Introduction

For children in a country school, life isn't solely routine.  Take your eye off the hockey ball and you could see a Black Eagle circling overhead.  Driving back from a music competition, you could see a porcupine crossing the road.  People who attend school in the country find that they live life differently.  They are receptive, balanced and open to challenges, the kind of people South Africa needs to achieve its dreams.

Consider this: In 2011, the Grade 12 class of 61 learners achieved a 100% pass rate.  There were 44 subject A's and Stuart Welman was placed first in the Graaff-Reinet District, achieving eight A's and a B symbol.  He was invited to attend the Provincial Prizegiving in East London on 5 December where he received a study bursary of R50000 per annum.  He also received the annual Rupert-Achievement Award, awarded by Die Rupert-Onderwysstigting in Stellenbosch, to the value of R10000.  Such a matric is possible at a country school.  "In terms of academic results, we achieve exceptional percentages," says William Pringle, Headmaster of the high school.

It may be surprising to city dwellers, but country schools consistently produce achievers in sport, science and the arts.  Growing numbers of urban parents are choosing rural schools over more convenient city schools.  It's all about balance and sound discipline, sound values and a safe environment.  The school keeps the learners busy all the time and they're safe.  The children are not confined as they would be in the city.  They can walk to the local corner store, or to town.

The air here is clean, and there is a quality of life here which would just not be possible in the city.  The school is a home from home.  People are friendly and are always waving to each other.  The matrics treat the little ones like their own brothers and sisters.  The family atmosphere is wonderful.  Many teachers live on campus and with teachers around all the time, special relationships develop with learners.  In some instances, the teachers assume a parental role.  This closeness contributes to a successful school.

A small learner body has other crucial spinoffs.  A large city school tends to specialise, but here a child can do anything.  They can try everything, and, as a result, develop as a whole person.  The variety of opportunities available is wonderful.  The proximity of rural space lends a different slant to extra-mural activities - cross-country running means just that as the school's grounds are surrounded by the impressive Camdeboo National Park.  Access to the veld is uncomplicated, free weekends are spent with local friends on farms, an Astronomy Club actually has night skies worth studying.  And there's sport, that social lubricant that never lets you down in a small town.  The learners' lives are focused on school, with little distraction.

Many parents are looking to our school because of the erosion of discipline in the cities.  Discipline, something as trivial as standardising hairstyles, may be seen as old-fashioned, but we believe it's still important.  We are also strong on tradition, standing up when adults enter the room, and lifting straw bashers to greet elders.  A growing number of parents are appreciating the values instilled by our school.  We offer better study hours, better discipline and an absence of the sort of bad influences to which city children are exposed.  We also offer big skies and a whole lot of potential.  A child can expect success here.

The school consists of two separate departments operating together. The Primary Department, headed by Mrs Anne Beagley, is for Grades 5 – 7.  The Senior Department, led by school headmaster Mr William Pringle, runs from Grades 8 – 12.  This unusual division of academic levels dates back to 1963, when a separate prep school was established as a "feeder" for the high school. Unwilling to tamper with a system that works, Union continues the system and capitalises on its advantages.  It is a big positive that pupils move from prep school to high school "without trauma".  Also, having reached the top of the Prep School pile a year sooner, Union learners have already grasped principles of leadership and responsibility.  The High School maintains a separate identity from the Primary Department so that its students are never in the shadow of the seniors, with further opportunities for leadership and excellence in grade 7.  The three words that describe Union best are vibrant, homely and caring.