From the Desk of the WHPS Headmaster

From its humble beginnings in 1923 with twelve pupils, Waterkloof House Preparatory School (WHPS) has built a reputation as one of South Africa's leading private preparatory schools for boys.

It has remained constant in its vision to realise the holistic development of its boys using a broad base to promote high moral values; independent thinking; self-discipline and a positive self-image.

These qualities enable each boy to realise his full potential in academic, sporting and cultural fields within a Christian environment.

WHPS prides itself on developing the individual and is fortunate in having small numbers (400 pupils from Grade 000 to Grade 7), which allows a concentration of attention.

Academics

WHPS follows an independent curriculum, which has recently been evaluated and found to be of a high standard. Our feeder high schools attest to the fact that WHPSians perform exceedingly well in their new environments.

To enhance the boys’ educational experience and prepare them for their future in an information technology society, the School has purchased a smartboard (an interactive whiteboard that combines the simplicity of a whiteboard and the power of a computer), for every classroom, to ensure that every boy will be exposed to this state-of-the-art technology on a daily basis. WHPS also has a fibre optic backbone, which allows each classroom to be connected to the School’s network and the internet.

Sport

Most WHPS boys can't wait to get onto the sports field. A feast of sport is offered, including cricket, soccer, hockey, tennis, swimming and athletics, with squash, rugby, and cross-country as optional extras. Physical education classes also takes place during the morning for senior boys to enhance and maintain their physical strength and suppleness, while the younger boys have regular ball skills classes.

Art

At WHPS, we believe that a child who has had the opportunity to express himself creatively through music, drama, art or design and technology is a happier, more confident and well-rounded child. Art is not just a weekly lesson; workshops and art trips are offered and the boys are given the opportunity to leave their mark on the School walls, with their tiles and ceramics displayed throughout the buildings.

Since 1986, Art Alive, a fine-arts exhibition featuring well-known local artists, has been part of the School calendar. Over the years, WHPS has been fortunate to build an interesting and valuable art collection through Art Alive, which is displayed in the Waterkloof House Theatre.

Music

A staff of 15 qualified music teachers provide tuition in a wide variety of musical instruments. Over two-thirds of the pupils take private music lessons, which take place during the School day. As the interest and involvement in music is so high, WHPS is able to boast two orchestras, two choirs, a marimba band, a rock band, a jazz band, a steel drum band, as well as various recorder, percussion and djembe ensembles. The Music Department’s motto, “Love Music for Life,” has certainly taken root at the School.

Boarding

WHPS is the only boys’ prep school in Pretoria that offers boarding facilities from Grades 3 -7. Having opened in 1923 with 12 day boys and 2 boarders, WHPS has maintained the tradition of boarding and is proud of the benefits offered by this facility.

Mark Whitelaw - WHPS Headmaster