Academic Programme at Pretoria Boys High

PBHS pursues academic excellence, providing a path for our boys to be successful in their chosen tertiary education and in their careers.

We are placed amongst the top achieving schools in South Africa, offering boys a comprehensive academic programme that aims to broaden their minds throughout their high school years.

Pretoria Boys High School is the professional home to over a hundred well qualified, dedicated teachers. Our class sizes remain small (around 28 boys at junior level and around 25 boys at senior level) and boys have an extensive academic offering to choose from.

Pretoria Boys High School operates under the Gauteng Department of Education. Pupils write the National Senior Certificate Examination in Form V (Grade 12), which results in the awarding of a school-leaving certificate for successful candidates. In addition our top academic boys write the IEB examinations in Further Studies Programme obtaining internationally recognised certificates.

Diverse Curriculum

In addition to the standard Senior and FET Phase subjects, PBHS offers specialised subjects such as Coding and Robotics (in Form I and Form II during class time), a comprehensive Music Programme (from Form I to Form V), Information Technology (IT), Computer Application Technology (CAT) (from Form III), Art as well as French, German and Sepedi.

For our accomplished mathematicians, PBHS offers an accelerated programme in Form I and Form II. Two IEB subjects, Further Studies Mathematics Extended and Physics are offered from Form III.

Further Studies Programme

Further Studies Programme is available to both independent and public schools, these courses are quality-assured by Stellenbosch University’s Unit for International Credentialing (SU-UIC), with certificates issued by the IEB. Further Studies courses have been benchmarked by UK ENIC and align with the rigour and benchmark of UK A-levels.

PBHS consistently produces an outstanding set of results in their Final ISC (International Senior Certificate) Examination in Further Studies Mathematics (Calculus and Algebra – standard module), Statistics (elective module) as well as in FS Physics.

Integrated Learning

Boys High offers a unique Integrated Learning Programme in Form II, which combines learning in Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Geography), Languages, Technology and Art into one project pertaining to current issues in South Africa. It teaches boys to integrate their knowledge across various subjects, equipping them with the skills required to succeed at their tertiary education and obtain several skills used in everyday life.

We provide specialist subject teachers throughout our school, and we are proud of our dedicated and talented teaching staff who deliver exceptional teaching, going the extra mile to meet the needs of our boys.

NSC Results

Further Studies Programme Results

Subject Choice

FORM I & II

Compulsory Subjects:

English Home Language
Economic and Management Sciences
Life Orientation
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Coding, Robotics & Technology

Elective Subjects:

Afrikaans OR Sepedi
French OR German
Music OR Creative Arts

Accelerated Mathematics is offered based on the performance in Mathematics. This subject is an entry level to the Further Studies Mathematics (IEB subject) offered in Form III – V.

Music: Beginners can start at high school, but success depends on ability and instrument choice. Recommended instruments for beginners with no prior experience include woodwind and brass instruments. PBHS has a limited number of spaces available in the music program. Therefore, all students who wish to enroll in the subject of Music are required to attend an information session. The date for this session will be communicated to all successful PBHS applicants later in the year.

For further information, contact Head of Music:
Ms A Steyn
Email: asteyn@boyshigh.com

FORM III – V

Compulsory Subjects:

English
Life Orientation

Elective Subjects:

Total of 5 subjects to be selected from the list below:

Afrikaans OR Sepedi
Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy
Physical Sciences and/or Life Sciences and/or Geography
French OR German
Information Technology OR Computer Applications Technology (CAT)
Accounting OR Business Studies
Music
History
Visual Arts
Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
Tourism

PLEASE NOTE PBHS SUBJECT RESTRICTIONS:

If Mathematical Literacy is chosen, Physical Sciences cannot be chosen.
If Mathematics is chosen, Tourism cannot be chosen.
If Physical Sciences is chosen, CAT or Tourism cannot be chosen.
We reserve the right to request changes to a boy’s subject portfolio should a particular combination prove to be uneconomical.
Further Studies Mathematics (IEB subject offered as continuation of Accelerated Mathematics).
Further Studies Physics (IEB): Further Studies Physics is offered only to the pupils taking Further Studies Mathematics.

