Cordwalles’ purpose is: “To build a boys’ best foundation for life in a changing world.”
The Boarding Team at Cordwalles aims to underpin that foundation by being healthy role models. Respect is at the heart of all interactions between boys and staff.
Cordwalles Boarders are cared for by eight male members of the academic staff, two Sisters, 13 Boarder Masters and four female interns, most of whom live on campus. The Boarding House is managed by Christiaan de Jager (House Master), Miss Nadine Esterhuizen (Junior Boarding Pastoral Care) and Sue Warr (Sister).
We constantly reinforce values such as treating others and ourselves with respect, developing integrity and showing compassion. These values will help the boys under our care to become men of courage and character.
HEAD OF BOARDING
Mr Christiaan de Jager is the Head of Boarding at Cordwalles. He has been a teacher for 22 years at various independent schools in the UK and South Africa. During his career, Mr de Jager has been a Grade 7 and EMS teacher, Head of Afrikaans and sports coach.
“The Anthony Brown Boarding House aims to provide a home away from home for the boys under our care. I realise that there can never be a place like home; but, with the help and pastoral support of all the staff involved, we aim to create a homely atmosphere, whilst instilling values that will shape our boys’ characters.
My wish for every boy that passes through our Boarding Establishment is that he will become a man of significance who will make a difference in this changing world.”
– Mr Christiaan de Jager
THE BOARDING TEAM
The Cordwalles Boarder Masters and Interns are central to the success of our school and Boarding House.
Boarder Masters and Interns
The Boarder Masters and Interns are central to the success of our school and Boarding House. Our interns all live on-site and are actively involved in the Boarding House, where they do duties with the Senior Masters.
We do not hire external coaches; these roles are fulfilled by our Interns. In this way, they see the boys on the sports field, classroom and Boarding House. Our interns get to know the boys well, and the boys look up to them and relate to them.
The Boarder Masters and Interns can often be found playing a game of touch rugby or soccer with the boys on the fields. They even play at night under the spotlights on our multi-purpose Astro, or go for a swim in our 25m pool.
Big Brother / Big Sister Programme
Under our Big Brother/Big Sister Programme, we assign an Intern or Boarder Master to each boy in Grades 4-7, and a Big Sister for boys in Grades 3-4.
In their small ‘Cordwalles family’ groups, boys and their supportive mentors are able to build close relationships. They eat together every Wednesday and engage in two planned activities a term.
Once a week, a Big Brother or Sister and his or her ‘family’ share a meal with Mr de Jager and his family at his home.