The WLSA Post Graduate Program provides an incredible, fully funded, one-year exchange opportunity for eligible students from WLSA Associate Schools and their partner schools in local communities. Open to students either in high school or just after graduation, this program is designed to help participants grow academically, athletically, and socially. It’s a fantastic chance to strengthen college applications and set yourself up for success in higher education, all while exploring new experiences and unlocking your full potential!
From April 22nd to April 25th, 2024, the WLSA Post Graduate Program Tour brought participants to Botswana and South Africa for an unforgettable experience. The tour was guided by senior WLSA representatives, along with members from Episcopal High School and two representatives from Phillips Andover. This year, Phillips Andover joined forces with WLSA to make the African PG Tour a truly collaborative and enriching journey.
22nd April 2024
The WLSA Delegation visited Maru-a-Pula (MaP) for a mid-morning meeting and presentation, with over 40 students present despite the school holidays. The warm and welcoming reception made the visit truly memorable, and we’re deeply grateful to the school and organizers for their invaluable support in making it such a success.
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Maru-a-Pula is a co-educational, independent day and boarding school founded in 1972, with a focus by the founding head, Deane Yates, on community outreach as core to the school’s ethos. The school aims to nurture students who are deeply committed to helping their communities, both locally and globally. Mara-a-Pula translates to “clouds of rain” or “promises of blessings”, reinforcing a positive and enchanting image of the school’s nature. As one of Africa’s leading schools, with 64 MaP graduates currently studying at the world’s top 100 ranked universities, Mara-a-Pula (MaP) equips students for Cambridge IGCSE, AS, and A-Level exams, with a track record of achieving top global honors.
The visit at MaP was a success with many students enquiring about the PG Program and the exciting opportunities available to them. Many contacts were exchanged, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
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23rd April 2024
The WLSA delegation then moved to Johannesburg, South Africa to present an afternoon session at the African Leadership Academy. Over 70 students attended, and we want to extend a warm thank you for the support that the WLSA delegation received at ALA.
The African Leadership Academy (ALA) is a school for students aged 16 to 19, with alumni from 46 different countries. Founded in 2004 by Fred Swaniker, Chris Bradford, Peter Mombaur, and Acha Leke, and opened in 2008, ALA aims to help shape Africa's future by developing the next generation of leaders. The two-year program combines Cambridge A-Levels with unique courses in Entrepreneurial Leadership, African Studies, and Writing and Rhetoric. Students tackle real-world challenges like hunger, healthcare, and economic growth while building leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills through hands-on projects and collaboration.
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The African Leadership Academy (ALA) is an educational institution catering for students between the ages of 16 and 19 years old, with current alumni coming from 46 countries.
Founded in 2004 by Fred Swaniker, Chris Bradford, Peter Mombaur, and Acha Leke, ALA officially opened in September 2008 with an inaugural class of 97 students. ALA seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing, and connecting the next generation of African leaders. To achieve this goal, ALA teaches a two-year curriculum in African Studies, Writing and Rhetoric and Entrepreneurial Leadership, as well as the usual academic core subjects. The academic core combines a two-year pre-university program based on the Cambridge A Levels and ALA's unique curricula in Entrepreneurial Leadership, African Studies and Writing and Rhetoric. ALA's primary Entrepreneurial Leadership curriculum is a cornerstone of the student experience that creates opportunities to practice leadership and entrepreneurship skills through simulation and project-based learning. Students are encouraged to work on team building and original thinking. In the interdisciplinary African studies curriculum, students study hunger eradication, health care provision, economic growth, and conflict resolution.
ALA has previously had students who have been fully funded by WLSA and its associates in their tertiary endeavours. There are many more successful stories that will stem from this visit and we look forward to the growth of this relationship.
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24th April 2024
Durban, South Africa was the next stop on the tour! Westville Boys’ High School kindly hosted us, with their sister school, Westville Girls’ High School also attending the event. Over 100 students filled the theater to hear and see the opportunities that the WLSA delegation and partner schools were there to offer. WLSA would like to extend a heartful thanks to the organizers of the Durban event for all their hard work and commitment towards making this stop a great success.
Westville Boys’ High School is a renowned South African school focused on preparing students for a dynamic global environment. Known for its all-round excellence, the school maintains a strong community spirit, offering a balanced education in academics, sports, the arts, and leadership, nurturing intellectual, creative, and interpersonal skills. The goal is to develop responsible, respected young individuals who will positively impact society and excel in their future careers.
Westville Girls’ High School provides a high-quality education, fostering academic excellence and holistic growth for students in the Westville area. The school focuses on developing critical thinking, independence, and a strong work ethic, while encouraging participation in sports, cultural activities, and the development of personal talents. WGHS promotes sensitivity, tolerance, and strong moral values, aiming to instill responsibility and integrity in their students.
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25th April 2024
The final leg of the tour saw the WLSA Post Graduate Program Delegation arrive at Wynberg Boys’ High School. Whilst WBHS is not an affiliate school of WLSA, we are very grateful to the school’s organisers for allowing WLSA, as well as the partnering schools, to be present. Cape Town is a city where WLSA is excited to grow, and this visit was a great starting point. We’re hopeful that future visits will bring even more valuable results, building on what we’ve achieved this time.
John McNaughton opened the ‘Established School at Wynberg’ in Glebe Cottage in 1841, teaching 65 pupils in a single room, none of whom could read or write. Through his dedicated approach to education, he quickly gained a reputation in the academic world for creating a platform for young students to thrive. Today, Wynberg Boys’ High School is a values-driven school that mentors young men through a well-rounded and dynamic education. With a focus on academics, sport, and culture, the school provides a stimulating and challenging environment where students are equipped for success in life.
WBHS stands out with its stunning 35-hectare campus on Table Mountain’s eastern slopes. The school has modern classrooms, fully-equipped science labs, two computer centers, a library, and tech rooms. Its top-notch sports facilities include a gym, heated pool, hockey astros, squash courts, tennis and basketball courts, and a cardio park. The campus also features a coffee shop, a boarding house for 110 students, a 1000-seat hall, a music center, an outdoor amphitheater, a museum, staff accommodation, sports fields, and a cafeteria.
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We had a great response from many students interested in the postgraduate program and other initiatives offered by WLSA. Ending the tour at Wynberg Boys’ High School was a highlight, leaving the delegation eager to explore more of what Cape Town has to offer.
All in all, the Post Graduate Program proved to be highly successful. Over 250 students and faculty members had the opportunity to learn more about WLSA and what we do. On top of that, they were able to learn about student life at the WLSA Shanghai Academy, Episcopal High School and Phillips Andover. We wanted to inspire and showcase the opportunities available to students, and help motivate them to see that the stars are within their reach! We greatly look forward to future events with the schools and students in the near future.
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