Parent testimonials
Legendary Maths Educational guru
As a parent one always hopes fervently that school is an environment where all our children are taught, challenged and inspired to work to make their dreams and ambitions a reality. In my opinion and experience since my daughter Chloe joined in 2017, I can attest that Somerset West Private School is, indeed, a dazzling star performer in this regard in that the talented team truly care, provide support and go out of their way to prepare and accelerate the learners towards brighter futures. In our experience, Somerset West Private School gives all learners an opportunity at building a good future for themselves and also preparing for university and tertiary studies if they wish to pursue these avenues- – when, possibly in a different arena all hope had seemed lost and the future looked bleak.
Legendary Maths Educational guru, headmaster Morné Coetzer and his team clearly want the learners to excel and have the absolute best interests of the children in their school at heart at all times. I am very impressed by the excellent ethos, innovation and professionalism – from the Maths excellence to fantastic interventions like yoga sessions – of Somerset West Private School. A fellow parent whose son had attended SWPS and is now studying at Stellenbosch University heartily congratulated me “well done you are doing the best thing!” on hearing that my daughter was attending SWPS. I too will always be grateful to Somerset West Private School for all that they do for the learners.
I believe it’s a great school for your child
My son was enrolled early 2017 at Somerset West Private School for Grade 11 due to average results in Grade 10 at a different school.
I was referred to Morne by a close friend after I told her that I was very impressed by the schools matric results of previous years and their Maths/Science focus.
Needless to say Morne was very friendly and accommodating and very importantly , he is very passionate about the school.
My son’s results has increased dramatically throughout the year and he cares deeply about his teachers.I must commend the teachers for the extra hours that they put in for the kids , ie extra classes in the afternoon, Saturday compulsory classes, etc.
Thank You , you are doing an amazing job!
Yes, Morne does not tolerate any nonsense , his standards are high , he is very strict, but hey, that’s the profile of a principal who only wants the best for his school and students.
In all my dealings with Morne, he will always listen and do what’s best for the student on an academic level.
I believe it’s a great school for your child, if you are willing to work closely with the principal and teachers in assisting and supporting your child to excel.
The support for these kids was outstanding
I’m not sure whether SWPS does this every year for the matrics . . . . . . .but wow what phenomenal support this year!!!
Throughout the year there has been extra Mathematics, especially when the kids did not achieve the 65% pass required at the school.
As mocks drew closer, matriculants were identified with weaknesses and even more maths and science classes commenced.
The support for these kids was outstanding!!!
Many of my friends and family were surprised at how SWPS implemented the compulsory study classes as well as extra lessons. When we applied at the school, I was skeptical about their reputation of excellence and also the high fees, but this year showed the magnitude of how Morne and his staff are absolutely committed to seeing the children succeed. My son spent almost everyday at school doing extra lessons and supervised study classes till 5pm, while other matriculants at other schools were left to their own devices at home. I know that he would not have put that amount of time into studying had he been at home with all the distractions here, so this was a great opportunity.
Many thanks to Morne and his amazing staff and hoping my son will do you proud.
We are very grateful to SWPS for being such a fabulous school
We are very grateful to SWPS for being such a fabulous school for our daughter. Nikola joined 4 years ago and has flourished. She has a natural love for Maths and this love has been nurtured and encouraged. She has been able to work ahead and is now already a year ahead of her peers. Her teacher has always been available for any questions she has had. The Maths teacher has motivated and challenged her, which made her work even harder and achieve even more.
All her other subjects have also improved a lot and she is achieving excellent results. Her English has improved dramatically and she has become a book worm, which is wonderful. All her other teachers have also been excellent, teaching her not only the set work, but also lessons for life. She has become a confident and self motivated teenager, ready for any challenge.
We can truly say that SWPS is a fabulous school and we applaud the teachers who go out of their way to assist the children wherever possible.
Hier, het sy eindelik haar plekkie in die son gevind!
As oud-onderwyseres, was dit ook nog altyd my oortuiging dat ‘n onderwyser, ‘n kind kan maak of breek… Om ons dogter by SWPS te kon inskryf het Henry Ward se woorde laat lewe: “Mans best success comes after their disappointments.”
