Values and skills

...more than a school, a way of life.

The School is guided by these core values:

Integrity

  • Consistency of actions and values. Maintenance of social, ethical and school standards; adherence to one’s code of conduct and principles.
  • Honesty: Engages with people in an open and forthright manner, represents information accurately and completely. Does the right thing, even when no one is looking.
  • Keeps commitments: Does what one says one will.
  • Trust: Behaves in such a way as to earn the trust of others through consistency in words and deeds.
  • Authenticity: Stays true to one’s value system in the face of adversity.
  • Sportsmanship: Has a desire to win balanced by humility and is able to concede defeat with grace.

Respect

  • Positive regard for self, others, the environment and property with a no-harm attitude to all.
  • Well-mannered: Courteous towards people and their feelings. Being polite in all interactions.
  • Tolerant: Maintains human dignity – Treats people as equals; recognises and accepts what is unique about them.
  • Considerate: Thoughtful to others and their feelings.
  • Self-respect: Stands tall, feels proud and values oneself.

Determination

  • Makes a conscious choice to take on an activity or accomplish a goal. Then engages both head and heart in working towards achieving the desired outcome with a firmness of purpose.
  • Goal focused: Strives to achieve goals.
  • Reliable: Demonstrates a level of dependability and predictability.
  • Disciplined: Does what one can, even if it is difficult, to achieve the goal.
  • Tenacious: Does not give up easily and looks for ways to overcome hurdles.
  • Hardworking and diligent: Sees a task through to completion.
  • Responsible: Accepts consequences of one’s actions.

Unselfishness

  • Non Nobis Solum – Not for ourselves alone: To put others needs before one’s own.
  • Compassionate: Feels empathy for others.
  • Humble: Is not vain and has a strong rather than a big ego.
  • Considerate: Thinks how one’s actions will affect others.
  • Kind: Is friendly, generous and warm hearted.
  • Self-controlled: Is able to control one’s emotions and needs, even when under pressure.

Team Spirit

  • The willingness to put the success of the team above one’s own. All for one and one for all.
  • Co-operative: Works effectively and willingly with others to achieve the best outcome.
  • Loyal: Helps and speaks up for others. Is steadfast.
  • Energised: Creates enthusiasm that keeps one’s own and others energy high.
  • Inclusive: Creates a sense of belonging for the whole team.
  • Fun: Introduces fun when appropriate to increase engagement and energy levels.
  • Informal relationships: Fosters relaxed relationships whilst respecting essential order, to minimise communication barriers.

The development of skills:

Pupils often follow a project-based approach to learning.  Work on authentic learning tasks provides the context for learning.  In Grade 6 and 7 the use of their devices is an integral part of this approach.  Project-Based Learning teaches students 21st century skills as well as content. These skills include:

  • Collaboration, group participation and leadership skills
  • Critical thinking and questioning skills
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Organisation and time management skills
  • Research and enquiry skills
  • Self-assessment and reflection skills
  • Productivity and accountability

The pupils typically work together toward a common goal. Performance is assessed on an individual or group basis, and takes into account the quality of the product, the depth of content understanding demonstrated, and the contributions made to the on-going process. Assessment is varied and includes orals, digital presentations and Web 2.0 tools.

Our Mission

Somerset House is an independent preparatory school that strives to provide an excellent all-round education for children preparing them thoroughly for their futures.

Our Philosophy​

Somerset House is a family school and is welcoming to all. Somerset House endeavours to teach us all to live unselfishly, considering others. Non Nobis Solum. 

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Mission

We aim to provide an environment and ethos within which children can thrive. We do this by providing the following:

  • A stimulating and challenging academic programme, emphasising child-centred education, and the development of life-long learning habits and self-discipline
  • A learning orientation in which creative and critical thinking skills are prioritised and curiosity and initiative are encouraged
  • A values-based environment which promotes respect, understanding and empathy, based on the school’s Christian heritage
  • Experiences and initiatives which foster a deep appreciation and celebration of diversity and inclusion
  • A comprehensive sporting, cultural, artistic, and extra-mural curriculum which both supplements and strengthens the academic programme
    an extensive outdoor development programme which teaches self-awareness, leadership, courage, and a profound appreciation of the natural world
  • Highly-committed teachers and staff who demonstrate the highest standards of their craft and who care deeply for the children entrusted to them

Our Purpose

Who we are

Somerset House is an established, independent, and co-educational pre-primary and preparatory school (grades 000 to 7) situated in the heart of Somerset West.

Our extensive campus offers children a unique natural setting rich with trees and open spaces. Historical buildings house modern classrooms, specialised learning centres, technology hubs and a shared dining room, the heart of the school. Children find themselves in a safe and nurturing space in which self-belief, independent thought, and joy flourish.

Our motto, “Non nobis solum”, not for ourselves alone, is at the core of our ethos. It is lived, cherished, and celebrated by staff, pupils and their families, alumni, and friends of the school.