saint andrew's international high...

www.saints.mw page 1

page

Message from the Head Teacher 2

A Brief History of St Andrew’s 4

A St Andrew’s Education 7

A Typical St Andrew’s Day 8

Student Profiles 10

Pastoral Care 12

Academic Life 14

Sixth Form 16

The St Andrew’s House System 18

Duke of Edinburgh Award 20

Extra-Curricular Activities 22

Charity and Community 24

Boarding at St Andrew’s 26

Life After St Andrew’s 28

Admissions 32

Contacts 34

www.saints.mw page [email protected] 2

Our students hail from over 30 countries andthe experience they gain working togetherenables them to become complete, globalcitizens. Our outcomes place us as the numberone school in Malawi and in the top 60 schoolsin the whole of Africa. The curriculum we offeris aligned with the UK system; our students sitIGCSE, BTEC Levels 2/3 and A Levels, uniqueto this region. Last year our students achievedthe best scores in Africa across 10 differentEdexcel IGCSE and GCE qualifications.

We pride ourselves on the extra-curricularopportunities we offer. In addition to sports,students are encouraged to take part incommunity projects, the Duke of EdinburghAward (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and a varietyof trips within Malawi and internationally.

St Andrew’s teaching staff are predominantlyfrom the UK and Malawi with a wide range ofexperience working in the international setting.The school’s facilities are outstanding: we havea recording studio, dedicated teaching blocks,an IT block, a library and sporting facilitiesincluding a large pool, tennis, netball,basketball and squash courts. Approximately20% of our students are boarders, looked afterby a dedicated team of staff, most of whom arepermanently resident on the school site.

We hope you enjoy browsing our prospectusand eventually see for yourself how StAndrew’s is delivering an outstandingeducational experience in this “Warm Heart ofAfrica”.

Kieron Smith, Head Teacher

From the Head Teacher

Welcome to St Andrew’s International High School. I am immenselyproud of what our school has to offer, and I hope that this prospectusgives you a flavour of what makes St Andrew’s truly unique. Pleasecontact us or plan a visit to find out more.

“Our outcomes place usas the number one

school in Malawi and inthe top 60 schools in the

whole of Africa.”

www.saints.mw page 5www.saints.mw page [email protected] 4 [email protected] 4

In the early 1930s the colonialgovernment, in conjunctionwith The Church of ScotlandMission, built the first StAndrew’s school. Located inthe mission grounds andoriginally opened as aprimary school for Europeanchildren, the new educationalestablishment enrolled its firstpupils in May 1938. Withmany parents living ‘upcountry’, a hostel was openedin 1939 in Sunnyside. Theschool was taken over by theNyasaland government in1947, growing to cater for 512junior children by 1958. Bythis time Nyasaland had beenincorporated into the CentralAfrican Federation. Despiterumblings of discontent, 1955saw the decision by theFederal government to drawup plans to open thiscountry’s first ever highschool on a site inNyambadwe.

Even with building work stillgoing on and classesinterrupted with the noise oftractors and concrete mixers,the first senior classes startedin January 1957. As befits therather sketchy history of StAndrew’s there are no records

to show exactly how manychildren were among the firstbatch of Andreans. However,the school certainly flourishedat this time with manyexpatriate parents takingadvantage of this new schoolfor older children, rather thansending them off to boardingschools elsewhere in Africaand the wider world. In thefirst year alone 300 joined StAndrew’s with bulldozersflattening the playing fieldand a science block rapidlygoing up. The firstHeadmaster, Mr Doug Eccles,established both the academicquality and the broad range ofextra-curricular activitieswhich characterise life for a StAndrew’s student. However,in 1957 he noted: “…wecannot afford to relax ourefforts if the school traditionwe expect, and indeeddemand, is to be firmlyestablished.”

In 1958 the Federalgovernment divided thevarious elements of StAndrew’s into separateschools, creating St AndrewsHigh School (S.A.H.S.) atNyambadwe, where theschool still stands today.

Despite this historic event(few realise when history is inthe making), no officialopening ceremony took place.Notwithstanding this, as theoriginal Form 1 pupilsprogressed through theschool, a plethora of otherswould follow, creating thetraditions that Mr. DougEccles was so hopeful of. Thefirst Headmaster of the HighSchool was Mr. Bill Owen,working in conjunction withMr. Hillary Parsons in his firstterm, taking the reins full-timein 1959.