Hier, het sy eindelik haar plekkie in die son gevind!
Aan Morné Coetzer en SWPS se personeel van 2017:
Ons saluut SWPS se merkwaardige onderwysers vir hul onbaatsugtige werk en die “wonders” wat hul daagliks verrig.
Ons dankbare ouer-harte groet jul met Maya Angelou se woorde:
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will never forget, how you made them feel.
Post graduates testimonials
The world of maths opened up to me. I came, I saw and I conquered
ITS’ NEVER TOO LATE TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!
THIS IS COBUS VAN ZYL’S STORY…
I fell in love with Engineering in 1993, when I was invited to an Engineering week at Potchefstroom University. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funds and a slightly above average mark (55%) for Matric Mathematics, I could not attend University and pursue my passion at the start of 1995.
In 2013, at the age of 37, I was given the opportunity to pursue my dream and study Engineering at Stellenbosch University. As part of my application and admittance process, I had to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT). I failed the Mathematics part horribly (41%) and my application was unsuccessful. I could not continue with my dream.
However, I was told if I could rewrite my Matric Mathematics and better my final grade, I could apply again and get admittance. Somerset West Private School (SWPS) was one of the only schools that still taught the old syllabus mathematics in the Western Cape.
I met Morné Coetzer, the Headmaster at SWPS and Morné made me a promise in November 2013. He promised me that if I were to work hard and do my part, he and his team would help me to achieve an A for Matric Mathematics in my final exam. With that, he gave me his basic mathematics toolbox to work through during the December holidays.
After writing a test to see if I have mastered the basic mathematics toolbox, I joined SWPS in January of 2014. Morné and David Kinghorn taught me everything I had to know about mathematics. With their help, teaching, guidance, motivation and the school’s brilliant mathematics program, I finally wrote my Matric Mathematics exam in May of 2014 and passes it with 85%.
I rewrote the NBT and got a 78% for the mathematics part and I received admittance to Stellenbosch University’s Engineering program in 2015. It was hard, fast-paced and tough. But the foundation laid by Morné and his team at SWPS gave me what I needed to continue my dream. I completed my Mechanical Engineering Degree in December of 2018 at the age of 42.
I would not have been able to do what I did if it were not for the proper foundation laid by SWPS’ mathematics program and the guidance received from the educators and staff. Lastly, the help and support from my wife also helped to make it possible and if it were not for the grace and help from my Heavenly Father none of this would have happened at all.
The teachers were a great inspiration
Eric’s First Year at the University of Cape Town:
2007 was a good year for me at the University of Cape Town, and I have Somerset West Private School to thank. They prepared me better for the world of varsity studies than I believe any other school could have. The school gave me freedom to a larger degree than most schools, and that helped me adjust to university quickly and efficiently.
Also, since I completed Grades 11 and 12 in one year, 2006, I was already used to the kind of workload one has to handle in Electrical Engineering at UCT. The teachers were a great inspiration to me to work hard, and it has paid off and will continue to do so.
SWPS is a different type of school
SWPS is a different type of school. It’s a place where you are allowed to grow into a person, rather than just another learner. They do however not hold back on the academic side, but give you a chance to also develop to your full academic potential. I would probably not have come to where I am if not for the role the educators at Somerset Private played in my life.
Graduated with a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering from University of Stellenbosch. Spent a year working and travelling in 2014. Starting full time employment in my field of study in 2015.
Time and direction has helped me
I started off my high school life achieving grades of between 50% and 70% in Grade 8.
When I started Grade 9 at SWPS, the staff there helped me realize that I had the capacity to create a steep change in all my grades. It didn’t just happen, it required a significant amount of dedication and commitment, but the difference was that they gave me their support, time and direction to help me achieve that. I completed Grade 9 and 10 in one year and went on to finish my matric with 4 A’s and 2B’s.
I started my first year of engineering in South Africa and then moved to Australia where I completed a joint bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (Honors) and Physiology. I now, work as a project engineer in Queensland Australia, managing a capital program of over R80M per annum.
When I think of SWPS, I think of space...
