The Primary School was founded in 1959 when Zomba was the Capital of the Nyasaland Protectorate. In the early 1970s the school became one of five ‘designated schools’ under an agreement with the British government that allowed the centrally funded, private schools to continue employing expatriate teachers. In the 1990s the Designated School Board was disbanded and the school became financially independent selecting to be controlled by a democratically elected Board of Trustees made up from the parent community.
The Primary School includes a Pre-Nursery and Nursery Class enabling the school to cater for children between the ages of 2 and 11. It is centrally located with spectacular views of Zomba Plateau, which rises up to over 2000 metres.
It has seven fully equipped classrooms and a multi-purpose hall. All students have access to a variety of fiction and non-fiction books, as well as various ICT equipment including laptops (with internet access). Educational resources are purchased overseas if they are unavailable locally.
Within the spacious and beautifully landscaped grounds there is a twenty metre swimming pool, two 7-a-side football pitches, netball field, basketball court, nursery playground and a cross country track.
Learning is skills-based shaped largely around the English curriculum. The children enjoy a cross-curricular approach to learning through topics such as: Great leaders, Water, Ancient Egypt, Our Local Environment, and Food, which allows for a deliberate African flavour to learning. Lessons encourage independent and critical thinking through the use of thinking hats and maps, and the emphasis on collaborative learning. High quality teaching and exciting and enthusiastic learning is guaranteed.
We offer a wide range of extra curricular activities for children in years 2 to 6.
“I like Sir Harry’s because they have a Star of the week.” (Charissa, aged 5)
“We are so lucky at Sir Harry’s because we have a real swimming pool.” (Akonda, aged 6)
“Actually, Sir Harry’s is just fun, fun, fun!” (Linga, aged 6)
“We get smarter at Sir Harry’s.” (Roman, aged 7)
“I like sports because we stay fit.” (Kupa, aged 7)
“The teachers make everything understandable.” (David, aged 8)
“I like how the teachers encourage us when we are stuck. I also love learning to swim and going on camps and trips,” (Alayna, aged 9)
“I love how everyone is kind to me and others. It makes me feel happy every day.” (Seko, aged 9)
“I love the three keys to success: be determined, be the best you can be and be cool. We have all the keys.” (Tupoche, aged 11)
“Sir Harry’s has some of the kindest teachers. We learn lots and never get bored.” (Prayer, aged 11)