A History of St Andrew’s

The early history of the school is open to differing interpretations ofexactly how old we are. As the name suggests St Andrew’s has Scottishmissionary roots, but has evolved to become the truly international,multi-cultural school that it is today.

“The firstHeadmaster, Mr

Doug Eccles,established both

the academicquality and thebroad range of

extra curricularactivities whichcharacterise life

for a St Andrew’sstudent.”

Buildingswhich oncehoused StAndrew’s

InternationalHigh School are

now part ofMwaiwathu

Hospital (top)and St Andew’s

InternationalPrimary School

(middle).

The entranceto St Andrew’sInternational

High School asit looks today.

[email protected] 6 www.saints.mw page 7

Our active learners participatefully in their education andshow initiative, and aresupported in developingthoughtful and enquiringminds. Outstanding academicrigour is balanced with anexciting programme of sportsand other activities,competitions and clubs thatencourage students to diversitytheir interests and practise theirskills. We nurture a sense ofresponsibility through ourPrefects and communitycharity work, and createcooperative team playersthrough our strong Housesystem. Students leave StAndrew’s as accomplished,self-confident individuals whoare capable of rising to thechallenges of life in the 21stcentury.

A St Andrew’s Education

We believe that school should be a safe, secure and supportivecommunity where all students are challenged and enabled to reach theirfull potential. Students are able to discover their talents and passions,allowing them to build a life of success and happiness.


students and require them toselect two hours of extracurricular activities per week,which will help them becomewell-rounded andaccomplished individuals.These are also the days whereour elite sports teams willtrain for inter-schoolcompetitions.On either a Tuesday orWednesday the students willstay for their House activities.These sessions are led byHouse teaching staff and SixthFormers.15.35 Afternoon activities

finish for students who haveselected activities on this day. 16.00 Drinks and snacks areavailable for boardingstudents.

EveningFrequently, students stay atschool and are joined by theirparents for an event,production or concert. 5.00 Boarders are supervisedduring ‘first prep’ in speciallyprovided IT rooms by staffwho are on hand to assistthem with homework andrevision for exams.

6.00 Dinner in the dining hallis served for boarders.Thereafter, students may meetand talk, play board games orcontinue with their academicwork.7.00 For boarders, study timere-commences in ‘secondprep’ for a final hour or untilthe teacher is satisfied that thestudent has completed theirhomework to a goodstandard. Bed times varydepending on the age of thestudents.

Morning6.00 Breakfast is served toboarding students in thedining hall. Day students startto arrive at school.7.05 The school day starts withregistration in House tutorgroups. This is an importanttime for the students tocelebrate each other’sachievements and takeownership of their progressthrough school. Once a weekthere will be a House, Year orschool assembly where seniorstaff talk on important lifelessons or current affairs.

7.25 Lessons begin, apart fromon Fridays when there is noregistration and so lessonsstart earlier at 7.05.9.45 After two 70 minutelessons the morning is dividedby a half hour break. Manystudents take this opportunityto socialise or visit the tuckshop.12.35 The next two 70 minutelessons are concluded with alunch break. Boardingstudents are provided withlunch in the dining hall, whilstday students enjoy theirpacked lunch or purchase

food from the tuck shop. If thestudent has not selectedafternoon activities on thisafternoon, this will be the endof their school day. The earlyacademic day has beendesigned so that the studentsdon’t have to work inclassrooms when thetemperature is at its highest.

Afternoon13.35 On Mondays andThursdays there is a widerange of extra curricular clubsfor students to enjoy. We havehigh expectations of our

A Typical St Andrew’s Day

The school day is much more than what happens in the classroom. Thefollowing timetable outlines a range of activities a student couldundertake during a typical day to give you a sense of what it’s like to bea student at the school.


Chioma Okafor 8M

“St Andrew’s is an amazingschool for sports due to theextensive facilities andspecialist P.E. teachers. As amiddle-distance runner, StAndrew’s has supported myfitness and training not only inP.E. lessons, but also throughafternoon activities and Housecompetitions. External coachesand scouts often come into StAndrew’s - this has enabledme to access a wide variety ofopportunities and hasdeveloped my skills further.The P.E. department organiselots of fixtures andcompetitions within Malawiand beyond, which has built

up my reputation on aninternational level. Recently, Iwas victorious in the 800m atan Under 20 Athleticscompetition in Zimbabwe,even though I am only 13. Mygoal is to compete for Malawiin the Olympic Games, adream I am very close toachieving as this year I amcompeting in the Under 20‘African Olympics’.”