When I think of SWPS, I think of space. Space to be and space to become. The high school you attend is an incredibly important determinant of “you becoming who you want to be”. High school years are the prime moulding years, which is why SWPS offers students the space to mould themselves from the inside out – by their thinking.
The council from the SWPS educators that I relished was that of HOW to think, not WHAT to think. Problem solving and critical thinking skills is what we need to navigate the world beyond school. SWPS gave me the space to mould my thinking where I now seek out challenges, not shy away from them. It’s the only way to conquer, to live stronger, better, harder, faster and explore my potential – the potential that we ALL have!
I had the opportunity to complete my high school career in 4 years, matriculating in 2006. I went on to study Business Sciences at University of Stellenbosch and today I enjoy being a software development business analyst in the financial services industry.
Within the next six months my Maths marks improved quite radically
I joined SWPS in the 2nd term of 2007 having come from a private school in another town. My Maths aggregate was 48% and my Science mark was below a passable rate. I was all set to study Fine Art when my Science teacher, Carol Lavery, convinced me to consider a career in Science. Within the next six months my Maths marks improved quite radically and with much hard work and perseverance I was able to attain a 86% pass for Matric Maths. My Science mark also improved radically through constant encouragement and extra input and I was able to complete Matric Science with 81%.
I know for sure that if I had not been able to be at SWPS, I would not have been convinced that I was capable of achieving the goals I have been able to attain thus far.
I have been able to follow my dream of doing a BSc in Marine Biology, an Honours Degree in Botany and Ecology and I will soon be completing a Masters Dissertation in Ornithology.
I will always fondly remember my time spent at SWPS
I grew up in Stellenbosch, where I attended Rhenish Girls High School, but transferred to SWPS at the
beginning of my matric year. I matriculated with distinction in 2004.
I completed a BScAgric degree at Stellenbosch University, focusing on Plant Pathology and Horticulture, and then went on to do postgraduate research in Plant Phathology (agricultural plant diseases), graduating with PhD in April 2014. During my studies I was a member of the AgriSciences Student Association and the Executive Committee of the Academic Affairs Council of Stellenbosch University, from 2009 – 2010.
I am currently doing post-doctoral research to investigate how farmers use their intuition in making on-farm
management decisions. I will always fondly remember my time spent at SWPS and I am grateful for the excellent work ethic and open-mindedness that Morne and the teachers at SWPS continue to promote.
SWPS is the best preparation you can get
Beyond the academic prestige and achievement, it’s the first school where I learned HOW to think and where I was surrounded by people – both students and staff – who encouraged and natured that.
Once you go beyond an undergraduate education it’s your ability to think and solve problems that is valued and in that, SWPS is the best preparation you can get.
SWPS allowed me to focus on academics
My time at Somerset West Private School was easily the best time of my high school career. Starting off my time at SWPS as a Grade 11 student, I would soon build what would be lasting friendships with students and teachers alike.
SWPS allowed me to focus on academics while providing a relaxed, yet academic environment which allowed me to thrive both as an individual (wearing casual clothes somehow made school easier) and as an academic.
In part, my success is my school’s success. Without my amazing teachers and friends, I would not be the individual I am today.
Learners testimonials
SWPS has provided me with the inspiration
It seems so long ago, the first few days that I came to SWPS for my “look and see”, to get a feel for the school and teachers. Now 7 years later, I am preparing for another “look and see” next week in a new country with a different type of education system. My parent had always empowered me to make my own decisions, even at 10 years old and I am really glad that I made the choice to join SWPS all those years ago
The fact that I am ready and eager to move to a new country with a different type of education system, attests to personal growth and confidence that I have developed and gained during my time at SWPS.
There is a saying by the Spanish philosopher Maimonides:
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” (forgive the gender bias)
SWPS has provided me with the inspiration, encouragement and the ability to prepare myself to be able to go out of my comfort zone and to take on new challenges and to try something new. It has given me with the courage, motivation and self-confidence to be able to stand tall by myself.
