Academics

Springfield Senior School is a leading academic school. It offers a superbly comprehensive and balanced academic curriculum. Our teachers are experts in their field and impart a strong work ethic, for which we are renowned. It is this mindset which is a foundation of our academic excellence - consistently resulting in 100 percent matric pass rates.

Springfield has again been placed in the Top 10 Schools in the Western Cape for 2009 by the Department of Education.

A mentoring system assists our girls both academically and personally, providing a proactive support base that allows them to unfold their talents with confidence. At Springfield, we pride ourselves on this individualized attention.

Being ever mindful of the need for innovation in our teaching methods, our networked IT and Media Centres remain state-of-the art. Intellectual discipline is complemented with creative expression in the fields of music, art and drama, to ensure that the unique spark within each and every girl is fully expressed.

Academic Staff

Back Row:  Mrs C Lombard, Mr D Oertel, Mrs U Christopher, Mrs N Gibbon, Ms N Going, Mrs D Lapping, Mrs K Eve, Ms J O’Connor, Mr D Fick, Mr G Quinn, Mrs P Gore, Mrs A van Assche

Third Row:  Mrs A Horn, Mr P Channing, Mrs A Steenkamp, Mrs K Keely, Mrs L Matthews, Mr A Bentley, Mr R Randall, Mrs H Olivier, Mrs D Mulcahy, Mrs J Leak, Mr T Hughes

Second row: Mrs S Botha, Mrs L Schonegevel, Ms B Wyllie, Mrs M Davis, Mrs K Ryan, Mrs M Pollack, Mrs E Jacobs, Ms J Windsor

Front Row:  Mrs B Jansen, Miss C Callahan, Mrs F Smith, Mr J Cameron, Mrs M Bruce, Mrs M Corlett, Mrs S Hoole, Mrs M Martens, Mrs P Visser

2009 Matric Results - An Outstanding Year

Springfield Senior School is delighted to announce the outstanding results achieved by the Matric Class of 2009 with the added honour of being placed SECOND in the 10 Top Schools in the Western Cape by the Department of Education for “Excellence” at a special awards ceremony at Leeuwenhof on the morning of 7th January 2010.

These exceptional results yielded no less than 38% of the Class obtaining averages of 80% or better and another 53% of the Class obtaining averages of between 70 and 79%. Once again there was a 100% Pass Rate. 

We pay tribute to each and every pupil for these exemplary results and congratulate her for her hard won efforts, motivation and discipline.  Congratulations are also extended to all the teaching staff from Pre-School through to the Senior School who played a vital role in the foundation, preparation and education of all the girls and, of course, to our parents who supported their daughters each and every step of the way.  Thank you to all of you! 

We have the added honour of our top student, Megan Woodward, being placed 6th in the Western Cape for her exceptional results of 8 Distinctions.  Megan received a special award with other top achievers at an award ceremony at Leeuwenhof. Megan's results were as follows : Accounting 99%, Afrikaans 87%, English 83%, Geography 98% (Placed 1st in the Western Cape out of 15, 833 geography students), Life Orientation 91%, Mathematics 99%, Physical Sciences 87% and Mathematics (Paper 3) 84%. In addition, she also achieved 100% for Ad Maths for which she was placed first in the country. Congratulations Megan!

Congratulations are also extended to Ekin Thompson and Michelle-Anne van Schaik who both received 7 Distinctions!  A great reward for all the hard work!

Matric Results Overview

89 Candidates,  89 Passed   =  100% Pass Rate 

87 Candidates achieved a “Bachelor Pass” enabling them to study towards a Bachelors Degree at a tertiary institution. Two Candidates achieved a “Diploma Pass” enabling them to study towards a Diploma. 

There were 274 subject achievement Code 7s   (80% +)

There were 224 subject achievement Code 6s   (70-79%)

There were 104 subject achievement  Code 5s   ( 60-69%)    

Congratulations to the Class of 2009 - you did us proud!

Back to Top

Springfield Senior School Curriculum

Grade 10 - 12:

• Accounting
• Afrikaans
• Computer Applications Technology 
• Consumer Studies 
• Drama 
• English 
• French
• Geography
• History
• Life Sciences
• Mathematical Literacy
• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences
• Religious Education 
• Visual Arts 
• Xhosa

Grade 8 & 9:

• Afrikaans
• Arts & Culture 
• Economic & Management Sciences 
• English
• French
• Natural Science
• Mathematics
• Religious Education
• Social Studies (Geography & History in Grade 8)
• Technology
• Xhosa

Back to Top

Cultural

Springfield Convent Senior School has a rich and active cultural life. The school aims to provide all students with something that would appeal to both their interest and their talents.

