Is the Independant Examinations Board National Senior Certificate more difficult than other examinations in our country?
All South African examinations are accredited by Umalusi, the statutory assurance body that moderates all externally set papers and ensures that they are more or less of the standard to be expected at Grade 12 level. There is no scientific way of determining whether the standards are the same since comparability of standards is a very complex issue. We are very confident that our teachers understand the way in which IEB examinations are structured and are skilled in preparing their students to deal with them.
How much influence do teachers have in determining how subjects should be examined?
The IEB is committed to empowering teachers to determine how they would like to teach their particular subject. Examinations determine the way in which teachers teach, and so it is vital that they have some input to the decision about what is to be taught, and how it should be taught and examined. Every year, a number of our teachers go to the IEB Subject Conferences in Durban or Johannesburg where they meet with other IEB teachers and discuss the syllabus and ensure that we are following the latest trends and requirements of the curriculum. The interaction with some of the best teachers in their subject is always beneficial and they come back with a clear picture of what is required. This would not happen if we did not subscribe to the IEB. Moreover, there is frequent contact between IEB teachers in the Western Cape which provides further opportunities for growth and for alignment in terms of the approach to the final examinations.
Why does Elkanah House choose the IEB?
Elkanah House needs to compare itself with the best in the country – and the IEB schools are among some of the best in terms of their academic standards and the ability of their students. Moreover, we know that IEB examinations are set and marked by experts who work in independent schools and we have confidence that papers will be set, moderated and marked by people in whom we have confidence and that the process will be managed professionally.
Do IEB students get any special consideration when they apply for entry to University?
Since Umalusi issues all NSC certificates, Universities cannot distinguish between students from different examining bodies on the basis of their actual certificate. However, all Universities have access to the initial statement of results for each student and in our case these statements clearly indicate that they are IEB results. While a number of universities are guided by admission points scores, some of the prominent institutions conduct a placement and selection test based on performance in Grade 11. A University entrance pass is well within the reach of most of our young pupils, even when writing the IEB examinations. What is required is commitment to do the work, to ensure that assignments are completed as per requirements and an investment in time and energy in preparing for examinations.
How do IEB students do at University and in other tertiary institutions?
It is established that students from IEB schools have a good chance of coping with the level of work that is required at University, of passing their first year first time and of completing their degree in the statutory three or four years. This view is supported by research done over three years at UCT that shows that 25% of first degree candidates came from IEB schools and that 98% of IEB students who graduated after three years or were enrolled for further study lasted the course and passed within the statutory period.
Past Elkanah House pupils have commented on the benefit of our English Department’s approach to essay and report writing, of our insistence that they do practical biology with hands on experience, and that we teach our students how to do research and reference it correctly. It’s about teaching them the skills to cope, either at University, at College or in the world of work.
Taking the easier option to make things less difficult for our children is a very natural parental response. However, we do not believe that we would do them any favours by opting for a programme that was less rigorous and challenging. We want the best for our students and we believe that the route that we have taken offers them that. They just need to reach higher and deliver what is required.
For further information on the IEB visit http://www.ieb.co.za
How do I register my child?
Applications to Pre-primary (three year old – Grade R) are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and children may be registered from birth. Pending place availability, children entering Grade 1 and higher will be required to supply their recent school report and may be invited to do an academic assessment. Upon acceptance and to secure your child’s place, you would be required to complete the registration process which entails completing the necessary registration forms, together with the non-refundable administration fee and interest free refundable *loan deposit. *The refundable portion is refunded to you at either the end of your child’s Grade 12 year or, should the child leave before completing their Matric, in the December of that year.
Who do I contact to register my child or check if there is a place available?
You may contact the Registration office on registrations@elkanah.co.za/ 021 554 8650 to find out if there is a place available.
Do I get my loan deposit back?
Yes. The interest free refundable loan deposit is refunded at the end of your child’s Grade 12 year or should your child leave before completing their Matric in the December of that year.
What if the grade and or class I am interested in is full?
If there no place is available you have the option of placing your child’s details on a waiting list. You will be contacted when your child’s place becomes available.
How does the waiting list work and is there a cut-off period?
It is not possible to provide timeframes as the speed with which an application moves through the waiting list depends on when a family withdraws their child from the current registered class and the scenarios of the families ahead of you on the waiting list. It is the responsibility of the parents to update the school should contact details change. There is no cut-off period on the waiting list.
Is sport compulsory or optional at Elkanah House?
Sport is compulsory from Grade 1 upwards. There is a wide variety of sport on offer at Elkanah House.
How do I apply for a scholarship / bursary at Elkanah House?
There are scholarships awarded annually, for more information click here.
Is aftercare available at Elkanah House?
Yes, there are three types of aftercare available for pupils up to and including Grade 3: Early Care (07h00 – 08h00), Half Day Aftercare (12h30 – 14h00) and Full Day Aftercare (12h30 – 17h30).
Is there a difference between the Blouberg and Sunningdale Preparatory campuses?
Other than location, there is no difference. Both campuses start from three year old to Grade 3 and run the same themes, curriculum and fees.
Is there a library and IT centre at Elkanah House?
Yes. Each of Elkanah House’s four campuses is self-sufficient and house their own IT centre and library as well as sports facilities (the swimming pool is at Sunningdale Senior Primary campus).
Where can I buy the Elkanah House uniform?
Elkanah House Uniform shop is onsite at the high school campus and operates on a Monday (14h30 -17h00), Tuesday (08h30 -11h00), Wednesday (14h30 - 17h00) and on Schoolyard Market mornings (09h00 - 12h00).
How do I get a stall at the monthly Schoolyard Market held at Elkanah House?
Feel free to contact Michelle Johnson (michellej@elkanah.co.za) who will gladly assist you with your enquiry.
