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You are currently viewing the English version of our site.
At Paarl Girls’ High, we stand for academic excellence! It is, however, equally important to us that each individual reaches her full potential, whatever that may be.
Aristotle rightfully said: ''Happiness is the reward of virtue.''
We pay attention to the full potential of a child for when a child's heart is happy, they can excel in all areas.
School Times:
Gr. 8 – Gr. 12: 07:40 – 14:15
Criteria
We reward great academic achievement with honorary colours
Criteria according to each age group:
Grades 8 & 9 (receive colours in the first term of the following year)
Average of at least 85% in June and December examinations (a weight factor is awarded to different subjects, e.g.: mathematics and languages carry a heavier weight.)
Grades 10 to 12
Grades 10 & 11 receive honorary colours/colours in the first term of the following year
Gr. 10: Honorary colours: Average of at least 80% (June and December examinations)
Gr. 11: Honorary colours: Average of at least 80% (June and December examinations)
Gr. 11: Colours: Average of at least 75% (June and December examinations)
Grade 12s receive honorary colours/colours at the prize giving
Gr. 12: Average of at least 80% (June and September examinations)
Gr. 12: Colours: Average of at least 75% (June and September examinations)
Compulsory Subjects
Creative Arts Electives (choose 2)
Third Language Elective (choose 1)
Note: All Grade 8 learners are introduced to German and French in Grade 8. Starting Grade 9, they may opt for one third language.
Computer Literacy and Coding
Optional Additional Subjects offered from Grades 9 to 12
Compulsory Subjects
Elective Subjects (choose one from each group)
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Subjects taught outside the school timetable may be elected as an 8th subject or it can replace one of the electives above
The following subjects can also be chosen, but at an additional fee
Ekstra Curricular Academics
“The essence of leadership is influence, not authority” – unknown
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – Johan Quincy Adams
To make a positive difference relating to a specific aspect of the school, within and outside of the school grounds, during the learner's term as a leader. The leadership structure is focused on service delivery, as opposed to project management.
Influential leadership focussed on service delivery
To focus on the learner's strengths during their leadership term to make a positive contribution to the school's environment and people.
Leadership after school
To empower learner leaders and to educate them in such a way that they will be prepared for 21st-century leadership, which expects a person to react in an inclusive way, with the focus on cooperation and service delivery, when faced with unique challenges and opportunities.
World leaders
The leader must raise awareness about certain daily matters that learners have to face so that they can make a significant contribution relating to these matters in the future.
Mentorship
By making use of experienced and passionate educators to act as mentors for the learner leaders, for the purpose of development, but also so that leaders can sow back after school as mentors for others.
Important skills we want to identify and develop in the leaders of Paarl Girls' High
Learner Leaders
View leadersThe value of sport at Paarl Girls' High lie in the participation and personal development of each sportswoman. Our history of sporting excellence is a tribute to our dedicated teachers and professional coaches who are passionate about our players.
Tennis
Our tennis has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Paar Girls' High is privileged to have 6 tennis courts. Professional tennis coaching by Edge Tennis Academy is offered to our top tennis players throughout the year.
We participate in the following events: Agnes Pauw, Gerrie Berner, Interschools, All Girls’ Festival, Amanda Coetzer, Absolut Menlo, Marilie Moolman and CR van der Merwe Curro tennis tournaments.
Squash
Our squash team plays in the Boland A-League every year and also attends the yearly All Girls' Festival.
Chess
Our learners receive weekly coaching and participate in the Cape Winelands League.
Cross Country
Our cross country athletes partake in the local cross country series which takes place at one of the surrounding schools in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Wellington.
Cross country serves as the winter programme for our middle distance athletes and we encourage as many as possible to partake in the local cross country series. The athletes must run a distance of 4kms. At the end of the series, a local school is awarded as the winner of the series.
Swimming
Professional swimmers affiliate with the swimming clubs in Paarl. Paarl Girls' High is privileged to have a swimming pool on the school premises. All other swimmers practice at the school. We also partake in the yearly 4M, Interschools and various local swim galas.
Hockey
We are proud to have 15 high school teams that compete against strong Boland and Western Cape hockey teams from March to August. With the use of our astroturf and excellent coaches, we have grown in numbers and strength in recent years.