The Music Department provides the learners with opportunities to enjoy music on many different levels. For the serious student there is the Matric Subject and for those who are studying for enjoyment there are lessons in a wide variety of instruments, as well as the opportunity to perform both at school and externally in the various choirs or bands.

The Drama and Music Departments offer various opportunities for the girls to showcase their skills and revel in the enjoyment of performing for an audience. Each year there are many concerts of differing size as well as dramatic plays and musicals directed by our Drama teacher and produced by the Music Department. Theatre lovers are able to join the popular Culture Club which has several outings each term to various productions and workshops.

For those who are more skilled with a paintbrush or a pen, there is a thriving Art Department which hosts regular exhibitions of the students' work. Photography and Ceramics are also on offer.

The school has a thriving Debating Society which has nurtured and produced debaters of an exceptional standard who have achieved success on both a provincial and national level. In order to improve public speaking skills, all the girls are given the opportunity to join Toastmasters.

The Cultural Portfolio encourages and enriches the cultural life of the school by organising a Cultural Day, During this day students participate in various workshops and attend various productions.  Inter-house competitions and Interschool showcases such as Facets Cultural Week at Sans Souci and the Bishops Interschool Play Festival are also wonderful opportunities for the students to broaden their cultural horizons.

Senior School Extra Mural Activities 2010

Senior School Sports

Springfield girls are encouraged to find the balance between healthy competitive prowess with the ethics and principles of sportsmanship. Physical fitness and participation in sport has been proved, time and time again, to be an integral part of the development of the child and the Springfield Sports & Physical Education Department strives to ensure that the girls develop confidence, independence, friendships and ability through general sports participation, while fostering a competitive environment and spirit, based around team work and a sense of achievement. 

A wide variety of sporting facilities are available to Springfield girls – a diving pool, swimming pool, 3 fields and 6 tennis / netball courts – as well as individual attention from a large number of skilled and dedicated coaches. Springfield offers Tennis, Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming & Indoor Hockey in summer and Netball, Field Hockey, Squash and Cross Country in winter. 

Many of our pupils achieve in sports arenas outside of the official school sports and they, as well as the Springfield Sports achievers, are recognised as great representatives of the school and honoured for their achievements, but especially so for the manner in which Springfield girls are known to compete.  

Senior School Sports Fixtures Term 1

Senior School Extra Mural Activities 2010

• Cross Country
• Diving
• Indoor Hockey
• Netball
• Squash
• Swimming
• Synchronised Swimming
• Tennis
• Water Polo
• Sporting Fixtures
• Sporting Results
• Sporting Highlights
• Sporting Achievements

Summer Terms

The following sports are offered during the summer terms.

• Swimming (Social & Team)      Grade 8 - 12   
• Waterpolo                                      Grade 8 - 12
• Diving                                             Grade 8 - 12
• Synchronised Swimming           Grade 8 - 12
• Tennis (Social & Team)              Grade 8 - 12

Winter Terms

The following sports are offered during the winter terms.

• Hockey                  Grade 8 - 12 Team
• Netball                  Grade 8 - 12 Team
• Cross Country     Grade 8 - 12 Team & Social
• Squash                 Grade 8 - 12 Team & Social

Sporting Fixtures

      Week 2:

• Tue 26th:            Tennis fixtures
• Wed 27th:           Indoor Hockey 16h00 - 20h30
• Fri 22nd:              Waterpolo fixtures at Herschel 3-5:30pm   
•                              Tennis fixtures

Sporting Results 

 See Individual Sports for weekly results

Sporting Highlights

• Springfield Independent Schools Tennis tournament 4-7 February at WP Tennis Federation Headquarters
• 'Dave Pitcairn' U14 Waterpolo Cup Tournament at Reddam Constantia 19-21 February
• St Peters Waterpolo Tournament in Johannesburg 25-28 February
• St Andrews Netball Tournament in Johannesburg 24-29 March
• DF Malan Hockey Tournament in Cape Town 25-28 March

All Tour teams listed under Individual Sports

Sporting Achievements

Congratulations to Bianca Beck & Grace Bridgman who took part in the Jack Currie Swimming Champs (23 Jan 2010). They won 2 gold medals each and Grace won an additional 3 silver medals! Well done!

