high school
Cedar House High School is a calm, creative, relationship-centred space where students are genuinely known and encouraged to think boldly.
Learning here is lively and human-centred, filled with conversation, curiosity and meaningful engagement rather than pressure or rote memorisation. Students are given room to explore who they are, take thoughtful risks and grow into confident young adults within a community grounded in care and respect.
This is where students discover themselves, with courage, curiosity and a growing love of learning.
It is a real honour and privilege to be joining this wonderful school community. From the moment I first engaged with members of the Cedar House community back in July 2025, I’ve felt the warmth, the pride, and the deep sense of purpose that make this school so special.
It’s clear that I will be joining a community built on dedication, excellence, and genuine care for one another. I’m truly delighted to be working with such a talented and compassionate team of staff who go above and beyond for our pupils. My initial role will be to build upon the good work that has brought the school to its current position of strength, while refining processes and policies where appropriate to ensure continued progress. My vision is that, together, we will guide every Student to become the very best versions of themselves during their time at Cedar House school and that every student will look back on their time here with many, many fond memories and many long-lasting relationships.
Magalan Pather
The formative years
Students begin in Grade 8, entering a dynamic, relational environment that supports a confident start to adolescence. Grades 8 and 9 form a carefully structured bridge, familiar enough to feel safe, yet stretching independence and building the thinking habits needed for the senior phase.
These early high school years deepen thinking, widen reading and introduce interdisciplinary learning, laying a strong foundation for the Grade 12 IEB examinations. By Grades 10–12, students step forward with maturity, purpose and a strong sense of who they are becoming.
Cedar House High School
Small classes, big curiousity
A calm, grounded environment
A school that values individuality
Learning that feels real, purposeful and alive
A community shaped by kindness, connection and agency
Gr 8-12
We follow the national CAPS curriculum as a base and enrich it significantly. Our focus is on growing capable, independent thinkers who step confidently into Grade 8 and, eventually, the IEB.
A thoughtful, relational start
Students join a warm, well-held environment with clear expectations and steady support. They learn new routines, explore varied subjects and develop confidence as thinkers.
We build essential skills across subjects, including:
analytical reading
structured, persuasive writing
scientific and mathematical reasoning
collaborative problem-solving
confident presentation and discussion
independent planning, organisation and research
analytical reading
structured, persuasive writing
scientific and mathematical reasoning
collaborative problem-solving
confident presentation and discussion
independent planning, organisation and research
Grades 8 and 9 extend the national CAPS curriculum with deeper thinking, wider reading and interdisciplinary work. These years build the habits and intellectual maturity needed for success in the senior grades.
Rigorous, balanced and student-centred
From Grade 10, students follow a learning programme aligned with the Independent Examinations Board.
Important to understand the IEB system
The IEB governs the Grade 12 assessment structure only. Grades 10 and 11 at Cedar House follow a thoughtfully developed, independent programme that builds the conceptual depth, academic discipline and confidence students need to excel in Grade 12.
Our curriculum in Grades 10 and 11 intentionally develops the core skills, reasoning and habits that lead to strong performance in the IEB National Senior Certificate.
Assessment that grows understanding, not anxiety
- Formal examinations begin only in Grade 10.
- Grade 12 students write the IEB National Senior Certificate.
- Assessments are varied and purposeful, including essays, practicals, orals, tests, projects, research tasks and portfolios.
- Feedback is detailed, constructive and centred on growth.
Across subjects, we emphasise literacy, numeracy, critical thinking and deep understanding, the skills that prepare students for university and life.
Grade 10-12
Compulsory Subjects
- English Home Language
- Afrikaans or isiXhosa (First Additional Language)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
Electives (choose 3)
- Accounting
- Business Studies
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
- Design
- Dramatic Arts
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology (IT – through SSIR)
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences*
- Visual Arts
Additional Subjects
- Further Studies in English
- Further Studies in Mathematics
school structure
A grounded, manageable school day.
We start each morning with a calming twenty-minute mentor group session, giving everyone enough breathing room to settle, connect and ease into learning with focus.
- Gr 8–9 08:10–14:40
- Gr 10–12 08:10–15:00
- Fridays 13:30 finish for all
- Campus open 07:00
- Campus close 17:00
A timetable that balances structure with agency
life beyond school
Confident
independent thinkers
articulate
and reflective
Skilled
in research, planning and time management
collaborative
and resilient
self-aware
and grounded
prepared
for the demands of university and life beyond school
Thrives Here?
Cedar House Prep is ideal for students who:
- ask questions
- think differently
- feel deeply
- value real connection
- enjoy conversation and curiosity
- learn best through meaningful engagement
- thrive when teachers understand them
- want school to feel real, not performative
For students who want their learning to have meaning and to feel right at home at their school.
Come see our High School
The best way to understand Cedar House is to visit. Meet our teachers, experience the calm rhythm of our classrooms and see how our teenagers learn, think and grow.
