WELCOME TO

BAOBAB

 COLLEGE

It is often jokingly said that everyone thinks they are experts on schools, and therefore education, because they all went to school once. Our views are indeed coloured by the experiences we ourselves had at school. However, those who have stayed in education a little longer may well have developed deeper and stronger views on education.

My own views of education have been formed over more than 25 years working in 4 different education systems around the world and I see my arrival at Baobab College as the culmination of all those years.  I have had extensive experience of Headship, of a new school, of co-educational schools, of boarding schools (as a boy and as a housemaster), of Independent schools, of schools in southern Africa, so I feel I know what I am coming to. Let me share very briefly some of what I believe as the leader of this school.

In short, I want to ensure the ‘Each’ is in the ‘Teach’. In a busy self-centred world, in a politically-correct world, in a success-driven world, in a technological world, this can often be forgotten, ignored or defied. I believe schools must guard and promote the EACH in every way – we must treat and teach each child, subject, sport, club, team individually and equally. That is costly, in terms of time, money and emotions, but it is essential.

Linked with that closely, I believe it is necessary to balance and integrate the academic, sporting, artistic, spiritual and service dimensions of life to the same degree at the school.

At the same time, it is crucial to balance commitment with achievement, true discipline with real care, attitude with aptitude, respect with responsibility, enjoyment and enrichment with enlightenment and improvement.

I believe passionately in competition but not in comparison. ALL pupils should be encouraged and challenged to do their best, not to be pushed to be the best – though by doing so they may become THE best. After all, progress is more important than success.

So, what are your views on education? Do they match those found on these pages, or more importantly within these gates? Many people tend to think that school is simply about results, be they academic or sporting; however, education is not. The education of your unique child goes way beyond the classroom.

From having visited over one hundred different Independent schools in southern Africa and the United Kingdom, I have always held that you know a school within five minutes – round about the time it has taken you to read this welcome! Do read on though, to see if your first impression is valid and to see if it matches your own views. Better still, come and visit the school, meet the people, ask the questions, feel the place.

Someone once said: “People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Baobab College makes me feel good. I trust it will do the same for you.

TIM MIDDLETON

PRINCIPAL

The Trustees of Baobab College

Mr. 'Jumbo' van Blerk

Mrs. Heather Chalcraft

Mr. Paul Golson

Ms. Klaske Hiemstra

Mr. Nick Lostrom

The Current Board of Directors : 2007 2008

 Mr. Dirk Muijs    (Chairman)

Mr. Richard Woolley

Mr. Rashid Ismail

Mr Naested Smit

Mrs Rosanne Mc Sporran

Mr. Hans Sportel

Mr. Clive Shamwana

Mr. Paul Golson

Mrs Laetitia  Reichert