Well done to Kara Boshoff on her selection to the U23 WP Action Netball Team to participate in the Inter-Provincial tournament to be held in Johannesburg at the end of April.

Congratulations to Kim Barker on her selection to the SA Schools Waterpolo 'A' team, chosen at the Inter-Provincial Waterpolo Tournament held in December 2009!

Congratulations to Lisa Cowling who won 8 individual gold medals & 3 silver medals at the WP Swimming Championships in December 2009. She also won 3 gold, 1 silver & 2 bronze medals as a member of the Vineyard Swimming club relay teams. Lisa also participated in the Sabrina Love Challenge held in Plettenberg Bay in the holidays and finished 3rd in the 6km Ocean Swim, behind Natalie du Toit & Dominique Dryding – a great achievement! She is also to be commended on her excellent performances during the first leg of the Hansgrohe Masters of the Water Surf Life Saving Challenge in Port Elizabeth when she won the Kneeboard race, came second in the Surf Swim & the Iron Lady races and finished second overall. Excellent achievements, Lisa!

Back To Top

Drama 

Music

Visual Art

Grade 8 - Painting , drawing and ceramics

Grade 9 - Arts & Culture OR art specialization: drawing, painting and mixed media

Grade 10 - 12 - Visual Arts studies from Early Civilisations to Modern Art  (both internal and South African)

• Practical: can be a combination of drawing, painting and use of mixed media.

Exhibitions

Grade One to Twelve Art Exhibition. Takes place during the third term. All students from Grade 8 - 12 have to exhibit at least one piece of work.

Matric Art Exhibition - Takes place during fourth term. Each student exhibits at least five artworks plus their portfolio work.

Back to Top

Matric Portfolios

The Matric students serve on various portfolios which are responsible for running events and activities during the school year.

Conduct Portfolio:

The Conduct Portfolio ensures that general discipline is maintained amongst the girls at Springfield. They ensure that Assemblies are run smoothly and also try to grow and maintain a culture of respect between their peers and elders.

PR Portfolio:

The PR Portfolio assists with the marketing of Springfield and plays a crucial role in promoting school pride,  the importance of the school image and branding, to both fellow peers and the general public.  The PR Portfolio assists with the many functions and events held at the school and they are special ambassadors at all times.  They are encouraged to foster good communication skills and to undertake this significant role with passion and pride!

Spirit Portfolio:

Their aim is to instil school spirit in the girls. They do this by encouraging the girls to wear the uniform with pride, and by attending sports matches and events and by being visible at cultural events

Ethos Portfolio:

The ethos of Springfield, rooted in the Dominican way of life, centres around seeking the Truth in all things and living and promoting Gospel-centred values in our interactions with others. This ethos is expressed through our commitment to prayer, study, community-building and preaching the Gospel values through our words and deeds.  The Ethos portfolio's task is to find ways to nurture and practise our commitment to the Truth.  One of the initiatives of the Ethos Portfolio is the VERITAS group, a faith-sharing community which meets weekly and aims to reflect on the treasures of faith and to encourage a life of faith-in-action in which values resulting in respect for God, self and others are paramount.

Service Portfolio:

The Service Portfolio is involved in providing various services to the Springfield community. They play an important role in helping the large number of pupils who use the Tuckshop on a daily basis. They are also involved in sorting through the school's lost property and returning items to their owner where possible. The Lost Property cage is open once a week for unmarked items to be collected. The Service Portfolio also keeps the Careers section of the library updated and makes announcements at assembly concerning career information.

Outreach Portfolio:

The Outreach portfolio initiates and co-ordinates projects which serve the broader community in uplifting underprivileged individuals and organisations. It includes the Interact Club which is affiliated to Wynberg Rotary and the Rotaract Club of  Wynberg.  Annual projects such as SMILE and JUMP-HI MATHS, as well as the many opportunities organized by the Outreach portfolio on an ad hoc basis provide opportunities for Springfield girls to get involved in Outreach in the broader community. Serving the underprivileged in the best possible way, suited to the strengths and passions of the girls on the current portfolio, is the goal of this portfolio.

Sport Portfolio:

The captains of the various school sports stand on this portfolio. They are responsible for organising and co-ordinating all sporting events in the school.

