A School in the Bushveld
A Place to Belong

From Preschool to College, every child follows a seamless journey on one campus. One community, one rhythm and one set of values.

One Campus for Every Stage of Life

Our Preschool, Preparatory School and College are all situated on one campus and are united by a shared vision and common set of values.
We like to think of a golden thread running through every stage of the Southern Cross Schools journey, weaving together our commitment to nurturing each child, our strong sense of belonging and our distinctive connection with nature.
As our children grow, their experiences evolve, but these guiding principles remain constant, creating a seamless journey from their earliest years through to Grade 12.
AGES 2-6

Preschool

A Foundation of Play and Discovery

Our Preschool welcomes children aged 2 to 6 into a warm and nurturing environment. Through play, guided learning and outdoor exploration, our Preschoolers build confidence, creativity and social skills.
there are four classes in our Preschool
Learning Through Play
Through carefully planned themes and hands-on exploration our children develop strong foundations in early literacy and numeracy. Stories, songs, conversation and early writing experiences strengthen language, while practical activities introduce number, pattern, shape, measurement and problem-solving.
Outside play, open-air classrooms, nature walks and Bush Lore lessons encourage children to observe, explore and ask questions about the world around them. These experiences develop environmental awareness and a meaningful connection with nature.
Mornings begin with welcoming drop-offs and “family time” which gives our children a strong sense of security and belonging. Through daily routines, shared experiences and play, our children learn to communicate, co-operate, solve problems and become increasingly independent. We encourage our children to persevere and to understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning.
Children practise age-appropriate movement skills through active play and guided activities, preparing them for future participation in physical activity and school sport. Our Learn to Swim programme, offered in Terms 1 and 4, develops water confidence and basic swimming skills in a safe, supportive environment. Through storytelling, music, art, movement and imaginative play, our children develop creativity, language, confidence and early performance skills.
Small classes allow our teachers to know each child exceptionally well and to respond to their developmental needs. Regular communication keeps families connected to their child’s experiences and progress, creating a supportive partnership between home and school.

We provide daily aftercare facilities for our Preschool children from 13:30 to 17:00 each weekday.  Aftercare is a safe, relaxed environment where children can enjoy outdoor play, quiet activities and time with friends.

optional afternoon activities
  • Ballet
  • Monkeynastix
  • Hip Hop
  • Little Lab Coats
  • Gymnastics
  • Gardening
  • Swimming
  • Music
our preschool is a family built on
Kind hands · Kind words · Kind hearts
GRADES 1-7

Preparatory School

Growing with Confidence

Our Preparatory School gives children in Grades 1 to 7 the space to grow and simply enjoy being children. Our small environment fosters strong relationships and a culture of belonging.
A Culture of Love and Belonging
At Southern Cross Preparatory School we create an environment of love and belonging. We understand the need for our children to feel safe for them to grow in confidence. We aim to provide learning opportunities that allow our children to ask questions and share their thoughts and feelings freely. Through our growth mindset approach, we teach our children not to be fearful of making mistakes. We use language that is aimed at building courage and fostering kindness and care.
Developing a deep respect for people, plants and all living creatures is central to the way we live and learn at Southern Cross Schools. As technology continues to shape the world around us, we embrace new approaches while protecting the fundamentals that matter most – meaningful relationships, emotional awareness, confidence and connection.
For us, being future-ready means helping children navigate technology safely and effectively while developing the interpersonal skills, self-awareness and resilience they need to engage confidently with the people and world around them.
Sport is an integral part of our children’s development. Sports sessions take place during the school morning and all children participate in the sports on offer for that term. In the Junior Preparatory our children learn fundamentals of various sports and gain basic understanding of match play. In the Senior Preparatory, the intensity and competition increases to a more competitive level. We take part in competitive swimming and athletics, friendly soccer and netball and league cricket and hockey. Trail running, cross country and mountain biking are optional extras.
Time spent outdoors on bush walks gives children the opportunity to explore environmental topics in a practical way. Teachers also bring environmental issues into the classroom, helping children understand the world around them and their role within it. Through these experiences, we aim to nurture children who develop a genuine love for nature and a lasting sense of responsibility and care for their environment.
Cultural life in our Preparatory School is rich and varied, with a strong focus on building confidence, creativity and skills through participation and performance. Children have opportunities to take part in Art, English and Afrikaans Eisteddfods, with our annual stage production a much-anticipated highlight of the cultural calendar.
Djembe drumming, introduced from Grade 1, has become a hallmark of the SCS experience, while Chess remains a popular choice. Children can also explore their interests through clubs such as Wildlife Club, Events Planning, Art Club and Theatre Sports, giving them the freedom to discover new passions and express themselves in different ways.
EXTRAMURALS
Sport
  • Term 1: Athletics & Swimming
  • Term 2: Netball & Soccer
  • Term 3: Cricket & Hockey
  • Term 4: Swimming & Athletics
  • Optional Sports: Mountain Biking, Trail Running & Cross Country
Cultural
  • Drumming
  • Art Club
  • Drama Club
  • Wildlife Club
  • Chess
  • Library Club
  • Computer Club
  • Theatre Sports
  • Events Planning
our PREParatory SCHOOL is rooted in
kindness · CONFIDENCE· BELONGING
GRADES 8 -12 (MATRIC)