Really….but SWPS is just an institute…..It was the teachers – yes all of you as each one of you had something different to teach me – maybe it was not always about the subjects (although David did overdo the math bit) and sometimes it was not what you had intended to teach me, but I did learn from each one of you…..I have been very fortunate to have had some wonderful teachers over the years at SWPS. Some of them are still at SWPS and some have chosen a different path. They say that great teachers inspire their student and I know that I have been inspired by teachers that I will remember for the rest of my life…..mostly in a good way.
So to all the teachers at SWPS, past & present, I do thank you for all your efforts and your perseverance and passion. You are what makes SWPS the school to be at – and your passion is what keeps us motivated and inspired.
Remember
“What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches” (Karl Meninger).
And then off-course there were the students and my friends. While I never got to know every one of you, I have interacted with many of you and I would like to thank you for all your friendship, your support and encouragement and for just being there. It was a wonderful family of friends that I had the pleasure of knowing over the time I was at SWPS and you have all made my stay at school an experience that I will not forget in a long time – the good and the bad…the bad making then good so much better.
I have had a wonderful journey through SWPS over the last 7 years and I have many memories of the school, the teachers and my friends that I will treasure. When I think back to the first time I visited the school 7 years ago, and I look at my reason for why I wanted to stay…….it was a very simple decision to make…as some would say a “No Brainer” ……I had found my home.
We are encouraged to be ourselves here at SWPS
Back in the beginning of 2016 I had my first day at Somerset West private school. Since then my grades have improved tremendously and my overall view of school has changed completely. The teachers are always pushing us to do our best and they consider every student and their well being personally in the process. During the stressful times of year when everyone is freaking out, the teachers are always willing to help, even when it means them sacrificing their own free time.
We are encouraged to be ourselves here at SWPS and to work hard towards our goals, small or big. However, in my opinion, the best thing about my school is we’re a family. We can always count on each other to be there for one another, which includes all staff, teachers and students of the school. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed more than when I’m with my classmates. This is a school where I’ll make memories that will be with me for the rest of my life.
From the second I walked into the school I immediately felt accepted
I came to Somerset West Private School in the beginning of grade 10. From the second I walked into the school I immediately felt accepted. This school is like no other, every student is allowed to express themselves and be true to who they are. The small grades and classes allow for a very special bond to be formed between the students but also a close connection between students and their teachers.
All of this positivity within the school allows for an effective learning environment where we can not only learn from books but each other as well. Although my time at Somerset Private is done I will always cherish the memories I have made and friendships I have formed. Thank you to all of my teachers and fellow matrics for making these past 2 years so amazing. I love you all so much.
My punte was op hul beste
Somerset-Wes Privaat Skool was eerlikwaar ‘n voordelige en produktiewe leerervaring vir my. My punte was op hul beste middelmatig toe ek by Somerset-Wes Privaat aangekom het, maar oor die loop van vier jaar het ek dit reggekry om A’s vir ses uit my sewe vakke te kry.
Die ding wat Somerset-Wes Privaat vir my uniek maak is die individuele aandag wat mens kry- iets wat nie vir my beskikbaar was in ‘n klas met 30+ studente nie. Ek het my tyd hier geniet!
SWPS has taught me lots of formulas
Not knowing if I would pass grade 11, I decided to move from a public school to SWPS. As a matric learner entering my final exam I currently have a B average with multiple distinctions.
SWPS has taught me lots of formulas, including the formula for hard work. With hard work I gained self discipline and almost doubled my school marks. Moving to SWPS was the best decision I ever made. If you want awesome friends, improve your marks, and grow as a person, SWPS is the school for you.
SWPS is ‘n unieke skool
“It’s pretty scary to know how quickly times flies – especially when you’re having fun!”
Aan die begin van my matriekjaar sou ek nooit kon dink dat ek soveel sou groei en sulke hoogtepunte kon beleef nie.
Ek sal nooit my eerste dag by SWPS vergeet nie… Wiè sal dan nou?
Die grootste aanpassing en uitdaging was ongetwyfeld: Engels as onderrig-taal! Soos vir vele ander leerlinge, was my eerste dag absoluut vreesaanjaend!
By SWPS was die algehele struktuur en raamwerk totaal onkonvensioneel en uniek. Van die skool klok tot die oneindige, inspirerende wiskunde klasse…….
