Inanda Seminary School

Founded in 1869, Inanda Seminary has a history of providing high-quality education, even during the Apartheid era when the Bantu Education Act enforced sub-standard education for black South Africans. Many of South Africa's top professionals, including CEOs and bankers, are alumnae of Inanda. Notably, Nonkululeko Nyembezi, the Chair of the Standard Bank Group, is an Inanda graduate.

Today, Inanda continues to offer a high standard of education to girls from the "missing middle", those who want the best for their daughters but who cannot afford to send them to high-status independent schools. Inanda remains committed to its mission of helping young girls to shine through serving students from under-resourced rural and peri-urban communities, many of whom carry educational deficits from their primary schooling.Inanda Seminary’s rich history, its unique school culture and unparalleled dedication to quality education for black girls make it a treasured South African institution. Your support is essential to maintain this rich heritage and continue its important work.

Goals

Goal 1: Maintain or improve existing academic performance

Continue to offer high-quality education to over 350 girls aged 13-18 years (Grades 8-12).

Ensure 100% pass rate in Grade 12 (matric) National Senior Certificate examinations.

Achieve 90% eligibility for university entrance among graduates.

Maintain a 100% pass rate in English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Accounting.

Goal 2: Enhance and Develop school facilities

Upgrade existing hostel facilities to create a high-quality, comfortable “home-from-home” for all students.

Build a new hostel to provide accommodation for additional students.

Upgrade classrooms to be conducive to teaching and learning: structurally safe, aesthetically pleasing and technologically relevant.

Upgrade sports facilities: resurface existing sports courts to create a flexible multi-discipline area (tennis, volleyball, basketball, netball, mini hockey, mini soccer, paddle).

Goal 3: Marketing and admissions

Create sustainability by enhancing the school’s marketing capabilities.

Explore possibilities for new feeder schools and areas.

Increase the number of bursaries and scholarships through recruiting new donors and sponsors.

Mission

Inanda Seminary School is a girls' high school that provides a Christian educational environment with an African ethos for learners to develop holistically in leadership, life skills, integrated technology, critical thinking, social development and sport.

Activities at Inanda Seminary

Past and Current Activities:

Academic Excellence:

The hiring of excellent staff and a commitment to their ongoing professional development.

Remedial programmes and extra classes to bridge from primary schooling which often is inadequate so as to ensure high pass rates and university eligibility.

Rigorous academic programmes with a strong focus on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences.

Extracurricular programmes:

Diverse clubs and societies including debate, drama, and choir, fostering students' creative and critical thinking skills.

Sports teams and physical education classes promoting physical health and teamwork.

Leadership and Development:

A Student Representative Council with membership from all grades.

Leadership workshops and mentorship programmes designed to empower young women and develop future leaders.

Community service initiatives encouraging social responsibility and community engagement.

A consistent emphasis on student voice through providing opportunities for creative self-expression and also by trusting students with important roles within the school.

Technology Integration:

Many school-owned Chromebook computers and high-speed Internet access are available for students to develop their digital fluency in support of the academic goals and in preparation for entering the modern workforce.

Specific project-based, technology-oriented lessons are part of the timetabled curriculum (5 lessons per 2-week lesson cycle).

Teachers make extensive use of digital technologies to enhance their administrative and pedagogical tasks.

Cultural and Heritage programmes:

Celebrations of South African heritage and cultural diversity through events, exhibitions, and performances.

Historical education emphasising the school's role in resisting colonialism and apartheid and promoting equality.

Planned Future Activities:

Expansion of Academic and Extra-curricular programmes:

Introduction of new activities to prepare students for high-demand careers and the requirements of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Enhanced Boarding Facilities:

Upgrading of current hostels and construction of a new hostel to provide high-quality accommodation for boarding students.

Parental and Community Engagement:

Increased involvement of parents and the community in school activities through regular meetings, workshops, and events.

Community programmes aimed at improving local education and resources

Inanda Seminary is commited to providing a values-based, holistic education as is evident in its diverse range of activities. Your support will enable the school to continue with the mission it has faithfully fulfilled for 155 years whilst looking ahead and ensuring that the young black women who graduate from the institution are well-equipped to shine in their future endeavours.