Our focus is on developing the individual to be part of a fun, challenging and learning hockey environment.
We participate in the following hockey days, clinics and tournaments:
St Mary’s Investec Hockey Festival, DF Malan Coaching Clinic, All Girls’ Festival, The Cape Town International Hockey Festival, Bloemhof u.16 Tournament, Rustenburg u.16 Tournament, Paarl Vallei Coaching Clinic, Kwagga Junior Hockey Tournament and Interschools.
Netball
With more than 400 players, netball is one of our biggest offerings in the sports arena.
The netball season commences every year with a tour to the Waterkloof Netball Festival which takes place during the March school holidays for all our age groups.
We partake in the Boland League as well as the Top Schools Competition, to which 2 to 5 teams make it to the final round in Boksburg. Our u.16 and u.18 teams are also invited to the well-known Wildeklawer Rugby en Netbalfees.
First Aid
Learners may become part of our first aid team by obtaining their Level III First Aid Certificate (for their own account). Experts in the field of sports injuries, present courses to augment the repertoire of our team members throughout the year.
The first aid team delivers an important service by being on duty during all home-based matches that take place throughout the season.
Extracurricular sport
We give recognition to learners that excel in sport types that take place outside of the school's offering. Every year, learners participate in the following sports:
At Paarl Girls’ High, the Arts form a vibrant and essential part of daily life. We believe deeply in the holistic and balanced development of every learner, and our dynamic Arts Department provides rich opportunities for creativity, expression, discipline, and collaboration.Our diverse programme includes Drama and Theatre, Music, Choir, Orchestra, Marimba, Public Speaking, Redenaars, Debat, English Debating, Photography, Editorial Team and Culinary Arts. Through these disciplines, learners are encouraged to discover their talents, develop confidence, refine critical thinking skills, and cultivate emotional intelligence.Participation in the Arts nurtures more than technical skill - it builds resilience, teamwork, leadership, and cultural appreciation. Whether performing on stage, debating with conviction, capturing moments through photography, or expressing creativity in the culinary space, our learners grow into well-rounded individuals prepared to engage meaningfully with the world around them. The Arts are not an extra at our school - they are an integral part of who we are.
Drama and Theartre
Our Drama Club offers learners a vibrant space to explore the dramatic arts and theatre-making. Students develop essential skills in performance, storytelling, and stagecraft while preparing for eisteddfods and drama competitions. Alongside these opportunities, they continuously work on plays and productions that strengthen their confidence, creativity, and overall theatrical ability.
Music
Our Music programme nurtures both talent and passion, giving learners the opportunity to explore instrumental and vocal performance, ensemble work, and musical theory. From individual lessons to Choir, Orchestra, and Marimba ensembles, students develop technical skill, musicality, and confidence while performing in concerts, competitions, and school events. Through music, learners gain discipline, creativity, and the joy of collaborative expression.
Paarl Girls' High offers music lessons for the following instruments:
- Piano
- Flute
- Saxophone
- Clarinet
- Violin
- Guitar & Ukelel
- French Horn
- Voice
Choir
Our Choir is a vibrant and accomplished ensemble, renowned for its exceptional performances and musical excellence. In 2025, we were proudly crowned category winners at the ATKV-Applous National Final, a testament to the dedication and talent of our learners.The choir regularly participates in eisteddfods and performs at school events, concerts, and community gatherings, delighting audiences with a wide repertoire of choral music.
Through singing, learners develop confidence, teamwork, musicality, and a love for performance, making our Choir a cornerstone of the Arts at our school.Our High School Choir was the proud recipient of the Laureate Award in the Prague World Choir Festival 2017. We have performed in cathedrals and on concert stages across Europe and South Africa. In 2013 and 2015 our choir was crowned as category winners for one of South Africa’s most prestigious choir competitions, the ATKV Applous.
Ensemble
Our High School Ensemble is a dynamic group, primarily featuring strings, woodwinds, percussion, and piano, with occasional contributions from guitar and ukulele players. The ensemble performs a diverse repertoire, including classical music, light music, and jazz, showcasing the versatility and talent of our learners. Beyond concerts, the ensemble offers accompaniment during assemblies, important school functions, and other events, while also representing the school in festivals and eisteddfods. Through participation, learners develop musical skill, ensemble awareness, and performance confidence, enriching both the school community and their own artistic growth.
