Mr Keith Guise-Brown

Boarding Superintendent

DEPUTY HEADMASTER

The boarding establishment is home to 390 boys, the majority of whom are Kwazulu-Natal based. There is, however, a sprinkling of youngsters from the Free State and Gauteng, and some from as far afield as Swaziland.

Historically, the College boarding establishment catered exclusively for the farm boy, but the social dynamics in the country have changed so much that there are a number of boys who have now opted for the College boarding way of life, rather than being educated at the local high school.

Demand on the boarding numbers continues to increase - again contrary to the national norm. A place in the hostel is sought after, and for every boy accepted, the school receives, on average, double the number of applications.

The boys in the boarding establishment form the backbone of the school. they spend, on average, nine months of the year on the premises, and they form the nucleus of most teams, whether sporting or cultural. Generally, twenty boys are elected as prefects each year, and at least fourteen of these will be boarders.

The boarding environment and routine is a blend of old and new. The majority of the boarding staff are experienced teachers who live on the campus with their families. A caring and compassionate environment is thus created, which is of paramount importance. Any form of archaic initiation is strictly forbidden.

At the same time, there exists a sensitivity about the rich heritage and history of the boarding establishment and school. The College boarder and his parents buy into a system of tradition and discipline. The College boy graduates after five years , a proud, passionate, well-mannered and well-balanced young man.   

The daily routine for the boarder is simple and well-ordered. This creates an environment of stability for the boys. The food is wholesome and plentiful. A number of cultural activities take place in the evenings, for example drama, public speaking, debating and film society, but for the majority of boarders there are compulsory study sessions. The computer facilities are also available to the boarders in the afternoons.

The College system is, in many ways, unique. The junior starts off in Nathan House, where he spends his initial year. He then graduates to either Clark House or Hudson House, where he will spend three years. His matric year is spent in College House, where each boarder has his own room. The emphasis here is to ensure that the senior boy is accommodated in every way possible, to enable him to attain the best academic results.

The Maritzburg College boarding establishment is well served by its boarder community. There are representatives for all the College constituencies. At least once a term the Boarder Parents' Committee meets to discuss matters pertaining to the hostel. Parents on the committee are actively involved in the catering, laundry and physical amenities.