Afrikaans

The Afrikaans Department is a vibrant and dynamic department consisting of four experienced teachers who each contribute their special style and knowledge.

The department consistently produces Matriculation results of a high standard. In 2009, 23 % of the candidates achieved distinctions and the average obtained by the St Mary’s girls was 10% higher than the average of IEB schools. Two of our candidates placed in the top 5% of IEB Afrikaans candidates.

Afrikaans is one of the eleven official languages spoken and understood by the majority of people in South Africa. Students planning a career in human resources, medicine and public service would certainly benefit from being able to communicate in this language.

Research has shown that communication in more than one language on a regular basis has many cognitive benefits. It is also true that in the world at large bilingualism is the norm and we therefore strive to help our students become as bilingual as possible so that they may function in and make a meaningful contribution to the community.

Knowledge of Afrikaans also offers access to a wonderful body of literature which can be appreciated even after one has left school.