It has been a fun-filled and highly educational year for Castle Bridge Combined School. Under new management since 2015, Castle Bridge have set their academic and recreational goals high. In 2015 the school received an 84% matric pass rate, with two learners getting a total of 5 distinctions. Now they are aiming for 100%.
With the help of a newly built science lab which opened in September 2016 is exactly how they aim to do this. The lab offers learners the opportunity to do real experiments with hands-on training. The school also has a mathematics centre, which means that even learners who struggle with the subject have the opportunity to improve their skills. The two school libraries ensure that knowledge is easily attainable to all learners, and also encourage them to read more often. The teachers are hands-on and their open office door policy means that learners are always welcome to engage with them after class.
The school boasts a culturally rich atmosphere, with activities such as art, dance, drama, revue and choral music available to all learners. Twice this year the school’s debate team came first in both the district and provincial competitions.
Sports play a vital role in the recreational activities of the school. The school offers soccer, rugby, netball, cricket, mini tennis, hockey and athletics. Three learners made the Under-15 Free State rugby team, while Tebello Sefako, a Grade 11 learner, made the Under-16 team.
Marketing intern, Puleng Mofokeng, says during her conversations with learners, they tell her how they love the fact that they can voice their issues and opinions to management and get an immediate response as management’s office is on the school site. Learners agree that they are grateful for the opportunities they have in the sporting world because of the partnerships the school has with the Free State Cheetahs and Chippa United football club.
The school is also involved in a student exchange programme. Three learners have been shortlisted to go to the United States of America through that programme. This year one learner from France and one from Italy spent three months at the school, staying with a family in the location to give them the full South African cultural experience. Currently, the school is hosting one learner from Germany for 12 months who says he is enjoying South African food.
With values that include honesty, responsibility, teamwork, learning, aspiration, friendship, ambition and respect, sending your child to Castle Bridge Combined School will provide them with valuable life experiences. – Seithati Semenokane
seithati@centralmediagroup.co.za
