Ethos
St Andrew’s School is a Diocesan, co-educational, church school, founded in 1963, with an Anglican ethos, and the Bishop of the Free State as its Visitor. St Andrew’s School is a place of learning with values where students, parents and teachers are encouraged to become ETHICAL and ACTIVE participants in our diverse and democratic community. An environment of RESPECT, growth and TOLERANCE prevails, where the unique richness of every individual member of the school community is of value. Our ethos is centered around these core values of RESPECT, GROWTH, TOLERANCE and DEMOCRACY and is imbedded in the guidelines provided in our School Code of Conduct. St Andrew’s students and staff practice respect and tolerance by purposely advancing equality. Students are encouraged to become involved in the community – developing compassion for those in need, commitment to the wider environment, and become responsible, self-disciplined citizens and effective decision makers. Student-centered, holistic education focuses on the individual’s needs and abilities in a nurturing environment, and allows diversity to be recognized within a spirit of discipline and acceptance. For education to be democratic it must be developmentally and culturally appropriate. Teaching and learning at St Andrew’s School is holistic and not limited to the four walls of the classroom. St Andrew’s students must develop a love for learning and critical thinking. Section 7 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the constitution) endorses the “Bill of Rights” as a cornerstone of democracy and therefore of democratic education in the country and in our school. In a dynamic and stimulating environment, the school provides an education of body, mind and spirit striving to enable every student to become a self-motivated valued citizen who participates fully in a healthy democracy and to have a healthy fulfilling future. Democracy is a dynamic concept and the school therefore allows all stakeholders in the school an opportunity to take part in the making of decisions that affect them. (see Governance Procedural policies for e.g. election of the school council, anti-bullying, anti-violence, assessment, home work, progression and promotion, awards system, gender equality, induction into sporting teams, tier and incentive system, etc.)
Vision and Mission of the School
Our vision slogan/descriptor
“Educating for Life”
This descriptor encapsulates the ethos of St Andrew’s School Welkom.
Our vision
Producing life-long learners who are able to adapt and respond positively to an ever-
changing world.
At St Andrew’s School we
- aim to inspire everyone to be the best that they can be
- aim to provide innovative learning opportunities in a stimulating environment
- aim to inspire learners and teachers to embark on future challenges with excitement and confidence
- aim to establish the foundation for our students to become happy, healthy, creative and reflective life-long students
- aim to provide a school rooted firmly in our core and related values and principles with a family feel based on successful interpersonal relationships
- aim to establish an environment where our staff and learners are motivated to feel successful
- aim to motivate our students to learn, to attain high standards, enjoy learning and achieve to the best of their ability