The independent Waldorf School Hermanus in Sandbaai – mainly for primary school pupils from Zwelihle and Mount Pleasant – celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.
That was the year it took a pioneering step into the future by adding Grade 8 to offer matric vocational training because too many former learners, who had achieved good academic matric results, were unable to find meaningful jobs.
Reaching this decision – with serious cost implications – took more than two years of negotiations before the Department of Higher Education agreed to register the proposed vocational high school.
Registration was confirmed in August this year, but the school had already enrolled 15 Grade 10 learners to start the first phase of the three-year vocational training curriculum in January
As a non-profit institution, where many learners’ school fees are subsidised, the additional expenditure was a tough ask. Waldorf’s main sponsors in Germany, however, agreed to help with building costs and equipping the requisite workshops.
Although the college was registered to offer three skills training courses, its board decided to start with two this year – Primary Health Care and Electrical Infrastructure and Construction.
The three-year curriculum includes fundamentals such as languages, life orientation and standard maths, combined with computer technology. Other subjects are added, as applicable to the specific training stream concerned.
Although not part of the formal curriculum, Waldorf will offer entrepreneurship training. Internships with relevant business undertakings also form part of the course structure.
For more information about the project or to offer opportunities for internships, send an to email adminhead@hermanuswaldorf.co.za
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