Ek het egter verbasend vinnig aangepas en my plekkie in die skool, èn SON gevind.
‘n Tradisie van SWPS is die bekendstelling van nuwe leerders in die saalbyeenkoms. Ek was so skaam! Ek kon skaars 2 sinne uitkry, voor ek so gou as wat ek kòn, gaan sit het!
Om na SWPS te kom was vir my ‘n ongelooflike voorreg en geleentheid! Dit het my dryfkrag geword om harder as ooit te werk en nie moed te verloor nie.
‘n Gesegde van Langenhoven lui: “Dink goèd van my en ek word beter!”
In SWPS het die onderwysers onwrikbaar in my geglo en my motiveer om my eie grense te verskuif en in myself te glo. Ek moes dikwels hoor: “Don’t doubt yourself!”
So het ek byvoorbeeld die geleentheid gehad om ‘n Besigheidstudies-aanbieding in ‘n saalbyeenkoms voor die hele skool aan te bied – iets wat ek nooit voorheen sou kon doen nie! My onderwyseres het in my geglo en dit het my laat besèf dat ek tot soveel meèr instaat is as wat ek dink!
SWPS is ‘n unieke skool, waar almal aanvaar word vir wie hulle is. Niemand hoef “maskers” (en uniforms) te dra wat hul unieke persoonlikhede versteek nie!
Ek kon myself wees en daarom groei en ontwikkel tot my volle potensiaal! Hoe sê mens dan wèrklik dankie,vir so ‘n wonderlike skool en groep onderwysers? “Words can’t even describe it…”
SWPS het my lewe in net EEN jaar totaal verander.
“Jou ‘huis’ is waar jou hart is” – en my hart……. sal altyd hier wees!
Ek groet jul met ‘n aanhaling van Dr. Suess:
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment… until it becomes a memory.”
So… make the most of it!
My experience here has been fantastic
Somerset West Private School is not really a school you can explain, because it is not really a school. It is more like your second home. It is a place where you can find a strong bond between peers and teachers, as well as getting an education, which is second to no other.
My experience here has been fantastic, as I have broadened my knowledge at an exponential rate and created friendships that will last a life time.
Oliver Schwabe
Somerset West Private School is unique and filled with diversity. Every person has a place no matter how different you are and you will always be accepted for who you are.
This made the experience a one of a kind and meant a great deal to me and others. Their aim here is to lead a person on the path of success in life, which carries a great meaning.
Monique Botes
Somerset West Private School has opened a whole new world to me, a world of being responsible, working independently and being able to follow my dreams. There is no better support than SWPS while you are home-schooled.
Somerset West Private School has allowed me to follow my piano career, even though I practised many hours every day, I still received high academic results. Through working at home and teaching myself, I am now prepared for the “adult life”.
I will stay in South Africa until March 2017, during that time I will continue to compose and record songs. From April 2017, I will travel around the world with friends for half a year. After that, I want to apply at a university in Europe, preferably in Salzburg, Austria. I want to do my Bachelor’s Degree in Composition and my Master’s Degree in Composition for Film and Media. I am also considering doing my Masters in America, Chicago, Los Angeles or New York.
My experience here has been fantastic
Somerset West Private School is not really a school you can explain, because it is not really a school. It is more like your second home. It is a place where you can find a strong bond between peers and teachers, as well as getting an education, which is second to no other.
My experience here has been fantastic, as I have broadened my knowledge at an exponential rate and created friendships that will last a life time.
Oliver Schwabe
Somerset West Private School is unique and filled with diversity. Every person has a place no matter how different you are and you will always be accepted for who you are.
This made the experience a one of a kind and meant a great deal to me and others. Their aim here is to lead a person on the path of success in life, which carries a great meaning.
Monique Botes
Somerset West Private School has opened a whole new world to me, a world of being responsible, working independently and being able to follow my dreams. There is no better support than SWPS while you are home-schooled.
Somerset West Private School has allowed me to follow my piano career, even though I practised many hours every day, I still received high academic results. Through working at home and teaching myself, I am now prepared for the “adult life”.