Michael Chigona 9S

“My parents chose StAndrew’s because of themulti-cultural environmentand strong atmosphere foreducation. I love being astudent here for the same

reasons, and I have a lot ofrespect for my teachers whoalways find new and excitingways to help us learn. Whilst Ihave a strong passion for Art,my favorite subject is Biologyand I am currently top in myyear group. We actually useand understand theinformation we are taughtabout the amazing naturalworld around us; recently wemade strands of DNA fromsweets! When I left primaryschool I was shy and didn’tlike to challenge myself, butbeing a student at St Andrew’shas developed my confidenceand now I have more friendsand interests than I could haveever imagined. I have learnt toget along with people from allover the world, especiallybeing a boarder; I myself wasborn in Canada and myparents live in Zambia. Ourfocus on community andcharity has made mededicated to helping theworld become a more equaland peaceful place to live. Iwould like to study Medicinein the future and myeducation here at St Andrew’s,as well as the otherexperiences I have been given,will allow me to do so.”

Andy Zhu 11C

“St Andrew’s has a greatlearning environment with theteachers always available forextra support. As a boardingstudent I am easily able toattend additional Mathematicsclasses on Saturdays with theHead of Department, who alsolives on the school campus.Apart from learning in classes,there are also many greatopportunities to build on myknowledge in clubs and extra-curricular activities, such asComputer Aided Designwhere I learn to apply theoryto real life contexts. Recently, Igained a Gold award in the

‘Senior MathematicsChallenge’ and progressed tothe elite ‘Pink Kangaroo’section of the competitionwhere I gained a merit; thiscertifies me as one of the bestmathematicians in the worldfor my age. I am currentlystudying Economics,Mathematics, FurtherMathematics, Chemistry andBiology at AS Level, and planto read Economics at a topuniversity in the UK.”

Léoni Paul 12M

“The Art department at StAndrew’s has supported andencouraged me throughout

my time here. The curriculumfrom the start of Year 7 hasallowed me to try manydifferent techniques andstyles; I have grown both inmy ability and appreciationfor all forms of beauty, fromthe delicacy of a butterfly’swing to the power of aclenched fist. Thanks to thewide variety of resources andequipment on offer, I canexpress myself through avariety of prints, colours andmedia to a very high standard.I can interpret art work andunderstand the meaning ofpieces in the context of arthistory and ideologicalmotivators, drawinginspiration for my own pieces.St Andrew’s has given me theopportunity to capture beauty,and I am now applying touniversity to develop my artfurther.”

Student Profiles

Students are the heartbeat of the school and make St Andrew’s a warm,welcoming and enriching place of which we are very proud. From theclassroom to the sports field, from the stage to the art studio, ourstudents are truly remarkable in so many ways.

“St Andrew’s has agreat learning

environment withthe teachers alwaysavailable for extra

support.”


socially. Our aim is to helpstudents overcome anypersonal challenges whichmay impede their learning.

Overall responsibility forpastoral care is taken by theDeputy Head Welfare whoconsults with Heads of Year,Tutors, House Managers andother colleagues to promotethe welfare of all students. Thepastoral care of our students isfacilitated by the Heads ofYear who provide support tostudents and communicatedirectly with parents. As wellas a school nurse, the studentshave access to a counsellorwho can support them withtheir social and psychologicalneeds. The school also has aChild Protection Officer,responsible for thesafeguarding and protectionof all students. We adopt amulti-layered approach topastoral care so that issues canbe dealt with quickly andeffectively, as and when theyarise. No issue from eitherstudents or parents is too bigor too small for our qualifiedand experienced team to dealwith.

Students belong to their FormGroup and see their Tutorevery morning for discussionson culture and current affairs,as well as updates on theirprogress and celebrations oftheir achievements. Theybelong to their Year Groupand are well advised by theirHead of Year on anything thatis important to theirdevelopment. Once a weekthey come together in LifeSkills tutorials where theylearn about options for thefuture, as well as beingeducated on importantpersonal and social issuessuch as drugs awareness,internet safety and politics.Students also belong to theirHouse and compete for the‘House Championship’ byraising money for charity andexcelling in all areas ofacademic and extracurricularlife. Most importantly, theybelong to St Andrew’s andenjoy the social education andrespect that result from ourtruly multiculturalcommunity.

