It may seem an unlikely locale, but one of Africa’s best international schools is thriving in Mafikeng, capital of the North West province.
Established 13 years ago in the former homeland of Bophutha-tswana, the International School of South Africa (ISSA) has achieved fame not only for producing good results and quality scholars, but also for its non-racial and inclusive enrolment policy. Children of prominent politicians and diplomats and others in business and the entertainment industry are among those privileged to attend the school.
Starting out with 180 learners, today this number has more than doubled. Students from as young as six are admitted. Says acting principal Colin Winchester, ‘the objective of the school is to provide an excellent education to children in South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world. The school has learners from about 20 to 30 countries around the world and through this we aim to cultivate an interest in other cultures.â€
Although 70% of the students are from South Africa, children come from as far away as Europe and the United States, as well as African states such as Ghana and Nigeria.
Day learners pay up to R30 000 a year, while it costs those who board as much as R60 000. This, says Winchester, ‘is in line with other international schools and member schools of the South African Independent School’s Council.â€
But ISSA is not exclusively for the affluent. Says Winchester, ‘We do not only target parents in a specific financial bracket – any child who is suitable will be admitted.†Academic scholarships for students from other schools in the surrounding areas of Mafikeng and Mmabatho are available.
The school is widely involved in activities to uplift surrounding communities, including support for a shelter for children and another for the aged, the Cancer Association, the local hospital and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Besides these initiatives and sporting codes from badminton to our local favourite, soccer, the real business of education is a serious affair. ISSA’s syllabus and examinations are run like those of many schools around the world. The school writes Cambridge University examinations up to A-levels, a qualification accepted by education systems internationally.
The school also promotes certain values in its youngsters: ‘We like our children to question constructively and in the process bring out the young mature adult who will be ready to challenge the outside world,†Winchester says.
With all these cultures mixing together in this dusty African town, it is not surprising that the school also places a high value on tolerance and the appreciation of difference and diversity.