Additional Information

Structure of the National Senior Certificate

7 Subjects, with the breakdown as follows:

Compulsory Subjects

2 Languages:
- One language at Home Language level (English)
- One language at First Additional Language level (Afrikaans OR Sepedi)
Mathematics OR Mathematical literacy
Life orientation

Elective Subjects

3 Subjects of choice
Any 3 other approved NSC subjects of which a maximum of 2 may be languages other than Home and First Additional Languages.

Subjects Offered in Form III – V

Accounting	About financial information and transactions, and the compilation, analysis and interpretation of financial statements and managerial reports.
Afrikaans	The subject of Afrikaans focus on developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It explores the language’s rich literature, culture, and history, fostering communication and appreciation of diversity in South Africa.
Business Studies	Investigates how formal and informal enterprises can be managed to achieve profit and other objectives and how these enterprises can contribute to economic growth. Equips one for informed, productive, ethical and responsible participation in the formal and informal economic sectors.
Computer Applications Technology	Computer Applications Technology (CAT) is a practical and theoretical subject that teaches learners essential computer skills. It covers topics like word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, basic website design and internet use, preparing students for the modern digital world and various career paths.
Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)	EGD integrates the cognitive and manipulative skills that are used to design and communicate graphically. The content focus is located in authentic application within Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Technologies.
English	English Home Language is a compulsory subject, focusing on advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It explores literature, language structure, and critical thinking, preparing learners for effective communication and academic success.
French	French is an internationally spoken language, valuable in business and various fields. The syllabus provides a practical foundation in speaking and writing, enhancing communication skills for future opportunities. By joining the French class, you’ll gain proficiency in the language and can participate in cultural activities, including the French Spelling Bee, the French Amazing Race with other schools offering French, Francophonie Day, and the annual football match between the French and German matric students.
Further Studies Programme	Further Studies Programme are quality-assured by Stellenbosch University’s Unit for International Credentialing (SU-UIC), with certificates issued by the IEB. PBHS consistently produces an outstanding set of results in their Final ISC (International Senior Certificate) Examination in Further Studies Mathematics (Calculus and Algebra – standard module), Statistics (elective module) as well as in FS Physics.
Geography	Explores physical and human processes and spatial patterns on Earth over space and time. Equips one to make sense of the physical and human worlds and to understand the many different forces such as environmental deterioration and movement of people that influence these worlds.
German	German is a fun subject offered in small classes and focuses on the German language and culture. Taking German will develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, offering the learners the opportunity to take part in an exchange program to Germany and to write the international German DSD1 exam on B1 level without any cost involved.
History	Focuses on change and development in society over time and space. Equips one with the capacity to make informed choices to contribute constructively to society as a result of having an insight as to how the world has evolved.
Information Technology	Focuses on the solution of problems through logical thinking, information management and communication and the development of computer applications.
Life Orientation	Equips the individual to make informed and responsible choices about themselves, the environment, citizenship, lifestyle, social engagement, physical activity and careers.
Life Sciences	Involves the systematic study of life processes and the interdependence of components in the natural and man-made environment. Equips one to understand the relationships between Life Sciences, technology, environment and society through scientific processes
Mathematical Literacy	Focuses on the use of basic mathematics to solve problems in everyday situations and to make sense of information presented in mathematical ways, eg tables, graphs, diagrams and texts. Equips one to think numerically and spatially in order to interpret and critically analyse everyday situations and to solve problems.
Mathematics	Focuses on the use of mathematical skills in financial calculations, problem solving, the study of space, shape and measurement, and data handling
Music	Encompasses music performance, style, listening, theory, interpretation and history of music. Promotes access to opportunities of musical understanding, expression and communication through the performance and creation of music.
Physical Sciences	Investigates physical and chemical phenomena through scientific inquiry, scientific models, theories and laws to explain and predict events in the physical environment. Equips one to learn, construct and apply Physical Sciences, and accommodates reflection and debate on its findings, models and theories.
Visual Arts	Focuses on the broad field of creative practice that involves the hand, the eye, the intellect and the imagination in the crafting of two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects. Equips one to make practical and aesthetic decisions in the development of a coherent body of work and become actively involved in shaping physical, social and cultural environments.
Sepedi	Sepedi as a language subject develops proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It also explores Sepedi literature and culture, promoting linguistic skills and cultural heritage appreciation.
Tourism	Tourism is a practical subject that introduces learners to the travel and hospitality industry. It covers travel trends, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, and customer service, equipping students with skills for careers in this growing global sector.