We recognise that studentscannot perform to the best oftheir abilities if they do notfeel secure emotionally,physically, spiritually and

Pastoral Care

Students are members of a safe, secure and nurturing community whereevery child is valued and cherished for who they are. The school is aplace where students of all abilities and backgrounds can feel a sense ofbelonging and purpose in their lives.


educated to doctorate leveland others who have writtenthe textbook for their subject.

Small class sizes, wellequipped classrooms andpersonalised guidance allowstudents to build towards ourinternationally recognisedqualifications. Our excellentfacilities, which arecontinually being developedand upgraded, include fullyequipped science labs, aswimming pool and a recentlyrenovated library. We provideextensive IT equipment in allsubjects, including interactivewhiteboards and tablets. Wehave five large computerrooms and Apple Maccomputers for more specialistdesign work in musictechnology and art.

We provide students with achallenging yet supportiveenvironment, enabling themto achieve the academicsuccess of which they mightnot otherwise have dreamt.

Our focus from Year 7 is tosupport progression rightthrough to IGCSE and A Levelin terms of both skills andknowledge. We prioritise thecore areas of Mathematics,

Science and English, whilstalso giving students a choiceof exciting options includingEconomics, Psychology,Design Technology andMandarin.

Students are encouraged tobecome independent, life-longlearners who have a love ofacademic enquiry. Ourstudents are encouraged tothink for themselves, toquestion and to argue thingsout via the use of effective andup-to-date teaching methods.We pride ourselves on ourexperienced, well qualifiedstaff who are subjectspecialists within their fields.The majority of our teachershave many years ofinternational experience andbring with them outstandingteaching and learning skills.Members of the teaching staffinclude those who are

Academic Life

As one of the top 60 international schools in Africa, St Andrew’s offersstudents of all abilities a full and rounded education based on the Britishcurriculum. A proven combination of outstanding staff and excellentfacilities ensures students leave the school as strong, confident globalcitizens.

“Students are encouraged to becomeindependent, life-long learners who have a

love of academic enquiry.”


Study periods, supported byour Study Supervisor, allowfor valuable independentconsolidation. St Andrew’sSixth Form develops thewhole individual; we aim tonurture citizens of the world.

Away from the classroom, weoffer a wide variety ofenrichment opportunitiesthrough House activities,Sixth Form trips and otherevents. The St Andrew’s SixthForm Diploma provides

learners with an opportunityto develop wider skills,through participation incommunity service projectsand other leadershipopportunities. St Andrew’sSixth Formers are leaderswithin the school, withopportunities to enhance theirexperience through becomingPrefects, Heads of House andHeads of School.

Our excellent HigherEducation programmeprovides opportunities toaccess University applicationsystems worldwide, includingscholarship guidance andsupport. St Andrew’s studentsprogress to Higher Educationinstitutions in many differentcountries, includingprestigious universities suchas Oxford and Cambridge inthe UK as well as Harvard andMIT in the US. As a result ofour supportive programme,success rates are consistentlyabove the UK average,ensuring that our studentsremain competitive in theglobal marketplace.

St Andrew’s Sixth Formfollows an internationally-accredited British curriculum.25 academic subjects areavailable, governed by a rangeof awarding bodies such asCIE, Edexcel, AQA, and BTEC.

Our Extended LearningProgramme offers additionalqualifications, such as theExtended ProjectQualification. Our academicprogramme also nurturesGifted & Talented students, as

well as those with additionallearning needs. We providecomprehensive pastoralsupport through the SixthForm Directors, Tutors and theLife Skills programme.

Sixth Form

Students in the Sixth Form at St Andrew’s are proud members of adiverse, vibrant and distinctly cosmopolitan community. Individually-tailored learning programmes prepare students for further study atleading universities around the world and develop the skills required for21st century employment.


Upon arrival, St Andrew’sstudents are allocated to oneof the four Houses -Chiradzulu, Michiru,Ndirande and Soche – whichare named after prominentmountain peaks close toBlantyre.

The House system provides astructure for healthy,rewarding and enjoyablesporting and culturalcompetition amongst studentsin the school. Houses areinternally geared to provide a

secure yet challengingenvironment in whichstudents are able to developleadership, teamworking and social skills.

