De La Salle Holy Cross College

Description

De La Salle Holy Cross College is an independent Catholic co-educational school from Grade RR – Grade 12 situated in Victory Park, Randburg. As a school community serving humanity with Christ at its centre, De La Salle Holy Cross College provides a holistic education in harmony with the vision of the founders, the De La Salle Brothers, and the Holy Cross Sisters.

We undertake to nurture pupils’ spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, moral, and emotional development in a caring and stimulating environment. In the process, we embrace the best innovative and tested teaching experiences to enhance their education and growth, to ensure relevance to the society in which they live.

We endeavour, through example and invitation, to promote independent thinking whilst living out the values of the Gospel enshrined in our school motto: “Be first, that you may be of service.” We encourage each other to grow to our full potential and to develop a commitment of service to others. We strive to ensure that the rights of all are held sacred.

De La Salle Holy Cross College follows an academic curriculum that has been designed to meet the national Independent Examination Board (IEB) requirements for all grades. The attainment of educational excellence at all levels is a primary consideration as prioritized in the appointment of qualified educators and the restriction of individual class groups to a maximum of 29 pupils. The College is proud of our 35-year amalgamated history of 100% matric pass rate.

Our learning programmes in the Junior school (Grade 1 – 6) are underpinned by creative and critical thinking which brings complementary dimensions to thinking and learning. Our learning environments encourage the development of potential in all facets of learning, i.e., academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. In Grade RR and Grade R, emphasis is placed on learning through play. Sensory processing and integration as well as movement are incorporated into learning experiences. From Grades 1 to 6 pupils engage with aspects of inquiry-based learning and STEM. Pupils engage with a relevant and meaningful termly Flexible Learning Programme which involves an integration of learning areas and is framed around a driving question. De La Salle Holy Cross College’s Junior School philosophy aims to be skills, concept and process orientated, rather than content and product orientated. As we transition from lecturing of prescribed text to independent thinking and creative development, it is essential for our pupils to be accountable for their learning and to engage actively in the learning process.

In the Junior High, (Grade 7 – 9), pupils are prepared for more challenging phases in their high school career. Professionally qualified and specialist teachers facilitate learning in this critical phase, with the support of our school-based Wellness team and Social Emotional Learning Programmes The focus is broadened from academics to pastoral and emotional guidance in order for the pupils to achieve their full potential. Both inside and outside the classroom, pupils are thoroughly engaged in academic, sporting and cultural activities that lay the foundation for continued development and growth. During this phase, emphasis is placed on preparing pupils for life’s challenges. 

Cultural activities form an integral part of the broader curriculum offered at De La Salle Holy Cross College. The College prides itself on an extensive array of cultural activities. These activities allow for pupils to find their niche, while exploring and developing new skills and talents. We offer a wide variety of sporting activities and create opportunities for pupils to participate in structured leagues where they are exposed to a high level of competition. We ensure that our players are given opportunities to attend area, provincial and national trials. Our first teams can look forward to an annual tour. 

Wellness is of central importance at the College, and we promote all aspects of wellness in our pupil, parent and staff body. The Wellness Centre at the College aims to assist pupils in achieving a sense of holistic well-being: socially, behaviourally, emotionally, and psychologically. Our team consists of a resident Educational Psychologists, Counselling Psychologist, Academic Support Specialists and a Social Workers who are there to support the pupils, staff, and parents. Wellness Support is provided at no additional cost.

We offer a wide variety of sporting activities and create opportunities for pupils to participate in structured leagues where they are exposed to a high level of competition. We ensure that our players are given opportunities to attend area, provincial and national trials. Our first teams can look forward to an annual tour.