Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a particular percentage aggregate to qualify for acceptance?

No.  The College accepts students from across the ability spectrum.  Some of our best successess come from students who start with and E- or F- symbol aggregate and by the time they leave us they have progressed to two symbols better.

Will my child, who comes from a single-sex school, struggle to adapt to the co-ed environment?

No.  In our experience the transition is an easy one.  Adaptation happens very quickly with no great problems at all.

Does the fact that there is no uniform mean that there is much pressure on students when it comes to dress?

No.  The rule is:  'Dress without drawing attention to yourself'.  Dress is not an issue.  Most students wear jeans and tops.

How big are the classes?

No class may be bigger than 24 students.  Subject choice, in particular, affects class size.  The range is between 8 and 24.

What happens during the Homework Session?

Students are given half an hour to begin their homework and they they are able to see their subject teachers on an individual basis for assistance with their homework.

How much contact is there between the College and the parents?

We supply eight reports during the year.  Parent-Teacher meetings happen once a term.  Parents may also contact the College at any time to arrange personal interviews with subject teachers, Grade Heads, School Heads, the Deputy or the Principal.

What if my child needs more assistance with homework?

Each student has the telephone number of each one of his/her teachers. They may contact the teachers after house for telephonic assistance.

Does the College offer a sports programme?

No.  We encourage exercise and many of our students are provincial and/or national representatives but they do their sport after College hours.  We offer fun sports days, inter campus sport challenges and cultural programmes as well.

How much personal interest is taken in my child?

Each student has a mentor - one of his/her teachers who meets with him/her on a one-to-one basis every two to three weeks.

Many schools have fundraising activities in addition to school fees.  Is this the case at Abbotts College?

No, we do no extra fundraising other than for the Matric Dance.  This is a Grade 11 initiative.

How accessible is the Deputy Principal and Principal?

Both are a telephone call away.  If they cannot take calls immediately they will return calls before the end of the College day at 16:30.

How do I know that the College is not one of those 'fly-by-night' Colleges?

Abbotts College is owned by AdvTech, a public company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.  The College was established in 1971 and has been identified as a growth brand within the AdvTech Group.

Which examinations are done by the students?

The College has elected to follow the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) examinations in the Western Cape and the Gauteng Department Education (GDE) examinations in Gauteng.  It subscribes to their policies with respect to Continuous Assessment and the moderation of marks.

What subjects do you offer?

Extremely wide choices of subjects are offered.  Please contact the individual campuses for more details.