The House system plays anintegral role in the provisionof pastoral care for ourstudents, increasing student-teacher contact time andfostering co-operation,mentoring and coachingacross a wide age rangewithin the student body.

The House System

belonging to a House community is ath the heart of life at St Andrew’s.Through a wide range of sporting and cultural events, studentscontribute with energy, enthusiasm and pride to the earning of pointsthat count towards the annual ‘House Championship’ competition.


potential; individual and teamskills, leadership, creativityand community spirit are allnurtured in a structured butrelaxed atmosphere of positiveencouragement andconstructive modelling.Qualified staff provide topquality coaching andinstruction, often with theassistance of carefully-selectedSixth Form mentors.

The programme aims toenhance confidence and self-esteem in our students,encouraging positiveengagement and fostering anethos of enjoyable, meaningfuland fulfilling activity.Students are encouraged tochallenge themselves and settargets to attain their fullpotential, individually or aspart of a team.

The extensive extra-curricular programme at StAndrew’s plays a vital rolein the overall developmentof our students.Furthermore, it preparesthem for life beyond school,empowering them tobecome confident,enthusiastic and positivemembers of society.The programme provides ahuge range of activitiescatering for the diverseneeds of all of our students.

During the course of eachyear students choose at leastone physical, one culturaland one community serviceactivity. Within thesecategories the variety ofoptions available to studentschanges regularly.Within the programmestudents are encouraged todiscover and fulfil their

Extra-Curricular Activities

Central to our commitment to a broad-based, holistic education is the StAndrew’s extra-curricular programme. Encompassing sporting, culturaland community service components, the programme has long been apillar of St Andrew’s life.

“Within the programme students areencouraged to discover and fulfil their

potential.”


and the Zomba plateau. SilverAward students mustcomplete a three dayexpedition, camping for twonights. Previous expeditionshave included climbing Mt.Mulanje and visiting LakeMalawi to complete a threeday kayak trip, whilst theremote Mangochi ForestReserve also offersconsiderable potential forexpedition groups.

The Gold Award is the mostprestigious award. Studentsare challenged to be selfsufficient in a wilderness areafor four days and three nights.This has traditionally beenundertaken on Mt. Mulanje,but has also been completed inthe north of Malawi wherestudents successfully tackled

the Luwawa Wilderness Trailfrom the Viphya Forest downto the shores of Lake Malawi.A well motivated andresponsible group of GoldAward students could plan,prepare for and undertaketheir own expedition, usingone of a number of differentpossible modes of travel, toany suitable region of theirchoosing; the opportunitiesfor adventure are boundless!

St Andrew’s students haveenjoyed great success over theyears, earning hundreds ofawards across the three awardcategories. Most recently,Gold D of E Award winnersfrom our school received theirawards from a member of theRoyal Family at BuckinghamPalace in London.

The Duke of Edinburgh (D ofE) award is divided into threecategories. The Gold Award isaimed at Sixth Form students,whilst the Silver and BronzeAwards are aimed at Year 11and Year 10 studentsrespectively. Each awardrequires participants todevelop skills in three areas,distinct from their usuallesson subjects. Physical skillsare generally demonstrated insports-related activities;

service skills are developedalongside St Andrew’scharitable pursuits; and non-sporting abilities – coveringlanguage learning, artistic andmusical pursuits – ensure thataward winners candemonstrate broad-baseddevelopment as individuals.

For each award studentscomplete a physicallychallenging expedition,during which they will camp

as a group and be selfsufficient. We are fortunatehere in Malawi to have world-class mountains andwilderness areas in which tocomplete our training andassessment expeditions. Forthe Bronze Award studentsare required to complete a twoday hiking expedition andcamp in a tent for one night. Inrecent years the Bronzeexpeditions have visited theMichiru Conservation Area

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

The well-established international Duke of Edinburgh Award has a longand rich history at St Andrew’s. The scheme echoes the ethos of theschool: to nurture the development of young people as individuals, andgive them memories that will last a lifetime.


African countries, throughsustainable initiatives. Beinglocated in a remote area in theoutskirts of Blantyre, one ofthe biggest challenges thatthey face is the lack oftransportation for its patients.St Andrew’s aimed to raiseenough funds to purchase anambulance for the clinic. Allfour Houses worked togetherto raise funds, includingorganizing and participatingin a sponsored walk.