Eco Portfolio:

The role of the Eco Portfolio is to encourage awareness amonst the school community with regard to sustainable use of resources such as water and energy, as well as conservation of the biodiversity around us.  This is done through projects such as Energy and Water audits, and trying to reduce the waste generated by reducing and recycling as much as possible.

Cultural Portfolio:

The Cultural Portfolio aims to raise the awareness of the community about the diverse and varied cultural activities that Springfield offers. We encourage girls to participate and develop their talents to enrich their own lives and share their enthusiasm. The cultural activities offered include: choir, orchestra, Xhosa Society, French Club, Think Club, Photography Club, Debating, Cultural Club, Toastmasters, Dramatic Arts events, and Art exhibitions. The portfolio also organises Cultural Week, assists with P.T.A. functions and other school events.

Back to Top

Clubs And Societies

To allow pupils to evolve and develop additional skills that might not be readily measurable by marks or scores, we provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Art is a medium of expression that is part and parcel of our curriculum and you will be delighted to see the exceptional talent that our teachers have kindled and do so on an ongoing basis.

Springfield stimulates creativity through music and drama and there is an outstanding selection to choose from and delivered with a great sense of passion, pride and energy.

We encourage generosity of spirit. Our pupils become actively involved in hands-on assignments that enhance the lives of underprivileged communities, thereby developing life skills such as social awareness and teamwork.

Springfield boasts a huge variety of societies from  Debating and Ceramics to Environmental Groups thereby ensuring that our pupils become even more accomplished adult individuals.

Cultural activities have always been an important aspect of the Springfield community. We provide a wide variety of cultural opportunities for our students ranging from language societies to musical groups.

Senior School Extra Mural Activities 2010

Below is a list of the cultural clubs and societies offered at Springfield Senior School

• Art Club
• Ceramics
• CHOC
• Choir / Chamber Choir
• Community Service
• Creative Writing Club
• Culture Club
• Debating Society
• Drama Club / Directors Workshop
• Interact
• Jazz/marimba/guitar Groups
• Modern Dancing
• Orchestra
• Photography Club
• SMILE
• SRC
• Think Club 
• Veritas
• Xhosa Society
• 90x2030 Club (Environment)

Back to Top

Special Events

Opera in a Convent Garden

Staff Spit Braai

Back to Top

Gallery

Click here for the gallery

Back to Top

Code Of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct revolves around the word RESPECT

All girls and their parents are required to read and sign the following Code of
Conduct applicable to all pupils at Springfield Convent School.

A mature and dignified interaction with everyone in the life of the school is expected at all times. Commitment, enthusiasm, helpfulness and a sense of responsibility are qualities that are particularly valued.

The Code includes the following rights:

1. The right to learn and to teach.
2. The right to receive assistance and encouragement in all aspects of school life.
3. The right to have one’s dignity, person and property respected.

1. Appearance

1.1 Uniform

• Uniform should be worn correctly and neatly.
• Blazers should be worn on public occasions.
• Blazers should be worn to and from school except in summer.
• The matric top may not be worn without a blazer outside the school
  premises.
• At school events, supporters must be in the correct uniform.
• School uniform items may not be worn casually (e.g. the school jersey with jeans).
• During cold weather, the school tracksuit may be worn to school if
  students are so notified by the Principal.
• Blazers are compulsory for all assemblies except during the first term.
• Skirts should be an appropriate length.
• Correct sports uniform should be worn at sporting events and practices.
• Rain jackets may only be worn when the weather is wet. They may not be worn in the classroom.

1.2. Hair

• Hair should be wellbrushed, neat, tidy and clean.
• Hair should be in keeping with the school’s image and ethos. No harsh artificial colouring or styling is permitted.
• Hair that reaches the shoulders is to be tied back with blue, black, brown or white ties or unobtrusive hair clips.
• Repeated warnings regarding the neatness or colour of hair will result in detention.

1.3. Make-Up

• No makeup is to be worn at school or at school events, while in school uniform.

1.4. Jewellery

• Studs or sleepers may be worn. Only one stud or a plain diamante earring may be worn in each ear lobe. Coloured diamante earrings are not allowed.
• No chains or necklaces are permitted other than a simple cross on a chain which must not be visible in uniform.
• No coloured bands or bracelets are allowed.
• No retainers in lieu of jewellery may be worn.
• No visible body piercing (other than ears) is allowed.

1.5. Nails

• Clear nail polish may be worn.
• A French manicure is allowed.

