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Botswana High School Structure

Find High Schools

Secondary education in Botswana encompasses 3 years of junior secondary school and 2 years of senior secondary school.

  • Duration of study: 5 years
  • Ages                            : 13- 18 years
  • Levels: Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary
  • Primary Languages: English, and Setswana
  • Terms                          : 3 (1st term- January to early April, 2nd Term- May to August, and 3rd Term September to December)
  • Admission Term: 1st Term
  • Awards: Junior Certificate Examination (JCE), Cambridge (IGCSE), and Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Examination (BGCSE).

Junior Secondary

Junior secondary education in Botswana encompasses forms 1 to 3. Students study to get a Junior Certificate Examination (JCE). Upon completing junior secondary. This examination determines continuation or progression to a senior secondary school. Several students completing primary education in Botswana have access to junior secondary education. There are more than 200 Government Junior Secondary schools in Botswana.

Junior secondary school students study a minimum of 10 subjects. All students must take eight core subjects including English, Setswana, social studies, mathematics, integrated science, design and technology, agriculture, and moral education. they must also select a minimum of two and a maximum of three from the following electives including home economics, commerce, principles of accounts or bookkeeping and office skills, religious education, third language, art, music, and physical education, to mention but a few. The broad curriculum aims to meet the different needs and capabilities of all the students.

Senior secondary school

Admission to senior secondary schools is determined by student performance in the junior secondary school Junior Certificate Examinations (JCE). Senior secondary school last two years, form 4 and 5 and on completion, students will sit for the Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Examination (BGCSE).

The senior secondary curriculum is like the junior secondary curriculum. It is more like a continuation of junior secondary subjects. Students learn eight core subjects including English, Setswana, social studies, mathematics, integrated science, design and technology, agriculture, and moral education, and some electives including the following: including home economics, commerce, principles of accounts or bookkeeping and office skills, religious education, third language, art, music, and physical education, to mention but a few.

Private schools also have a broad curriculum and students can choose a minimum of eight subjects from the following: Accounting, French, Drama, Physics, Economics, Setswana, English Language, Business Studies, Mathematics, Chemistry, Additional Maths, Geography, Art and Design, History, Biology, Information, and Communication Technology (ICT), Literature in English, Music, and Computer Science, to mention but a few.

Let’s take a brief look at some schools offering Junior Secondary and senior secondary education. Local schools can also enroll foreign students but enrolling there will depend on the availability of resources and facilities that suit the standards of the applicants or guardians and parents.

 

Maru-a-Pula School

This is a world-class, co-educational, independent day and boarding secondary school and one of Africa’s premier academic institutions. Its purpose is to nurture students to be leaders who are deeply committed to helping their communities. The school prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A-Level examinations, which give students opportunities for entry to the best universities worldwide.

  • Location: Plot 4725, Maruapula Way, Gaborone
  • Established: 1972
  • Student population: 820+
  • International students: 250+
  • Curriculum: A-Levels, IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Fees range: Annual Tuition Fee: P90 720- P92 040
  • Type: private non-profit, Co-Educational
  • Terms: 3

The school offers several facilities including more than 21 classrooms, science labs, a library, a 450 seater multi-purpose assembly hall and theatre, and various sports facilities including 1 swimming pool, 3 basketball courts, 2 netball courts, 2 volleyball courts, 1 football pitch, 1 rugby pitch, 1 athletics track, 2 tennis courts, 1 cricket batting area, and 1 studio room for dance, to mention but a few. Sporting codes here include swimming, basketball, football, cricket, volleyball, rugby, athletics, tennis, and netball, to mention but a few. The school also offers Zumba, yoga, dance, aqua aerobics, golf, cycling, and many more.

Prospective students

Admission to Maru-a-Pula School is done by the Admissions Committee which looks at the applicant’s performance on an entrance exam and transcripts from an applicant’s previous schools. All new students seeking to enroll here must take an entrance test that measures their level and aptitude.

  • Tuition and fees- parents or guardians can expect to pay the following in terms of fees and tuition, not that these fees are subject to change.
  • Registration fee - P365
  • Entrance fee- P430
  • Development Levy-    Form 1 - 5 P30 240(once-off payment)
  • Lower 6- P15 120
  • Upper 6 - P15 120
  • Tuition Fees per Term
  • Advanced Level Upper 6- P30 680
  • Lower 6- P30 680
  • All textbooks to be purchased from the school
  • Forms 1 to 4 and 5- P30 240
  • Boarding fees
  • All boarding students- P22 785
  • Lunches and Snacks (per term) - P3 100

Students can also enjoy a variety of enrichment activities including the marimba band, acapella group, wildlife club, debating club, chess, poetry, Teen Investor club, bridge club, film club, individual tutelage in musical instruments, sewing, cookery, Mandarin, and Model United Nations.

