Situated on an extensive property on the edge of Beacon Bay, Merrifield Preparatory School and College provides a truly unique learning environment. The wooden cabin-type classrooms and the many trees create a natural backdrop for the vibrancy and enthusiasm so characteristic of the atmosphere at the school. Our school motto ‘Astra Petentes’ means reach for the stars’ and pupils at Merrifield are guided to realising their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Our dedicated staff is made up of experts from various teaching areas and all are highly committed to upholding the overall ethos of the school. The learning process receives constant evaluation and staff development is a priority. Academic excellence is our goal and this is facilitated by our small class sizes.

At Merrifield our aim is to create a sense of self worth and belonging. The entire school shares the same campus and so there is a healthy interaction between pupils of all ages. Our children range in age from our youngest who are three years old, through to Matrics and this creates a special school atmosphere. In addition, parents are encouraged to be involved in school activities. Learning is viewed as a co-operative process between pupils, parents and staff. Our weekly internal newspaper, “The MerriNews”, is distributed each Friday and serves to connect our pupils, staff and families to form a cohesive group in which individual successes, family celebrations and class events can be highlighted and shared with the entire school community.
 

There is a variety of sport and cultural activities available especially to our Foundation Phase children in order that they can learn skills and develop hobbies at a young age. A weekly tennis lesson with a professional coach takes place as part of the school day. Physical training is provided by means of a weekly swimming lesson in the summer, and hockey in the winter.

As well as providing learners with an excellent academic foundation, Merrifield is committed to equipping learners for life.

 The past year has seen the school coming into its own and, concomitantly, being noticed in the public eye as a learning centre of educational excellence.  As a result, there has been substantial numerical growth at the outset of 2011 requiring new staff members and additional classrooms.  Merrifield is increasingly making its mark in the region. Our academic focus based on small classes, personal attention and a quality IEB education is being recognized in the context of many schools, unfairly and uneducationally, being pressurized to increase their class sizes. We are fortunate enough to be able to guard this fundamental imperative – small class sizes being a cornerstone of our very ethos. Merrifield has shone this past year with our whole school production being a real highlight.  Our vibrant performance arts and academic rigour distinguish us, especially, as we continue to evolve into a thriving educational community.

School Phases:

Pre-Primary 3yrs - 6yrs

Foundation Phase: Grade 1, 2 and 3

Intermediate Phase: Grade 4 - 7

College: Grade 8 - 12

School Times

Pre-Primary: Grade 000 - 00             7:40 - 12:00 (school day begins at 8:00am)

Pre-Primary: Grade R                         7:40 - 12:30

Grade 1 & 2                                          7:40 - 13:00 followed by a compulsory 30 minutes of extra
                                                                murals every afternoon Monday - Thursday. Children are dismissed at
                                                                13:45

Friday:                                                    Children go home at 13:00

Grade 3 - 7                                            7:40 to 14:00 Extra-murals begin at 14:00

Grade 8 - 12                                         7:40 to 14:10 Extra-murals begin at 14:15

Religious affiliation:                          Interdenominational