I have the privilege of teaching a class of 17 boys who will be turning 5 during the course of this year.

Head of Department Foundation Phase Responsible for the education and extra-curricular activities of 10 children ranging in age from 3 to 9 years old of the 8 Management families within the lodge. We use a home-schooling program called Love2Learn which is a Cambridge based curriculum. Our Cottage School Environment is based in the heart of the Kruger National Park home to the big five. We are often pleasantly interrupted during our morning routine with the presence of a resident Giraffe, or other antelope. This has encouraged an incredibly creative environment within which to learn and allows for enhanced classroom themes with tangible experiences linked to first-hand knowledge.With a professional approach in dealing with a class of a substantial age gap (3yrs-9yrs) interacting within the same classroom environment, which has allowed for me to demonstrate inspirational leadership qualities to both the children and my teacher aid. Fostering self and group independence through leadership has significantly reduced levels of bullying and dramatically improved social interaction across the age spectrum within the class. Children are taught through active demonstration their responsibility of the older group to model appropriate behaviours for the benefit of the younger ones. The younger ones develop skills and appropriate behaviour at an increased rate due to the trickle-down effect caused by exposure to the older ones learning experiences. The attraction of a cottage school environment is the freedom it allows in developing important life lessons beyond basic educational requirements. Fostering independence through responsibilities within the classroom resulting in the children’s ownership and accountability for the state of their learning environment. This enables the individual to meet the requirements of each day through self-discipline resulting in a greater degree of self-worth.

Locum in the Pre-Primary teaching the Grade OO class 2019A display of my versatility as a teacher as I adjusted to the high energy levels required of a teacher to boys only. My responsibilities included similar inputs to NEPP with the inclusion of managing a teacher aid. I learnt skills of delegation, communication and unified goals for the boy’s best interests while working alongside my teacher aid. I also had the privilege of coaching the Grade R boys’ cricket and athletics. I was well received within the staff compliment due to my well-disposed outlook on life and the exceptional leadership of the pre-primary HOD.