Zoetendal Akademie / Academy

About 

Zoetendal  Akademie / Academy was established by a group of dedicated individuals, under the leadership of Mrs Celia Lourens, in January 1997.

The school is named after the Zoetendal, the first recorded shipwreck on the South African coast, which ran aground at Struisbaai in 1673.

Mission

To build strong character in every learner by teaching accountability, encouraging responsibility, cultivating good habits, and developing future adults of integrity.

Vision

To nurture confident, respectful, and well-rounded individuals who can take their place in society with assurance, guided by Christian values, academic excellence, and a strong moral foundation.

Academic

Zoetendal Akademie / Academy follows the South African National Curriculum (CAPS) with carefully crafted enhancements that support each learner’s individual growth. 

The school's dual-medium instruction spans from Grade RR to Grade 7, offering personalised learning in small, intimate classrooms where personal attention empowers every learner to thrive.

Academic success is defined by a commitment to intellectual growth, curiosity and the development of thoughtful, capable individuals ready to contribute meaningfully in the future.

Formal Assessments & National Benchmarks

Learners at Zoetendal Akademie / Academy undergo regular academic evaluations, including formal bi-annual examinations from Grade 4 to Grade 7. In addition, Grades 3 and 6 participate in the Western Cape Education Department’s systemic assessments, ensuring alignment with provincial standards and expectations.

The school maintains a track record of consistently strong academic performance, supported by key strengths:

• Small class sizes
• Dedicated, long-term teaching staff
• A disciplined and structured approach to learning
• A calm, nurturing classroom atmosphere
• Effective daily routines and time management

These elements work together to create an academic environment that supports excellence and sustained learner growth.

Academic Competitions for Enrichment

To encourage deeper engagement and independent thinking, learners are invited to take part in national academic challenges. 

Through these enrichment opportunities, learners think beyond the textbook and build the confidence and curiosity needed for high-level academic engagement. Olympiads and challenges include:

• Conquesta Primary School Olympiads - A multiple-choice quiz covering a broad range of CAPS subjects across Grades 1 to 9, designed to test both subject knowledge and cross-disciplinary reasoning.
• South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC) - A demanding three-round competition for Grades 4 to 7, promoting critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and real-world mathematical application.

Arts & Culture

Arts and culture play a vital role at Zoetendal Akademie / Academy in fostering creativity, confidence, and community connection. 

The school’s programmes and activities provide opportunities for every learner to explore their talents and express themselves in unique ways, including:

• Music
• Drama
• Art
• Sanlam Art
• Helderberg Eisteddfod
• Public Speaking
• ACSV - Praise and Worship Sessions (Afrikaanse Christelike Studente Vereniging)
• School Excursions

Sport

At Zoetendal Akademie / Academy, sport is about learning, growing, and having fun, not just competition. 

Regular participation in interschool sporting events grows a culture of active involvement and healthy competition, showing confidence and improvement across various disciplines.

In-house Sports:

• Athletics
• Triathlon
• Rugby
• Soccer
• Mini Cricket
• Tennis
• Netball
• Chess

Extramural Sports:

• Surfing 
• Kickboxing

Sporting Focus

While Zoetendal Akademie / Academy may not be a traditional sports powerhouse, its young athletes consistently rise above their expectations while the focus remains on:

• Building solid fundamental skills
• Promoting team spirit and cooperation
• Encouraging fitness through fun
• Celebrating consistent improvement

Donate

Zoetendal  Akademie / Academy generates funds through various events and initiatives to raise money for items on its wish list.

Donations are also welcome and can be deposited into the following account:

• Account Name: Zoetendal Akademie
• Bank: ABSA, Bredasdorp
• Branch Code: 632 005
• Account Number: 178 0147 217
• Reference: Donation and Surname

Zoetendal  Akademie / Academy thanks you for your donation.

Reviews

“Zoetendal  Akademie / Academy is a private school in L'Agulhas that serves the need for a school in the community.”  Francois du Toit

“Best school!”  Ben Mcdalion

“Zoetendal  Akademie / Academy is a good school.”  Andre Joubert