirming and builds self-esteem.
I have seen boys grow into men during this time. They realise things about themselves that they never dreamed of. They
realise that they can push themselves further than they ever imagined. They realise how insignificant certain issues actually
are and they begin to understand what is really important to them. Reinie Schiel had this to say about last year’s Journey:
‘A few lessons learned: let tomorrow take care of itself; live and enjoy the moment; honesty is the key to freedom; and
take time to reflect on the past.’
As a Housemaster, and currently a Headmaster, I have realised how much education revolves around involving parents in
the process of preparing their young men for life. Parents also need to learn to allow their youngsters to extend themselves,
to test themselves and to allow them to see how far they can push themselves.
Our Form III Journey is as much a learning experience for our
parents as it is for our boys. Roald Dahl says in The Minpins:
Little Billy’s mother was always telling him exactly what he was
allowed to do and what he was not allowed to do. All the things
he was allowed to do were boring. All the things he was not
allowed to do were exciting. One of the things he was NEVER
NEVER allowed to do, the most exciting of them all, was to go out
through the garden gate all by himself and explore the world
beyond.
Parents have to give their sons the space to grow and develop,
particularly during adolescence. Mothers find this ‘letting go’
extremely difficult because their natural instinct is to protect, to
ensure that their son is safe from harm. Eldredge says, ‘If a mother
will not allow her son to become dangerous, if she does not allow
him to take time away, she will emasculate him.’
Conversations with parents are an important process in the Journey we undertake at St Alban’s. Allowing boys to venture
‘through the garden gate all by himself and explore the world beyond’ is not always easy but we attempt to show all
concerned that it is the best thing for the families and the boys concerned. Paul Olsen says: ‘The mother-son relationship
is usually a subtle interaction between letting go and grasping – and that is what makes this process and the understanding
of it so infinitely complex.’
Ultimately the St Alban’s Journey is all about caring for the souls of young men and about raising a generation that will
begin to see the immense potential in themselves and the community around them. God willing this Journey leaves the
majority of them with genuine friends, with memories that will touch the heart and with experiences that will give their
lives meaning and ultimately guide them into the future.
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 20ST ALBAN’S COLLEGE CONTACT DETAILS
Thank you for considering St Alban's College as the school of choice for your son. Should you require any
further information, please do not hesitate to contact Claire Spring at the Admissions office, or visit our website
for details.
Website www.stalbanscollege.com
Email springc@stalbanscollege.com
Telephone +27 12 348 1221
Fax +27 12 361 1917
Physical Address 110 Clearwater Road
Lynnwood Glen
Pretoria
0081
South Africa
Postal Address Private Bag x01
Lynnwood Ridge
0040
South Africa
The Journey starts here
“It takes a school with vision to prepare a young man for life” Page | 21You can also read