Westwood International School

This is an English medium international school in Gaborone, founded in 1988 with sponsorship from the American and British governments and in collaboration with the Botswana Ministry of Education. The school is unique and diverse and Combines challenging and enriching educational experiences with academic rigor, and creative opportunities to produce globally ready students. It also aims to develop students who ask questions, who are knowledgeable and caring young people, and help to create a better world through intercultural understanding and mutual respect.

  • Established: 1988
  • Location: Phase 4, Plot 22978 Mmankgwedi Road Gaborone, Botswana
  • Student population: 598+
  • International students: 45%+ (from 39 countries)
  • Curriculum: Advanced Levels, IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
  • Language of Instruction: English
  • Type: private non-profit, Co-Educational
  • Terms: 3
  • Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Council of International Schools (CIS), International, Baccalaureate (IB), Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA), and the Conference of Heads of Private Schools Botswana (C.H.O.P.S).

Why Westwood International School

The school is one of the best international schools in southern Africa. It is officially accredited and recognized by various bodies. The school has a reputation for inspiring students and making learning enjoyable. The school offers a balanced education which balances academics with the Arts, Sports, Service, and Sustainable Future creation. The school allows students to discover their strengths and broaden their horizons by offering diverse opportunities for self-development.

Sports and extracurricular activities

The school offers students a very challenging environment but which gives them opportunities for growth and development of their talents. Activities include Archery, Taekwondo, Karate, Violin Lessons, WIS Dance Club, Arts and Crafts, Chess, Mindfulness Club, Mobymax, Orchestra, Yoga, Fencing, Cultural Exchange Buddies, Red Cross Club, and Robotics, to mention but a few.

Prospective students

Parents or guardians and prospective students must take note of the following:

All students who apply for admission must take an entrance assessment and or demonstrate their suitability through previous school records. Parents or guardians with children who have existing special needs must disclose in full, the extent of disability and its nature and provide the necessary documentation.

Other requirements for admission include:

  • An application for Admission Form. An online portal is
  • Full disclosure of all behavior and disabilities.
  • At least two recent school reports (translated into English)
  • A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
  • One current passport-sized photograph of parent and student
  • Evidence of good financial standing from the previous school  
  • Residence permit of parent or guardian.
  • Passport of both parent or guardian and the student.
  • Supporting documents such as psychological, Occupational Therapy, and speech reports
  • Applicants must spend a day at the school for a thorough social, emotional, and academic assessment.
  • A student wishing to enroll in the secondary school must have completed the preceding year or it's equivalent in another recognized educational institution      

 

Gaborone international school- Senior School

The Gaborone International School’s senior school enrolls secondary students and prepares students for what lies ahead. We believe in following international school standards, to ensure a strong academic foundation for our senior school learners. For this reason, we follow the Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus. Form 1 here is a Foundation year and the IGCSE course starts from Form 2 to Form 4 when the exam is written.

  • Founded: 1993
  • Address: Plot No. 37224 Block 8 off Western By-Pass Gaborone, Botswana
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Terms: 3 terms
  • Fees Range: P13 200- P17 100 per annum
  • Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE.
  • Type: coeducational
  • The school offers a rich curriculum that includes subjects like Mathematics, English, Biology, ICT, Computer Science, History, Physics, Business Studies, Chemistry, Accounting, Development Studies, Setswana, French, Literature, Geography and Economics.
  • Facilities- the school offers a variety of facilities to enhance the student's overall and holistic learning experience. Facilities found here include a Swimming Pool, Audio Visual Room, Library, Computer Lab, Sports Playgrounds, Science Labs, Circular Athletic Track, Various Sports Courts, and Music Room

Sports and extracurricular activities

Students can choose from a variety of sporting codes and join one where they can excel or join any club for recreational purposes. Clubs include Chess, Arts and crafts, Music, Computer Club, Debate, and the Choir, to mention but a few. Sporting codes include swimming, athletics, soccer, netball, basketball, tennis, and athletics, to mention but a few.

Tuition and Fees

Grade                                                 Termly x 3                  annually         5% Annual Discount

Form 1                                     P 10 120                      P 30 350                      R 28 840

Form 2                                     P 10 430                      P 31 290                      P 29 720

Form 3                                     P 10 890                      P 32 660                      P 31 290

Form 4                                     -                                   P 44 520                      P 42 290

AS Levels                               -                                    P 52 000                      -

 

Additional Costs                                                                                per Annum

Enrolment fee for new learner- Form 1 to 3                                       P 1 400

Enrolment fee for new learner- AS Levels                                         P 8 000

Text book levy per year- High School                                                P 1 200

Text book levy per year- AS Levels                                                   P 1 300

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