I am in the privileged position of leading a management and staff team who consistently strive for excellence at every level of the educational endeavour at St Benedict’s. When asked by parents why they should choose St Benedict's over other schools, my advice is simple – despite what some schools will tell you, there is no such thing as the ideal or perfect school.  You need to let go of your search for “perfection” and “utopia". All schools have their strengths and their weaknesses.  Make a short list of things that are important to you, visit some schools – compare their values and approaches with your list, and then choose. In the end, the choice will require a leap of faith, no matter how much research you do and how many schools you visit. 

Why do I believe you need to choose St Benedict’s?

We are a Boys’ School

Co-education is based on that laudable theme of equality between the sexes. Educational research clearly proves that boys and girls learn in different ways because a boy’s brain is very different to a girl's. Something I am sure few dads would question.  One size, therefore, cannot and does not fit all and a co-ed school does not work for every child.  I would like to encourage you to choose a Boys’ School for your son. In a Boys’ school, he will have the freedom to be himself. Boys thrive in a single sex academic setting for many reasons. With no girls to 'impress', boys can get on with being themselves and male stereotypes dictated by society fall away. Conformity gives way to individuality. A boy’s school will provide your sons with an opportunity to develop their own unique characters in an environment which is designed and geared to encourage their strengths and support their weaknesses. Teachers in a boys' school can teach effectively in ways which reach boys and appeal to their learning style.

We are a Catholic School

St Benedict’s is a Catholic school – the attitudes and values we teach may be viewed in some circles as “old-fashioned or conservative”  and we are not always“politically-correct” and we do not  yield to the pressures of social trends.  Christian formation through the fostering of gospel values is one of our fundamental purposes, providing our boys with a safe and nurturing emotional and spiritual environment. The school is open to boys of all denominations but they are required to participate in all religious spheres of the school.

We Provide a Holistic Education

St Benedict’s is a modern, innovative and success-orientated school. We believe in a holistic education and value academic achievement and compulsory participation in sport.

Academically, our boys perform well-above average in line with our long and proud academic tradition. The last time we had a matric failure was in 1974 and one of the highlights of each year is our outstanding matric results. In recent years we have maintained University Entrance Rates in excess of 95%, have produced over 200 distinctions annually and our boys has been placed in the IEB Top Fifty. Our Maths, Science and IT results are some of the best in the country.  These achievements are due not only to a stable, committed and hard-working staff but also due to the rigorous academic standards they set and the demands they place on boys. Staff are able to offer more individual attention. With a maximum of 26 boys in a class – teaching occurs in groups that are small and boys are encouraged to be participants rather than spectators.  Boys learn how to think quickly, and gain valuable experience sharing their thoughts and opinions. Even our weaker candidates find themselves extremely well-prepared for tertiary education and have abundant choices when they leave school .

At St Benedict’s, participation in sport is compulsory. We have excellent facilities and top coaches. We are one of a few schools internationally where sport is integrated into the school day. In summer we offer Basketball, Cricket, Rowing, Swimming, Tennis and Waterpolo.  In winter, Rugby and Hockey.  In addition, boys may participate in Athletics, Golf, Soccer and Squash.

Our rich sporting programme is complemented by a busy and varied cultural calendar. We also have a wide range of cultural activities in which boys can participate: Chess, Drama,  Debating, Public Speaking being the most popular. Every year, we staged a major production in conjunction with our sister schools Holy Rosary and Assumption Convent.

These then are some of the reasons I encourage parents to send their sons to our school.

St Benedict’s is a school focused on excellence! It is a school where each boy is encouraged to perform to his full potential in the classroom and on the sportsfield. Making your final choice will not be a very easy one. You need to choose a school where your son - with all of his talents and quirks - can flourish.  We believe Bennies is that school.

Andre Oosthuysen
St Benedict's College Headmaster