Our school mission is to helpstudents become ethically andmorally responsible globalcitizens, able to make apositive change in the worldand respond to the needs ofothers. Many of ours studentsare passionate members ofglobal charities and activitistgroups. As part of AmnestyInternational studentsregularly raise awareness ofimportant human rightsissues. Recently students havebeen campaigning for genderequality and women’s rights,highlighting the things we cando to make a real difference.

Chiradzulu House hasselected the neighbouringNyambadwe Primary School asits chosen charity. The schoolis in urgent need, particularlywith regards to itsinfrastructure and resources.Students have done a fantasticjob raising funds to addressthese issues.

Michiru House supportsMalawi Against PhysicalDisabilities (MAP) as its chosencharity. Fundraising eventshave included ‘The WorldSmile Day’ and ‘Junior MovieNight’, raising money to

purchase paint to make theenvironment at MAP morecolourful and welcoming totheir patients.

Ndirande House's chosencharity is Step Kids Awareness(STEKA), a home for orphanedkids in Blantyre. Ndirandehosted a fundraisingValentines Ball. Students alsovisit STEKA once a week andspend time with the kidsthere, tutoring them inMathematics and English.

Soche House supports TheSamaritan Trust, which was set

up to promote the protectionand welfare of street childrenin Blantyre. Soche conduct avariety of publicity andfundraising activities aroundthe school, including apopular funfair.

In addition, from 2015, StAndrew’s has supported asingle ‘whole-school’ charity.Recently, staff and studentsnominated Alex’s Medical andEducational Clinic in Africa(AMECA). This charity iscommitted to healthcaredelivery, training andeducation in sub-Saharan

Charity and Community

Recognising the privileged position that St Andrew’s holds withinBlantyre and the surrounding area, charity and community work is anintegral part of the school. Each House contributes to a charity of itschoice, reaching out to those less fortunate and in need.


We are constantly improvingboarding facilities and wehope parents and boarderswill note positive changesoccurring. Recently we haverefurbished the junior boys’accomodation and have beenrenewing furniture, lightingand flooring in other boardingareas.

We are proud of the boardingcommunity and in particularof the contribution thatboarders make to the life ofthe school. You will find

boarders at the heart of everyschool sports team, music anddrama production. We havesome phenomenally giftedyoung men and women in our

care and we endeavour tosupport and encourage themin all areas of their education.

We encourage supportive andfamilial relationships betweenstaff and students and aim todevelop autonomy, sounddecision making andproductive peer relationshipsbetween all age groups.Students are encouraged toreturn home to spend timewith their families duringschool breaks.

In St Andrew’s boarding wecurrently house almost 100students in separate male andfemale boarding hostels.

Accommodation comprises ofstudy bedrooms for allstudents in Year 9 andupwards, and subdivideddormitory space for studentsin Year 7 and 8.

For a boarder, the school dayhas the added structure ofregular meal times,supervised prep times, andtime dedicated to relaxation.Senior boarders take an activerole in supporting juniors andensuring the smooth runningof activities within the hostel;

we actively encourage the‘hands-on’ involvement ofstudents.

Outstanding facilities withinthe boarding hostels includetable tennis, gym equipment,satellite TV, a Playstation andtwo fully equipped ICT roomswith wifi access. Boarders alsohave use of tennis and squashcourts, the school gym,swimming pool and sportsfields.

Boarding

Given all that St Andrew’s has to offer it is not surprising that studentsjoin our community from all over the world. A home away from home,our vibrant community of boarders provides a friendly and nurturingenvironment for students to focus on their studies and thrive.


Tom van Oosterhout, Year 12

“I achieved six A* and four Agrades at IGCSE, including thehighest mark in Africa forPhysical Education. I am nowstudying Economics,Mathematics, History andBiology at A Level. I wouldlike to read for a Bachelor’sdegree in Economics atErasmus University College inRotterdam, one of the mostprestigious universities in theNetherlands, followed by aMaster’s degree in Economicsin London or Prague. I havebeen very well supported bymy teachers at St Andrew’s,and the school has certainlyprovided me with an excellentplatform to go on and make adifference in the world.”

