From a single farmhouse, a handful of log cabin classrooms and 53 children, Merrifield Prep and College has grown to 602 pupils and has embarked on a five-year expansion ahead of its 20th anniversary next year.The academic phase of the development is already in use and consists of a new wing including a state-of-the-art science lab and a sunny English classroom overlooking the north campus and dam.
Also on the cards is a new sports precinct consisting of an astroturf, clubhouse, two soccer fields, tennis courts, a netball court and cricket nets, which will be rolled out over five years starting later this year.
The new building, designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners, has a simple Eastern Cape aesthetic with a corrugated iron roof and window canopies and painted plastered walls.
Life science teacher Jenny Hart was teaching a class with the aid of a high-tech Smartboard – an interactive whiteboard which is essentially a giant touchscreen at the head of the classroom.
It is also equipped with wi-fi access for iPad use.
“We wanted top quality features and teaching aids to promote the sciences,” said college principal Dr Guy Hartley.
“Over the last two decades Merrifield has witnessed a high percentage of its students going on to study medicine, genetics and architecture at tertiary level.”
Hartley said the lab, which adjoins two existing science labs, was designed by the independent school’s science teachers and allowed each child in the class to do their own practical work at spacious lab benches.
The school’s academic head and life science teacher Bridget Fielding said more pupils were electing to study sciences, swelling pupil numbers to two science classes per grade between Grades 10 to 12.
The extra teaching facilities are also in line with the school’s plan to extend its high school classes from two to three per grade, starting with next year’s Grade 8 class.
Hartley said the sports precinct development would ensure Merrifield was “self-sufficient on campus”.
“We already have a swimming complex, but have been using Selborne Park and Beacon Bay Country Club facilities for some sports,” said Hartley.
“We are now looking forward to holding derby days here.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Impressive growth for Merrifield
The academic phase of the development is already in use and consists of a new wing including a state-of-the-art science lab and a sunny English classroom overlooking the north campus and dam.
Also on the cards is a new sports precinct consisting of an astroturf, clubhouse, two soccer fields, tennis courts, a netball court and cricket nets, which will be rolled out over five years starting later this year.
The new building, designed by Osmond Lange Architects and Planners, has a simple Eastern Cape aesthetic with a corrugated iron roof and window canopies and painted plastered walls.
Life science teacher Jenny Hart was teaching a class with the aid of a high-tech Smartboard – an interactive whiteboard which is essentially a giant touchscreen at the head of the classroom.
It is also equipped with wi-fi access for iPad use.
“We wanted top quality features and teaching aids to promote the sciences,” said college principal Dr Guy Hartley.
“Over the last two decades Merrifield has witnessed a high percentage of its students going on to study medicine, genetics and architecture at tertiary level.”
Hartley said the lab, which adjoins two existing science labs, was designed by the independent school’s science teachers and allowed each child in the class to do their own practical work at spacious lab benches.
The school’s academic head and life science teacher Bridget Fielding said more pupils were electing to study sciences, swelling pupil numbers to two science classes per grade between Grades 10 to 12.
The extra teaching facilities are also in line with the school’s plan to extend its high school classes from two to three per grade, starting with next year’s Grade 8 class.
Hartley said the sports precinct development would ensure Merrifield was “self-sufficient on campus”.
“We already have a swimming complex, but have been using Selborne Park and Beacon Bay Country Club facilities for some sports,” said Hartley.
“We are now looking forward to holding derby days here.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos