Maru A Pula School
THE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Maru a Pula is an independent, co-educational, secondary school offering
a programme of academic excellence to Batswana and to expatriate students.
It is a non-profit making institution. The boarding component of the School
plays a significant part in the overall ethos of Maru a Pula and both
boys and girls can choose to enroll as full boarders. The academic setting
of the School is rigorous and is based on established international standards.
Examinations offered are the Cambridge International General Certificate
of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the G.C.E. Advanced Level University
Entrance exams (A Level). Relaxed interaction between students and teachers
is encouraged. Emphasis is placed on the development of study and independent
learning skills in order that students may achieve their full, individual
potential. Academic courses are balanced by non-examinable courses in
performing arts and computer usage. In addition to academic skills, Maru
a Pula aims to promote in its students standards that will enable them
to become responsible citizens, aware of their own individuality at the
same time as showing tolerance and respect for the individuality of others.
Self-discipline, self-confidence, integrity and a sense of community responsibility
are stressed at Maru a Pula. The afternoon SPE programme, which includes
student participation in a wide range of service and physical and enrichment
activities, forms an important art of the overall curriculum.
HISTORY AND ORGANISATION
Maru a Pula opened its doors for the first time in 1972. Four years of
planning resulted in the founding Headmaster, Mr Deane Yates, welcoming
the first group of 25 students to the one classroom that had been built.
The site of approximately 20 hectares of Kalahari bushveld on the outskirts
of Gaborone, which had been generously given to the School by the Government
of Botswana, seemed a distant satellite of the capital. Although the surrounding
areas are now built up, the campus retains a rural, unspoilt feeling.
From 25 students in its first year, the School has grown to approximately
600. The 140 boarders and most of the 53 teachers live on the property.
Students and staff are drawn from approximately 40 countries and the multinational
flavour of the School is undoubtedly one of its most valuable assets.
Unlike many International Schools, Maru a Pula deliberately enrols a high
percentage of local citizens: over half the students are Batswana. Maru
a Pula has a School Council which is ultimately responsible for the general
policy and financial management of the School. The Principal, who is a
member of the Council, directs the School on a day to day basis. There
are two Deputy Principals (one for Staff and another for Student Affairs)
and three Directors of Study (Forms 1 and 2, IGCSE, and A-level).
Maru A Pula School
School Profile:
UK curriculum
750 students, 12-20 yrs.
Address
Private Bag 0045,
Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: (+267) 391 2953 ;
Fax: (+267) 397 3338
principal.map@info.bw ;
http: //www.map.ac.bw/
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