Marimba
Our Marimba Group brings energy and rhythm to every occasion, performing regularly as background music at school functions and creating the perfect atmosphere wherever needed. A highlight of their year is participating in the annual National All Girls’ Festival, where their vibrant performances showcase the talent, skill, and enthusiasm of our learners.
Photography
The Photography programme allows learners to explore visual storytelling and creative expression through the lens. Students develop technical skills, composition techniques, and an artistic eye while capturing moments that reflect their perspective, creativity, and attention to detail.
Editorial Team - The Nautilus
Our school’s Editorial Team produces The Nautilus, a publication that celebrates the creativity, insight, and voice of our learners. The team is responsible for writing, editing, designing, and curating content, giving students hands-on experience in journalism, storytelling, and visual communication.Through their work on The Nautilus, learners develop critical thinking, collaboration, and editorial skills, while showcasing the achievements, perspectives, and creativity of the school community. The publication serves as a platform for student expression and a reflection of the vibrant life of our school.
Public speaking
Our Public Speaking programme empowers learners to express themselves confidently and persuasively. Through regular practice, workshops, and competitions, students develop clarity, poise, and critical thinking skills. Public Speaking encourages learners to engage with ideas creatively and communicate with impact, preparing them for both school and life beyond the classroom.
Redenaars
The Redenaars programme nurtures learners in the art of Afrikaans oratory, fostering eloquence, confidence, and persuasive expression. Students refine their skills through speeches, competitions, and presentations, building strong communication abilities and self-assurance in a supportive environment.
Debating
Our Debating programme empowers learners to think critically, argue effectively, and communicate with confidence in both English and Afrikaans. Students participate in a range of local and national competitions, developing reasoning, research, and teamwork skills while learning to articulate ideas persuasively. Through structured debates and practice sessions, learners gain poise, leadership abilities, and the confidence to express themselves in any setting.
Culinary Arts
Our Culinary Arts programme teaches learners the skills, creativity, and discipline of the kitchen. From preparing delicious dishes to understanding presentation and nutrition, students gain practical experience while expressing their creativity and developing teamwork, planning, and problem-solving skills.
Visual Arts
While Visual Arts is not directly part of our co-curricular programme, learners have the opportunity to pursue art lessons through our affiliate, the Jack Meyer Art Centre in Paarl. Additionally, Art can be taken as an external subject between Grades 10 and 12.The Jack Meyer Art Centre offers a wide range of creative courses, including Printmaking and Drawing, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Jewellery Design, and Mixed Media. These programmes provide learners with the opportunity to develop technical skill, creativity, and a strong artistic portfolio, complementing their broader educational journey.
We striveto create a happy and challenging environment in which every individual canreach her full potential.
Learner wellness is one of the key elements in reaching this goal. Wedeliberately create space in the curriculum and in the timetable to focus onthe improvement of learner wellness by teaching important life skills. Webelieve that practising healthy habits daily improves physical and mentalhealth. Instead of just surviving, we would like learners to strive.
Wellbeing occurs when learners can meet their learning potential, copewith normal stresses and remain connected to others.
A culture of wellbeing is prioritised across the entire school community.Positive social norms and behaviours are encouraged between our staff and our learners. A sense of belonging and inclusivity is woven througheverything the school does. It is a whole-school approach.
This helps students to:
Measuring a child’s wellbeing is important because all children deserve to be happy.
The 5 wellness pillars we embrace to help the learners to find balance, build resilience and boost mental health
Transform to Perform (T2P): This strategy is an integrated approach by the WCED, developing a values-driven mindset of self belief and values within all role players (learners, teachers, parents and officials, including leadership and top management) in the province.
The WCED believes that the shift in self-belief, values and mindsets, should result in improved behaviour and performance by all stakeholders – not to mention improved results!
At Paarl Girls’ High we focus on:
We encouraged learners to access a number of coping mechanisms that will assist in maintaining their mental health and well-being focussing on the following:
GRIT
We focus on GRIT – a personality trait possessed by individuals who demonstrate passion and perseverance toward a goal despite being confronted by significant obstacles and distractions. Learners have to realise that IQ is not the only factor separating successful people from those who struggled, but that grit is a highly predictive of success.
