ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Merchiston Preparatory School, established in 1892, caters for day boys from Grades RRR to 7 and accommodates boarders from Grades 3 to 7. Merchiston is steeped in tradition and embraces all the good that the past offered and also seeks to be a forerunner in what the future holds.
Built on four pillars: Academic, Sport, Culture and Character-Building, Merchiston has established itself as one of the leading boy specialist institutions in South Africa. It is one of 15 single-sex state schools in South Africa and is widely known for its sporting prowess and for the many top class provincial and national sportsmen it has produced and continues to nurture.
Merchiston caters fully to the needs of boys, and serves to enrich their lives in a very real and meaningful way. The essence of the Merchiston ethos is a value system that will not be compromised in any way. Values such as honesty, integrity, loyalty, commitment and self-discipline are closely guarded as we believe these to be the building blocks of every child’s life. With 790 boys, Merchiston Preparatory School prides itself in its reputation and has contributed much to the educational legacy both of the province and South Africa.
Mission Statement
Our Vision
- To ensure a secure environment where positive development is fostered
- To provide progressive education
- To have dynamic, inspirational and caring staff
- To have first class facilities
- To ensure academic, sporting, cultural and operational excellence
- To have a well-mannered and disciplined school environment
Our Values
- Respect for God, oneself, others and our school
- The realisation of potential
- A positive work ethic and life skills to meet the challenges of a changing society
- An acceptance of responsibilities, respect for others and a concern for the social and physical environments
- Commitment and a desire to achieve the highest possible standards in all activities without the loss of enjoyment and enthusiasm
Our School Credo
As a Merchistonian I shall strive to:
- Do only that which is sensible, responsible and justifiable, even in play;
- Respect the rights, property, weaknesses and feelings of others;
- Know when work and play are appropriate;
- Show in my words and actions the pride I have in Merchiston;
- Honour and guard our traditions of consideration and courtesy;
And I accept that:
- As behaviour is a collective responsibility; I, as a boy of Merchiston, should gradually assume responsibility for my own behaviour.
For this I am
READY, AYE, READY
Merchiston School Song
READY – AYE – READY
In Afric’s sun, neath azure skies,
Our school enjoys great fame.
Held by our pride and honour true,
We always play the game;
Our fathers strove before us
And made our school’s good name,
Be ours the care our School shall ne’er
By us be put to shame.
Be ours the care our School shall ne’er
By us be put to shame.
Ready! Aye! Ready!
This shall be our song
Ready to be gentle, ready to be strong.
Ready to uphold the right and redress the wrong.
Merchiston forever!
Hip, hip, hip, hurrah!
When winter sets the goal posts up
We’ll don our jerseys blue,
And take the ball through every maul
With courage ever new;
For ‘neath our smart blue jerseys
Our hearts all beat as one.
And all our side is filled with pride
At every plucky run.
And all our side is filled with pride
At every plucky run.
(Chorus)
And when the summer sunshine smiles
Upon the wicket fair,
And swifts and slows from friendly foes
Come whistling through the air;
Then every eye is steady,
And straight the bat we wield.
While classic cuts and perfect drives
Shall echo o’er the field.
While classic cuts and perfect drives
Shall echo o’er the field.
(Chorus)
Then let us give three ringing cheers,
For the School we hold so dear,
Their sound shall call to one and all
In chorus loud and clear;
Till every Merchistonian
Shall hear the distant strain,
Though far apart yet every heart
Will join the loud refrain.
Though far apart yet every heart
Will join the loud refrain.
(Chorus)
BOYS
STAFF
YEARS