Yashodhara Dikshit, Year 13

“I am currently studying ALevel Economics, Mathematicsand Biology at St Andrew’s.Supported by some amazingteachers, I have dedicatedmyself to my academic studiesduring my time at school andam hoping to get strong A*and A grades in my finalexams. For next year I havesecured a place to read for aBSc Management degree at theLondon School of Economics,one of the most prestigiousuniversities of its kind in theworld. Along with lots of hardwork, I have completed plentyof work experience, includinga long internship with aregional bank in Malawi.”

Lurein Perera, Year 12

“I am currently studying ALevel Economics,Mathematics, History, Biologyand Chemistry; I have mysights set on readingEconomics & Political Scienceat a leading internationaluniversity. I want to betterunderstand the complexitiesof the world economy, andaspire to hold a prominentposition within the UnitedNations. St Andrew’s hasnurtured and developed me into the person that I am today.The resources that the schoolprovides, along with thededication of my teachers,have been pivotal to myacademic achievements.”

Life After St Andrew’sBy offering British qualifications our students can apply to anyuniversity in the world or aim to be accepted by sector-leadingcompanies for apprenticeships. As well-rounded, independent life-longlearners, they will confidently take with them personal skills, experiencesand memories to last a lifetime.

Sanjana Katoch, Year 13

“I am studying BTEC Travel &Tourism, A Level BusinessStudies and A LevelInformation Technology. Nextyear I am moving to NewYork, USA, to study for a five-year Bachelor of BusinessAdministration degree inHospitality & TourismManagement at PaceUniversity. It was always mydream to be accepted into agood university in a vibrant,multi-cultural city like NewYork. I was guided throughthe university applicationprocess by my Form Tutor andsecured a competitivescholarship package thatmeans I can afford to makemy dream come true.“

Chris Hammond, Year 12

“In my IGCSEs I achieved thehighest mark in Music inAfrica, and also achieved aGold award in the UKMathematics Challenge. I amnow predicted A grades in ALevel Mathematics, Physics,Chemistry, Music Technologyand Art. My hard work acrossa range of different subjectshas allowed me to keep myuniversity and career optionsopen; however, I see myselfstudying for a degree inEngineering at a topuniversity in Australia. Theteachers at St Andrew’s haveinspired me in so many ways,and the school has given menumerous opportunities, suchas the Gold D of E award.”

Alden Boby, Year 12

“My aspiration is to studyMechanical Engineering at atop university in South Africaor the USA. At IGCSE Iachieved the highest grade inAfrica for two subjects:Resistant MaterialsTechnology and ICT. I havecontinued these two subjectsat A Level, along with Physicsand Mathematics, and ampredicted mostly A grades.During my time here myteachers have helped me todevelop the essential skillsrelevant for my future, both inacademic study and otherareas of school life. Roles suchas School Prefect havedeveloped my organisationand leadership skills.”

www.saints.mw page [email protected] 32 [email protected]

Sixth Form Admissions

At St. Andrew’s we recognise that students have a broad range of skills, this is the reason why we try to have as wide a range of subject options as possible for our Sixth Form students to choose from.

In Year 12, students are required to have four subject choices.Entry routes for Year 12:

1. For a pure AS Level course, entrants will need to pass 6 IGCSEs/GCSEs (inc English Language and Maths) at C grade or higher.

2. For a BTEC / AS Level combination, entrants will need to pass 5 IGCSEs/GCSEs (inc English Language and Maths) at C grade or higher.

For external students, the best starting point for Sixth Form entry is to attend our annual Sixth Form induction evening towards the end of Term 2 where the entry process will be explained in more detail and a copy of the Sixth Form handbook will be made available. Prospective students can then make their AS Level/BTEC choices and be put into our entry system, with a place confirmed after the publication of IGCSE/GCSE results in August.

Should an external student be unable to attend this induction evening, then they should contact the school to ensure their subject choices are possible and that a provisional place can be confirmed. External students will also need to complete the standard registration process to enter the school, as well as producing a copy of their last school report or a reference from their last school and a copy of their statement of IGCSE/GCSE results or equivalent.

For both external and internal students, the Director of Sixth Form will be available on school site from mid-August to confirm places and hold meetings to resolve any options difficulties. Applications for scholarships will also take place after the publication of IGCSE/GCSE results. Details of how to apply for a Sixth Form scholarship can be obtainedfrom the Head Teacher.

