Edmund Rice School in Welkom began with a basic curriculum in January 1996. The school was named Edmund Rice School, after Edmund Rice, an Irish saint.
There were 55 students in combined classes, and the school’s first premises were at the old Anglo Gold Mines security barracks.
By 2000, the school had increased in roll to 155, with a Gr. R classroom and plans for a high school.
“During 2002 we noticed that Edmund Rice was bursting at the seams of our original premises, so the mine offices directly across the road were our next option. Renovations were made and we moved premises in January 2003 to our present location,” says André de Bruin, principal.
De Bruin was appointed as head of Edmund Rice School in 2002.
“By the end of 2006 we wrote our first matric examinations, and currently we have 510 students with a staff of 44.”
The school is located in Jan Hofmeyer Road on the way to Virginia, next to the Harmony Gold Mine’s head office.
Edmund Rice School is a co-educational, English medium school and a member of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (Isasa). The school offers education from Gr. RRR, up to Gr. 12. (National Senior Certificate). The school has proudly achieved 100% pass rate for many years.
The staff is highly qualified, dedicated and enthusiastic. They take pride in a creative and progressive approach to education. The classes are small and every learner gets individual attention and is not seen as just a number. Edmund Rice School provide learners with an environment that is child-centred.
Worship is an important part of the school.
There are also extra mural activities, which include athletics, soccer, hockey, netball, chess, debating, choir and swimming.
The school assists with afternoon classes and extra classes for all learners.
A tuck shop is available on the premises.
May God keep blessing the staff and learners under the leadership of André de Bruin, with many years of quality education.
