Clifton distinguishes itself by having a number of specialist teachers who are able to provide high levels of expertise to small classes in varied learning areas. These teachers constantly liaise with class teachers to ensure that learning experiences are holistic rather than fragmented.
As the boys move up into the higher grades, specialist teaching is offered in English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Mathematics, Geography, History, Natural Sciences, Media Science, Design Technology, Information Technology, Art, Drama, Music, Entrepreneurship, Life Orientation, Physical Education and Thinking Skills.
Although Clifton follows the national curriculum, our specialist teachers enable the boys to go far beyond these parameters.
We recognise that we are living in a time of rapid change and that new challenges will constantly be presented to our boys. In educating them for a changing world, we emphasize the need for the acquisition of self-study skills to equip them for lifelong learning.
Our focus of leadership is practical and inclusive and encompasses community partnerships which link our school to the wider community in meaningful ways.
THE ARTS
Music, Art and Drama education is at the heart of our curriculum. Our teachers are specialists in their fields and all boys are given a rich cultural education. The boys’ artwork adorns the school, they are all given the opportunity to perform on the stage, and they all learn to play at least two musical instruments during the course of their education at the Preparatory School.
In addition, we enjoy performances by our extremely talented orchestra, our recorder group, our bells groups, guitar and percussion groups, and our choirs. We offer individual tuition in brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments, as well as in piano and voice.
SPORT
We believe that participation in sport at a competitive and social level is a cornerstone of a young boy’s development. Our innovative and modern sporting curriculum, that has been developed for our boys from Grade R to Grade 12, introduces your son to all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and provides him with a sporting experience that will encourage him to make exercise a lifelong activity.
Excellent coaching at an appropriate level is imperative in order to ensure that all boys achieve their potential on the sports field, whilst the large number of teams in all our major sports ensures that every boy is given the chance to represent his school at a competitive level. Sports include cricket, rugby, hockey, swimming, water polo, athletics, cross-country, tennis, basketball, soccer and squash.
CLUBS
Our Clubs@Clifton is a unique programme and is an extension of our normal academic timetable. It gives the boys in the Senior Prep a chance to develop hobbies and interests that will stay with them throughout their lives. Each club consists of a jam-packed 6 week programme where experts in their fields come onto our campus to engage with and teach our boys. The boys also go on field trips during their club hour, which further extends and enhances our Clubs@Clifton Programme.
- Grade 4: Life Saving, Outreach (Baby Home), Chess, Woodwork, Outreach (through Music)
- Grade 5: Cookery, Zulu Culture, Spheros & Programming, Eco Warriors, Drama
- Grade 6: Scouts & Survival, Hip Hop Dance, Outreach (Animals), Debating & Public Speaking, Photography
- Grade 7: Life Skills, First Aid, Basketball, Career Guidance & Chivalry, Personal Guidance
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
We ensure that Clifton boys are involved in their wider community and that they appreciate the opportunities they are given to serve others. In the Prep School, we have established meaningful partnerships with local and rural pre-primary and primary schools that allow for interaction on the sports fields, in the classrooms and in cultural activities that enrich all of the pupils who participate.
Set in the heart of Morningside, Durban, Clifton was founded back in 1924 by Mr Harry Stubbs. He opened the school from his home in Lambert Road and the original building, now known as ‘Stubbs House’, still stands and is indeed an integral part of our Preparatory School campus and the ‘heart’ of our school.