Entry into Year 13 is based on AS Level and/or BTEC results. The minimum requirement for entry into Year 13 is for a student to pass the subjects they wish to proceed with at a D grade or higher at AS Level or a Pass grade in BTEC.

External candidates for Year 13 is uncommon, but if a prospective student is able to show they have made these entry requirements and that their subject combinations can be accommodated in our Year 13 option blocks, then entry will be considered through the usual admission process.

Join The Boarding Family

Complete a boarding application at the same time as the standard application is submitted; this is also available from the school website. An additional meeting with the Head of Boarding will take place to arrange suitable accommodation and to outline the boarding routines, procedures and rules. A student will normally move into boarding prior to starting school. On the first day, he or she will be met by the Head of Boarding, provided with a room and welcome information and assigned a boarding parent who willbe responsible for their pastoral care.

Year 7 Admissions

Most of our students come from four main feeder schools but every year we welcome students into boarding who are based elsewhere. If your son or daughter is already in primary school in Blantyre, Malawi, please complete the application form that is sent to the schools in February. This form should be returned to Saint Andrews International High School with the registration fee. You will also receive a Parents’ Handbook and information on the current fees with the application form. If you are applying from outside Blantyre, or internationally, then please complete the online application form. Applications are accepted into any year group at any time of the year.

The Head of Year 7 will establish a link to find out more about your child. If you are unfamiliar with Saint Andrews International High School or wish to discuss individual matters concerning your child’s transition to secondary education, please do not hesitate to make an appointment to see us or arrange a Skype discussion.

AdmissionsAn application pack can be collected from the school containing parentinformation and an application form; alternatively, you can apply bydownloading our forms from the school website.

Prospective parents meet with the Deputy Head Welfare who willdiscuss the application and identify the necessary documentation fromprevious schools. Parents pay a non-refundable deposit at this stage tothe School Admissions Officer.

Once the new student has been formally accepted, he or she will meetthe Head Teacher on the first day and then be introduced to his or hertutor. During the first few weeks, another student will be assigned tosupport him or her to settle into life at St Andrew’s.

www.saints.mw page [email protected] 34 [email protected]

Malawi is known as ‘TheWarm Heart of Africa’ forgood reason. Since gaining in-dependence in 1964 Malawihas enjoyed relative peace andstability, both politically andsocially. A majority Christianpopulation live harmoniouslyalongside a significant numberof Muslims and other reli-gious groups, a diversity re-flected in the multi-culturalnature of our school. Englishis widely spoken as a second,if not first, language. Blantyreenjoys a pleasant climate, no-ticeably more temperate thanits tropical continental loca-tion might suggest, as the alti-tude of around 1,000mensures that temperaturesgenerally range 19°C to 26°C.The physical geography ofMalawi is diverse, offering avariety of lakes, mountains,forests and open grasslandsfor our students to explore. Anumber of premier tourist at-

tractions are all easily accessi-ble from Blantyre and includebeautiful Lake Malawi, theZomba plateau and the impos-ing Mulanje Massif.

Blantyre is located in southernMalawi, a 360km drive southof the capital Lilongwe. Blan-tyre is connected by well-sur-faced roads to neighbouringZambia (500km), Mozambique(100km), and Zimbabwe

(370km via the Tete Corridor),with a number of coach opera-tors providing regular servicesbetween the main cities inthese countries and onwardsto South Africa. Blantyre iswell serviced by regular inter-national flights into and out ofChileka International Airportwhich is only 16km away fromthe school. Major internationalairlines allow for connectionsacross the globe, includingSouth African Airways andEthiopian Airlines. There isalso an international airport inLilongwe.

The St Andrew’s campus lies3km north east of the centre ofBlantyre in the leafy suburb ofNyambadwe; the main en-trance is at the end of BreretonDrive, off the main ChilekaRoad. If you would like de-tailed travel instructions oradvice, please contact us.

Contacts

Head Teacher:Mr. K. P. Smith, BEng (Hons), PGCE

Postal address:St Andrew’s International High SchoolPrivate Bag 211Brereton DriveBlantyreMalawi

Telephone:+(265) 01 823 688+(265) 01 822 585+(265) 01 822 470+(265) 01 824 628

Fax:+(265) 01 822 368

Website:www.saints.mw

E-mail:[email protected]

Twitter:@saints_malawi

Notes

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

[email protected] 36 [email protected]

Notes

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

saint andrew's international high...

Documents