I will stay in South Africa until March 2017, during that time I will continue to compose and record songs. From April 2017, I will travel around the world with friends for half a year. After that, I want to apply at a university in Europe, preferably in Salzburg, Austria. I want to do my Bachelor’s Degree in Composition and my Master’s Degree in Composition for Film and Media. I am also considering doing my Masters in America, Chicago, Los Angeles or New York.
Somerset West Private School has created an environment
Somerset West Private School has created an environment where I was able to, for the first time in my life, develop myself as a person. I met some of the most unforgettable people: from teachers who are the absolute savants in their subjects, to fellow students who all possess their own special uniqueness. As for the studies: from when I came to SWPS in middle grade 11, I rose up like a phoenix from the ashes, and with the help and preparation I received from SWPS, I am sure that my trajectory will always stay true and that I will have no problem succeeding in university, where I will study BCom in Management Sciences and beyond.
“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” – David Brinkley
“Success depends upon previous preparation and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius
I have never regretted joining the school
After being at SWPS for a few years, I have never regretted joining the school, for various reasons. I have been encouraged and supported to complete the Grade 11 Maths syllabus while being in Grade 10. I have never been bored, new interesting work is always found and time is always made to explain the concepts to me which I don’t fully understand.
Every day I am taught about the world around me and what is currently in the news. These issues and events are discussed and researched: this is what makes the schooldays interesting. I all my subjects my teachers are very supportive and encourage me to do my best. The teachers have a good sense of humour and we often laugh together. All this makes it a school which I enjoy attending every day.
My marks has drastically increased and I have become a more positive person
Tim Redmond once said “There are many things that catch my eye, but there are only a few things that catch my heart…” Somerset West Private School caught my heart.
I wasn’t the type of person who really hated school, but at the same time I didn’t really like it. I always had a problem understanding my schoolwork and because of this I struggled to do my work. Since I came to Somerset West Private I have developed a passion for going to school, because at Somerset West Private the educators are very passionate and successful at what they do and as Reggie Leach said “Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire”, that is what the educators at Somerset West Private do, they set themselves on fire. They go the extra mile to help you achieve.
Seeing that I obtained this passion for this school I have made great achievements, my marks has drastically increased and I have become a more positive person, because with good marks comes a higher self-esteem.
I want to end of with saying that our principal Morne Coetzer is an unbelievable motivator, I have learned a lot from him, he has played a big role in my life for he has created a school where people can learn to love school and if you love what you are doing you will never have to work in your life.
SWPS has given me so many opportunities
I had been at quite a few different schools before discovering one that would prepare and launch me into the next phase of my life. I can safely say that the support and dedication I received from my school has enabled me to step into the world with belief in myself, and look forward to the challenges I must face.
SWPS has given me so many opportunities – nowhere else will you find such a determined, caring and attentive staff; or an environment that encourages and cultivates every people’s own individuality and abilities. The optimism and self confidence that I’ve gained from this school has given me an attitude that tells me that I will be successful in anything I decide to do in the future. This has been an incredible experience!
That is exactly what sets SWPS apart from other schools
I had made a deal with my dad that I could play around in Grade 8 and 9 but come Gr. 10, I had to start studying and get good results. Grade 10 came and went. Still no studying, and this was a great worry for my parents, and they then turned to SWPS where my sister, Kate, previously graduated her matric. In my eyes SWPS is a great catalyst for success. The environment and the awesome teachers make it easy to reach your potential.
That is exactly what sets SWPS apart from other schools. One thing Morné taught me is that the way you choose to look at life makes a big difference. I chose not to see Matric as a mountain, I saw it as a little mole heap. It made my year a very relaxed and stress free one. SWPS and the teachers have given me the confidence to take on anything and I will be heading straight for university to start my B.Accounting course. I recommend SWPS to anyone who wants to dominate Matric! I just want to add, you don’t need to study 24/7 to get good results.
Personal philosophy: “ Party (at the right time) as hard as you work”. Just start studying a little each day from day one to make it easier for yourself. SWPS assured me of a successful future, and they could do the same for you. Booom! I received R7 000 for completing 2 years in one and getting 92% average.