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The Future is Bright

by The Umhlanga Writer · March 6, 2022 · 5 min read

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Many students have had to adapt to operating during the pandemic, and they have achieved greatness through the amazing schools. We find out more about some of our schools on the East Coast and look at what the new year holds for them.

 

Crawford International La Lucia

Future-focused education is best described as an emerging cluster of ideas, beliefs, theories, and practices drawn from many sources, within and outside education. These ideas are mobilised in different ways to support different purposes.

Considering today's world, the students of tomorrow and the endless opportunities that digital disruption and the resulting innovation brings across all spheres of our lives, a complete rethink of education and the types of teaching and learning in any classroom needs to occur.

To address this, four distinct pillars have been identified. By focusing on an education that is locally and globally relevant as part of an interconnected world, defining and developing future-focused skill sets required by our students, increasing student agency to nurture student voice, choice, and autonomy in learning, and finally identifying personalised learning opportunities that will strengthen and celebrate a student's learning journey.

Students who are best prepared for the future are change agents. They can positively impact their surroundings, influence their future, understand others' intentions, actions and feelings, and anticipate the short- and long-term consequences of what they do.

 

In the shift towards a more personalised learner experience, teachers must be prepared to be data collectors, analysts, planners, collaborators, curriculum experts, problem-solvers, and researchers.

The unifying idea is the understanding that significant change is needed in education if it is to meet future needs, as Crawford International, and is the key focus of how academic offering is defined and adapted to ensure students are presented with multiple opportunities to confidently participate in the dynamic and evolving world of tomorrow.

 

Michaelhouse

A world-renowned boarding school for senior boys and now in its 126th year! Situated on a secure estate in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, the school has a fully residential staff which facilitates a high level of care and interaction with the pupils.

This is a school of established heritage with an innate respect for the individual that distinguishes Michaelhouse from other schools. Going to senior school is as much about finding one's special niche in life, as having the freedom and encouragement to explore it, allowing the potential of each boy to emerge and grow.

 

This focus on the individual stretches the concept of "strength through diversity" and informs their leadership and mentorship programmes. The boys thrive on opportunities to explore, learn, play, challenge and lead. The school has an outstanding record of academic, cultural, sporting, and spiritual excellence, as well as community involvement supported by modern facilities and innovative staff.

With a constantly engaged base of over 6500 alumni across five continents, Michaelhouse has produced 30 Rhodes Scholars, ten Elsie Ballot Scholars and over 145 sportsmen who have played at international level.

 

St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls

Through an excellent work ethic, committed teacher support, and an emotional intelligence (EQ) focused programme, the high school achieved a 100% pass rate for more than four decades.

The girls' final phase of their school career is one of the most important and that's why at St Mary's, the committed teaching staff do everything they can to inspire the girls and help them become remarkable women – and their matric results speak for themselves.

Several scholarships are available to candidates of excellent ability in Academics, Music, Sport, Drama and Art who are entering Grade Eight, following the placement assessment examinations. These scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student's career.

In addition to an outstanding academic programme, they offer competitive sport, lifestyle, wellness and well-rounded cultural programmes.

Boarding offers a structured home environment for girls from Grades 8 to 12, where they enjoy a fun, safe environment and friendships flourish. The girls also have access to the vast variety of facilities on campus.

You are invited to see for yourselves and book your place at the High School Open Day on Saturday, 5 March 2022. Visit their website to book a spot.

 

Clifton

At Clifton, they know, respect, and understand boys. They are aware that they are responsible for preparing them to enter and lead in a dynamic and interconnected world. For close to a century, Clifton has continued to evolve and innovate, remaining committed to educating the whole boy – in mind, body and spirit.

Whether in the classroom, online, on the stage or sports fields, the boys work in an environment where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. The use of educational technology and employing an independent, modern, and creative methodology expose them to a dynamic academic programme where they are challenged to achieve their best.

Clifton boys are encouraged to think creatively, take intellectual risks, engage with others, question and discover. Their educational vision is underpinned by pillars of scholarship, leadership, sportsmanship, culture, and community.

Knowing that graduates will be living in a global environment; they walk this educational journey with them as they become young men of significance, prepared to make a difference and adapt in an ever-changing world of opportunity.

You are invited to visit and meet the boys and staff; and to experience the beautiful, unique Clifton campus in Morningside, Durban.

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