At 113 years of age, Roedean School is one of the oldest educational institutions in Johannesburg, with traditional precepts and values that extend back to its establishment in 1903. The founding values of Truth, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy are embedded into every part of the school’s ethos, attitude, teaching and environment. These values and traditions are blended with ground-breaking innovation and methodologies, and assure a high-quality education and the development of well-rounded individuals.
“One of the things that really stands out for me is how consistent we are in terms of the quality and calibre of the teaching that happens here at Roedean,” says executive headmistress Mary Williams. “Year after year, the young women who end their time with us achieve their goals and leave here as remarkable people who are committed to community and country. They have the Roedean qualities of kindness, honesty and responsibility.”
A National Heritage Site, Roedean School is a compelling mix of the old and modern and this juxtaposition of traditional values and modern methodology plays no small part in its sterling reputation.
Creating modern citizens
“Our curriculum is modern and dynamic but our history and values remain part of our core,” says Williams. “It is a privilege to watch the development of these young girls into extraordinary women who have strong work ethics, are independent and actively engaged in the world. Our teachers and school encourage our pupils to challenge stereotypes and follow their dreams.”
This vision has certainly paid off as Roedean School had a 100% university entrance pass rate with 250 distinctions at an average of 3.6 per candidate. According to Williams, this year has seen even more girls choose to take up careers in engineering, biomedical engineering and the actuarial sciences.
“It is a delight for us to be a part of this change and to have these results,” says Williams. “They truly are excellent, but it is worth noting that excellence isn’t just distinctions and sports achievements, it is who the child has become when she finishes her journey at our school — and our girls are remarkable.”