House, Grade and Tutor System
Students are allocated to a House when they arrive at the College and they remain in that House for the duration of their schooling career. There are four houses; Avontuur (green), Cloetenberg (blue), Helderberg (red) and Vredelus (yellow). Several Inter-house events are held during the year, which are most festive and fiercely competitive. The Kerr-Peterson Inter-house trophy is awarded each year to the House which accumulates the most points during the year.
Each student belongs to a tutor group that is made up of approximately 15 other students from the same grade and gender. A member of staff is appointed to act as tutor for each of the groups. The tutor is responsible for overseeing the programme and well-being of each of his or her tutees. The tutor groups meet formally for a single lesson each week and tutees are encouraged to meet informally with their groups on a quarterly basis. The tutor is the first point of contact for staff and parents regarding the progress of the student. The tutor is responsible for all aspects of the student’s development, including the academic, social, sporting and cultural development. A tutor should remain with the same tutor group from Grades 8 to Grade 12. The tutor system provides each student with an opportunity to experience a sense of belonging.
One senior staff member is appointed as Grade Head in each grade of the school. The Grade Heads are responsible for the well-being of the entire year group under their care. They work closely with the tutors in providing another level of support and authority for the students.
Somerset College has in its employ professional staff who provide support to students. Parents, staff and tutors will refer students to the SDU when the need arises. The SDU will, in consultation with the relevant role players, either deal with the issue or refer the student to outside professionals.
Head of SDU – Mrs Lizelle van Niekerk
The school chaplain plays an important pastoral role in the school. He acts as the primary spiritual counsellor in the school.
Chaplain – Mr Patrick Cordery