2. Attendance

• It is a legal requirement that parents ensure that their children attend school daily.
• Parents must notify the school if their children will be late for school. If arriving late, it is the student’s duty to report to the office. If latecoming is a regular offence, parents will be contacted.
• Parents are expected to telephone the office before 09:00 to advise the school if a child is ill/absent. Should a child be absent for a long period, viz for more than three days, the principal should be informed.
• Absences for any reason other than illness require prior discussion with the principal. Notes requesting permission to be absent from school for any reason during the school day, must be presented at the office in the morning before that school day begins.
• A student leaving during the school day must be fetched at the office by her parent.
• Girls who absent themselves from school without permission will face suspension and will appear before the Disciplinary Committee which will determine the appropriate action to be taken.

3. Classroom Procedure

• At the beginning of each lesson, girls should stand and greet the teacher.
• Once the lesson has commenced, girls should only talk when invited to by the teacher. Girls must show respect for others’ views and listen when another person is speaking.
• They should greet and thank the teacher at the end of the class.
• Girls should move quietly and speedily between classrooms.
• Girls should sit quietly and show respect when the prayer is read over the intercom at the end of the day.
• Girls should be punctual at all times.
• The desks should not be defaced and classrooms should be kept tidy.
• Food and drink should not be consumed in the classroom.
• Cellular telephones are to be stored in the special lockers provided at the beginning of the day and may not be accessed again until the end of the day. Should a pupil be in possession of a phone during school hours, it will be confiscated for the rest of the term.
• Lockers should be used for the storage of lunches, sports equipment, extra books and other valuables. Any valuable items which cannot be fitted into the locker may be handed in at the office for safekeeping.
• Suitable educational posters, approved by the class teacher, may be placed on the walls.
• No Prestik should be used on the walls.
• No electronic devices, other than calculators, should be present in the classrooms.
• Rules as per instructions issued before examinations apply.

4. Work Ethic

• Each girl should take responsibility for her own work and no copying should occur. Plagiarism of any kind, including from the Internet, is unacceptable.
• A girl should ensure that work is completed timeously as requested and that she prepares adequately for tests and examinations.
• When absent from a class, it is the pupil’s duty and responsibility to catch up the work she has missed.
• If a girl is absent on the day of a test, the test is to be written on the first day of her return to school.
• Tests take preference over sport and detention.
• Poor work will be regarded in a serious light.

5. Conduct

• Girls should greet adults courteously at all times.
• At any official function girls should behave politely. They should stand when the speaker enters the hall, listen attentively to the presentation and applaud afterwards.
• After all functions and outings, pupils should tidy up the venue or the vehicle used.
• With the exception of the matrics, girls may not remain in the classrooms during break other than when it rains.
• Cloakrooms should be left clean.
• Girls are not allowed to eat outside the school gates or in the street when wearing their school uniform.
• Girls may not litter, deface or vandalise school property.
• Girls may not wait for a lift outside the school gate or on the corner of St John’s and Convent Roads.
• Girls may not smoke or be in possession of cigarettes while in school uniform, while representing the school, or while on school premises.
• No girl is permitted to possess or drink alcohol at any time while in school uniform, while representing the school, or while on school premises. Underaged drinking is regarded seriously.
• No girl may be in possession of or use illegal chemical substances.
• Any form of dishonesty or inappropriate behaviour, both at school and outside, is totally unacceptable.

Any infringement of these rules can lead to immediate suspension for one week, and possible expulsion, depending on the severity of the offence.

Back to Top

School Uniform

Official School Uniform Stockists:

SCHOOL & LEISURE, Lower Piers Road Wynberg, Tel.021- 797 9323 supplier of ready-made uniforms

The SHOP@SPRINGFIELD: For all new socks, pantyhose, PE Shirts & shorts, Swimming costumes, caps, school bags, tog bags, wet/dry drawstring bags, scarves and sunhats. Good used uniforms are also available.

All items should be CLEARLY MARKED with your daughter's name. Remove previous owners’ name if purchased 2nd hand. No responsibility can be taken by the school for unmarked articles of clothing or equipment.

Hair styles must be suitable for school. Once hair reaches shoulder length, it must be tied back with white hair twisters, baubles or ribbons - NOTHING ELSE is permitted. No other colours are permitted.

PLEASE NOTE:- Girls are to be dressed in full school uniform while they are travelling to or from school. They may however, when travelling by car, and going straight home, wear their P.E. uniform.

Back to Top