We foster a love of learning; building a strong foundation for girls as they grow. We utilise progressive and holistic teaching methods to equip girls with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Mrs Cheryl Reddy
Head of Senior Primary
About
Our approach to an all-round holistic education means we instil the opportunities for our girls not only to learn, but to learn to think. Our Senior Primary phase equips girls to build character and a curiosity for learning and problem-solving. We encourage our girls to achieve their personal best through our Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Growth Mindset programmes.
ICT, Coding, and Robotics are an integral part of the Senior Primary phase and are vital learning tools for your daughter’s growth. Our SMART Centre has qualified and experienced Speech Therapists and Remedial Specialists trained to assist when required. The following subjects are offered:
Afrikaans
Arts
Drama
English
Handwriting
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
isiZulu
Life Orientation
Mathematics
Music
Natural Sciences
Physical Education
Religious Education
Social Sciences/Integrated Studies
At St Mary’s we believe that participation in sport helps our girls build trust and a strong sense of camaraderie. We have a variety of sport on offer which allows them to realise their full potential and have a strong sense of achievement through participation.
Athletics
Rounders
Badminton
Soccer
Cross Country
Softball
Diving
Squash
Hockey
Swimming
Indoor Hockey
Tennis
Netball
Waterpolo
A balanced life makes for a healthy one. Building on everything they’ve learnt from the Junior Primary phase, we encourage our girls to express themselves creatively which enriches their lives and motivates them to learn new skills. Arts and Cultural disciplines are a fundamental part of the Senior Primary Curriculum.
In addition to being given opportunities to act, sing or play music, Grade 4 and 5 girls are taught to play a musical instrument.
The following cultural activities are offered:
Art
Ballet*
Choir
Dance*
Drama
Junior African Music Ensemble (JAME)
Music
Marimbas (Grade 6 and Grade 7 only)
Orchestra
Recorder Group
Amphitheatre
Badminton Courts
Chapel
Creativity Centre
Dance Studio
Gymnastics Arena
2 Heated Swimming Pools
Indoor Hockey Arena
Indoor Sports Hall
Information & Communication Technology Lab
Laser Cutting Studio
Library
SMART Centre
Soundscapes (St Mary's Music School)
2 Netball Courts
2 Sports Fields
2 Squash Courts
7 Tennis Courts
Water-based Astroturf
1m Diving Board
Old Girls
St Mary’s is proud to be a school steeped in history and tradition. Since 1906, we have been inspiring our girls to become remarkable women. Discover their stories here and learn more about the ‘Sisterhood Network’.
Refilwe Moloto
1997A strategic and economic advisor with over 15 years of financial services experience in Emerging Markets research, broking and asset …
Bongiwe Beja
2004Amongst 400 change-makers world-wide under 35, Bongiwe was honoured to attend the Global Shapers Annual Summit in Switzerland in 2018. …
Tammy Fry Kelly
1998Tammy lives in Australia and is the International Marketing Director for the family business Fry’s Family Foods Co. Tammy founded …
Victoria Verbaan
1996Studying Fine Arts, Art Direction and Graphic Design. Victoria began Victoria Verbaan & the Smoking Daxi in 2009. Working in …
Athena Strauss
2012Athena completed her MSc Chemical Engineering in 2019, with specialisation in Bioprocess Engineering. She has focused on sustainable end-processing techniques …
Roxann Message nee Shea
2003Roxy completed her BBA Business Management degree while working in Dubai. By 2011, Roxy’s entrepreneurial passion led her to open …
Julia James nee Westbrook
1970Julia moved to Australia after Matric to study Public Relations. Once back in SA, she studied Graphic Design and she …
Yolanda Miya nee Majozi
1997Joining Deutsche Bank in 2002, Yolanda is now the Managing Director of Financing & Solutions Group (FSG), the first female …
Dr Deborah Lees nee Thomson
1990Trauma and Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon working in Australia specialising in adult and paediatric spine trauma and paediatric spinal deformity. Deb …
Reanne de Klerk nee Leigh
2000Graduating with a Music Degree, Reanne also furthered her IT skills (MCSD). A talented musician, Reanne has performed locally and …
Alexandra Torborg
1993Anaesthetist, and volunteer with Operation Smile – With a passion for paediatric anaesthesia, and a commitment to giving hope and …
Alison Ruth Frase nee MacGregor
1983Alison studied BSocSci Nursing, graduating top of class in 1987, three years later then graduating with a Hons Degree in …
School map
From classrooms, boarding houses and even the Chapel, this easy to understand map will help you find your way through St Mary’s.
Download map Senior Primary
Quick FAQ
What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and what are the benefits?
Emotional Intelligence (or EQ) is the ‘ability to understand, use, and manage emotions in positive ways to relieve stress’. By building a high EQ it helps our girls to communicate better, rise above challenges, and empathise.
How is technology introduced in this phase?
Technology is an integral part of the programme and each girl from Grade 4 has her own iPad to enhance the activities undertaken. Coding and robotics are also taught through our integrated, enquiry-based learning curriculum as well as our Robotics Club.
How can girls in this phase express their creativity?
All girls have weekly Music, Drama and Art lessons and they are able to join a wide variety of music ensembles and choir. Every fortnight, each grade spends a day in the Creativity Centre – a highlight for each girl.