College

Finding Purpose,
Shaping Futures

A focused Grade 8 to 12 education designed to nurture confident, independent thinkers who are prepared for successful futures.
leadership and responsibility
Our leadership programme provides children with a range of opportunities to develop leadership qualities and responsibility. Each year, nine Crux Leaders are selected from our Grade 12 group, with two elected to serve as Head and Vice-Head of School. Our Grade 12’s also take on leadership roles as House Captains and Sports Captains, allowing them to lead in areas where they have particular strengths and interests. Our Crux Leaders model the school’s values, support younger children and contribute meaningfully to school life. The Learners’ Representative Council (LRC) gives children in Grades 8–12 a voice in the school community, while the LRC and Crux Committees take responsibility for numerous events and initiatives. Through these experiences, senior children develop practical skills in teamwork, accountability, communication and decision-making, while gaining the confidence to lead with purpose. Our approach to leadership is progressive, transparent and inclusive, creating opportunities for different kinds of leaders to step forward, grow in confidence and make their mark. Through these experiences, children develop communication, accountability, initiative and the confidence to lead with purpose.
Nurturing Individual Potential
The College is a beautiful arena that allows our children to experience a structured IEB academic environment, while benefiting from the traditions and values that make the Southern Cross experience distinctive. Small classes allow teachers to know each child well, closely monitor their progress and respond to individual needs, creating meaningful relationships that support both academic and personal growth. We encourage each child’s individuality, celebrating their strengths and promoting growth in overcoming weaknesses, whether on the sports field, on the stage, behind an easel or in the classroom.
By Grade 12, our children leave Southern Cross Schools as confident, capable and compassionate young people, with courage, resilience and a strong sense of purpose. Through an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity and independent thinking, they develop the confidence to discover their strengths, form their own ideas and make a positive contribution to the world.
Sport and culture are integral to College life, giving children opportunities to discover their strengths, challenge themselves and grow in confidence. Our College children represent the school in a variety of senior sports teams and provincial fixtures, embracing the commitment, discipline, teamwork and resilience that come with competitive sport. Our cultural programme is equally vibrant, with children bringing enthusiasm and dedication to ambitious drama productions, talent evenings, formal eisteddfod participation and our award-winning Djembe Drumming Squad. Across both sport and culture, children are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, develop their individual talents and contribute meaningfully to school life. Excellence across sport and culture is formally recognised through our Colours System for Grades 10–12.
In the College, Bush Lore takes on greater depth and relevance, encouraging children to explore environmental challenges and consider humanity’s impact on the environment. Through a range of topics connected to global issues that will shape their generation, children are encouraged to question, debate, discuss and take action, developing both environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility.
Bush walks also provide an important opportunity to step away from the demands of academic life and reconnect with nature. Time spent outdoors offers children a chance to slow down, decompress and simply enjoy being present, away from screens and books, while strengthening their connection to the remarkable environment around them.
We take a considered approach to technology, using it where it enhances learning, while protecting the importance of time away from screens.To build the digital fluency our children will need at university and beyond, laptops are used daily in the College, alongside traditional pen-and-paper work. We recognise the importance of technology while also protecting children from excessive screen time and its impact on focus, creativity and connection.
Phones are stored away during the school day in Grades 8 and 9, while Grades 10–12 have limited access, providing opportunities to develop responsible digital citizenship. Our aim is to equip children for a digital world while ensuring they have the time and space to think deeply, connect meaningfully and engage with the world around them.
our college nurtures
collaboration · creativity· independent thinking
EXTRAMURALS
Sport
  • Term 1: Athletics and Swimming
  • Term 2: Hockey and Netball
  • Term 3: Soccer, Cricket and Golf
  • Term 4: Swimming, Athletics and Padel
  • All 4 Terms: Trail Running and Cross Country
Culture and Enrichment
  • Drumming
  • Art Club
  • Drama Club
  • Science Club
  • Eco Club
  • Chess
  • Gardening
  • Writing Club
  • Marimbas
  • Robotics
  • First Aid
  • Dance and Singing
GRADES 6-12

Boarding

Where Strangers Become Family

Our weekly and termly boarding facilities, situated on Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate, offer a truly unique boarding experience for children from Grade 6 – Grade 12. Set in the heart of the Lowveld bush, our small, family-like environment provides children with a safe and nurturing home-away-from-home, surrounded by the sights, sounds and rhythms of nature.

Daily Life at our Boarding Houses

Boarding at Southern Cross Schools offers children a balance of routine, independence and relaxation within a small, personal and family-like environment. The beautiful setting of our boarding houses creates a stimulating environment where boarders can enjoy the freedom and adventure of the bush while feeling secure, supported and part of a close-knit community. Jackalberry Lodge is our boys’ boarding house, while Tamboti Lodge is our girls’ boarding house. Children from Grades 6–12 share comfortable rooms, with communal areas providing space for studying and socialising.  The shared boma area offers a relaxed setting for weekend gatherings and braais under the African sky. Daily life at our boarding houses is structured around academic focus, evening study sessions and time to rest and unwind. Children enjoy wholesome, home-cooked meals together in the Leadwood Lapa dining room, with snacks provided at break times and special dietary needs accommodated with care.In their free time, children can swim, play tennis and soccer, mountain bike, hike, birdwatch and enjoy bush walks around the estate. Weekly town trips provide opportunities for personal shopping, while termly outings may include game drives, sporting events and other cultural activities.

Care and Leadership

At the heart of boarding life are our Duty Parents, who live on-site and provide the care and support that our children need on a daily basis as boarders. Duty parents provide constant guidance, love and a familiar presence, ensuring that every child has someone to turn to, whether they need advice, a conversation or simply a friendly check-in.

Boarding also provides valuable opportunities for leadership for our children. Each house elects a Head of House and student leaders who support our Duty Parents and model the school’s values. House Committees give children a voice, encouraging them to share ideas, raise concerns and take responsibility for their boarding community. Through these experiences, children develop independence, collaboration and confidence.

OUR BOARDING HOUSES ARE PLACES OF

FAMILY · CARE · GROWTH

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Southern Cross Schools

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