A Brief History of Hoërskool Brackenfell

Höerskool Brackenfell is a fulfilment of a long dream that began in 1906 when a widower, Janet Brink, donated one acre of land to be used for the construction of a school in this community. Once they started, this school grew fast and soon had to continue building to create more classrooms to hold students. By 1960 a new school building was opened and classified as a middle school. Finally, in 1976, Höerskool Brackenfell was opened officially!

Vision

Höerskool Brackenfell strives to conduct all its activities with excellence and the goal to ensure that every learner has the potential to develop to their full potential. By doing so, they hope to assist each student in growing to become a balanced, involved citizen.

Mission

This high school strives to develop each learner in a balanced manner by adopting a child-centred approach, maintaining a clear academic focus, ensuring complete cooperation between the school and the community, encouraging a positive attitude in all situations, instilling religious values and encouraging participation in extra mural activities.

Academics

This high school caters to grades 8 through 12 and sustains various subjects to assist learners in exploring their potential and flourishing! They hold their academic achievements with high regard and encourage students to do their best across the board.

Grade 8 and 9

• English Home Language/First Additional Language
• Afrikaans Home Language/First Additional Language
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Economic Management Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Technology
• Creative Arts (Drama, Dance, Music or Visual Arts)
• Life Orientation

Grade 10 to 12

Compulsory:

• English Home Language/First Additional Language
• Afrikaans Home Language/First Additional Language
• Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy
• Life Orientation

Electives (students must choose three of the following):

• Accounting
• Economics
• Business Studies
• Life Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Information technology/Computer Applications Technology
• Geography
• History
• Tourism
• Sport Science
• Consumer Studies
• Visual Arts
• Dance Studies
• Dramatic Arts
• Music

When students are required to select their subjects for grades 10 to 12, they are advised to heed the prerequisites attached to certain subjects. Where applications for subjects exceed class availability, students are selected based on academic merit. Certain choices are also subject to learner screenings.

Sports

Höerskool Brackenfell encourages learners of all grades to participate in sports activities. They have the support of qualified sports organisers to ensure that all development and coaching practices are up to standard and that facilities meet students’ needs.

The sports offered at this school include:

• Athletics
• Chess
• Cricket
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Hockey
• Mountain Biking
• Netball
• Rugby
• Table Tennis
• Target Shooting
• Tennis

Culture

Höerskool Brackenfell believes in offering students a balanced landscape that focuses on academics, sports and culture. To uphold this, they offer a range of comprehensive cultural programmes for students to embrace.

Cultural activities at this school include:

• Music (Choir, Acapella and UNISA Music Examinations)
• Drama (Eisteddfod, Writing Competitions, Acting, Stage)
• Speech (Debating)
• Writing (School Newspaper)
• Dance (Hip Hop, Dance Showcases)
• Community (First Aid, Interact)