“I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me”
“Grit is that “extra something” that separates the most successful people from the rest”
GROWTH MINDSET
In this session we introduce Dr Carol Dweck’s theory that states when students believe they can get smarter or improve in specific skills, they understand that effort makes them stronger. There are two main mindsets we can use to navigate life: growth and fixed mindset. Having a growth mindset is essential for success. If you believe that your qualities are unchangeable (fixed mindset), you will want to prove yourself, rather than learning from your mistakes.
The power of YET: “There is a difference between not knowing and not knowing YET”
“Results and achievements tell you where a person is, but they don’t tell you where a person could end up”
EMOTIONAL AWARENESS
In a confusing time, it is important to have the ability to recognise and make sense of our emotions so that we will be able to manage it to prevent stress and anxiety.
Learners are taught that they have to learn to “ride the wave” that represents the ebbs and flows associated with life. Negative emotions must not be replaced, but rather be recognised and dealt with.
“You must be the master of your emotions if you wish to live in peace, for he who can control himself, becomes free”
MOTIVATION
This session guides the learners to find the things that motivate them and also to identify those factors that steal their motivation. Tools are given to the learners on how to react when you feel discouraged.
“You will never always be motivated. You have to learn to be disciplined.”
GRADE FOCUSSES
According to the feedback from the learners from each specific grade, the teachers and the parents, we decided on specific grade focusses for 2021:
Grade 8: Identity: Truth, not trend
Grade 9: Abundance: Embrace the moment
Grade 10: Adventure: Find your fire
Grade 11: Shine: Become a beacon of light
Grade 12: Passion: Persevere with passion
Reach Out is a charity group unique to Paarl Girls' High School.
The establishment of this action in 2007, by one of our learners, is still making a difference in the lives of our fellow human beings today.
Activities and outreach actions include the following:
In 2015 Ihlumelo Senior Secondary School contacted Paarl Girls’ High for support with their Accounting learners of whom only 47% passed the subject. We started workshops where the learners of Paarl Girls’ High, with the support of the Accounting teachers, worked through exam papers with the learners of Ihlumelo. During that year the pass rate of the Ihlumelo accounting learners rocketed to 92%.
The partnership between the two schools has been continuing ever since. The corporate sector of Paarl has also become involved. Mpact provides all the necessary printing paper and files and SPAR provides snacks for the learners.
Lelanie van der Merwe
Mathematics | Economic and Management Sciences
Lisa Faure
Afrikaans
Cady Grain
Intern
Anel Maré
Afrikaans | English
Anja van der Westhuizen
Music
Carien Steyn
Natural Sciences | Physical Sciences
Karen Wiid
English
Layla van Sitters
English | History
Mari-Lena van Rooyen
Mathematics
Marilu Smuts
Life Orientation | Natural Sciences
Nika Louw
Life Sciences
Ursa Balocco
Music
Kesia Baartman
German
Clarissa Scholtz
Computer Application Technology
Martine Odendal
Afrikaans
Lefébre Rademan
Afrikaans
René Badenhorst
Afrikaans
Elina Alting-Mees
English
Casper Badenhorst
Engineering Graphics and Design | Mathematics
Elmari Basson
Economics
Lizhan Vermaak
Economics Management Sciences | Life Orientation
Heloïse Coetzee
Life Sciences | Natural Sciences
Marlene Dreyer
Computer Application Technology
Francelle du Plessis
Dramatic Arts | Creative Arts | English
Talita Ebersohn
Mathematics
Thalita Ferreira
Grade 7: Technology
Su-Mari Fourie
Economic Management Sciences | Economics | Accounting
Talita Aucamp
Mathematics
Anri Keevy
Head of Sport | English
Liana Kemp
Mathematics
Mada Klein
Consumer Studies
Hannalie Muller
Afrikaans
Michéle Phelan
English | French
Carine Schultheiss
Life Sciences | Natural Sciences
Cara Smit
Afrikaans
Liesl Stevens
Geography | Social Sciences
Louise van Rensburg
Mathematics
Karen Swart
History | Social Sciences
Raimondo van Staden-Slabbert
Head of Arts | Music
Marli Visagie
Life Orientation | Life Sciences
Jani van der Merwe
Natural Sciences | Physical Sciences
Corlize Viljoen
Accounting
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