CurroWestbrook:Adecadeofexcellenceandinnovation
Nestled in the heart of Westbrook Estate, Curro Westbrook has been a cornerstone of educational excellence for over a decade. Under the dedicated leadership of Mr. Frans van der Walt, this independent school has become a beacon of progressive learning for students from as young as 3 months to Grade 12.
Since its establishment in 2014, Curro Westbrook has pursued a mission of offering holistic education that nurtures not only academic brilliance but also creative thinking, positive discipline, child-friendliness, and a strong Christian ethos. This vision has guided the school’s growth, ensuring that learners thrive in an environment fostering curiosity, integrity, and leadership.
One of the school’s standout features is
its forward-thinking curriculum.With a strong focus on 21st-century teaching methods, Curro Westbrook offers exciting programmes like Coding and Robotics, preparing students for the digital age. Experienced educators follow a well-structured curriculum, providing each student with the foundation needed to succeed academically while exploring their passions.
The achievements speak for themselves.
The school boasts a remarkable 100% matric IEB pass rate and 100% tertiary exemption in 2023 and 2024.
In addition, Curro Westbrook has excelled in sports and cultural activities, celebrating numerous victories that highlight the wellrounded nature of its students. The school’s commitment to community involvement
continues to strengthen its position as a leading educational institution.
As Curro Westbrook looks to the future with excitement and innovation, the expansion of its high school with state-of-the-art classrooms and enhanced facilities is a testament to its ongoing commitment to providing the best education possible.
Curro Westbrook invites prospective families to experience its offerings first-hand at its Exploration Day on Saturday, 15 March 2025, from 09:00 to 11:00.
For more information or to book a spot, contact Mrs. Viljoen at melissa.v01@curro.co.za or call 041 396 6300. Here’s to a future where every learner continues to reach new heights, empowered by Curro Westbrook’s vision and values.
ST DOMINICS PRIORY SCHOOL: Committed to quality education
Located in Miramar,St Dominic’s Priory School is well-known in Gqeberha as a place of academic learning and growth in virtue, where Truth - revealed in Christ Jesus - brings freedom and life.
As an independent, Catholic co-education school in the Dominican tradition, St Dominic’s is committed to quality, forward-looking education built on a foundation of eternal and enduring principles from Grade Pre-R to Grade 12. At the heart of our educational vision is our desire to form the whole child, each of whom is treated as a gift from God. The intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional development of every person on campus is fostered by our curriculum that integrates academic excellence and development of character.
Critical thinking,with a view to problem-solving and creativity, is the hallmark of our teaching model from as young as Grade Pre-R, which always urges our pupils to seek what is true, good and beautiful.
With a strong focus on personal and spiritual development, pupils are encouraged to explore their talents, and
participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities.These include sporting and cultural pursuits; they also include opportunities for community service and faith development. Collaboration,teamworkandleadershipdevelopmentareintegrated in our teaching process from very early on and remain important for our staff too,who are constantly engaging in professional development opportunities.
St Dominic’s Priory School broke ground, late last year, on our first project: the Ryan Centre for Faith, Science and the Arts.This multi-storey facility offers a large multipurpose hall, four tutor rooms, two classrooms, two computer labs and a 3D printer lab. Last week, the school’s second project began with the construction of an Olympic-sized Astroturf. This patented turf-technology will allow our pupils to play truly competitive hockey.
Watching the campus transform is evidence of the R26M investment that St Dominic’s Priory School is making in the education of her pupils and,eventually,the broader community. It is a hub of 21st-century learning—this is where it all begins!
ST DOMINIC’S PRIORY SCHOOL ST DOMINIC’SPRIORYSCHOOL
WeareaCatholic,Independent,Co-Educational dayschoolstartingfromGradePre-RuptoMatric. Ahubof21stcenturylearningrootedintimeless truthandtradition—thisiswhereitallbegins!
ST GEORGE’S SCHOOL: Where tradition meets innovation
Located in the heart of Gqeberha, St George’s School blends modern education with physical and emotional well-being. As a Curro Select School, we offer a unique learning experience for learners from 3 years old up to Grade 9, with higher grades phasing in annually.
An elevated education
At St George’s, we understand the importance of a strong educational foundation. Our preschool children enjoy guided play-based learning filled with fun, while our primary school boasts unique subjects such as Speech and Drama, as well as Music. In the high school, our digital approach combines textbook learning with videos, simulations, tutorials, and other digital learning elements.
Digital learning explained
As the first school in Gqeberha to follow the Curro DigiEd approach, our high school offers a new method of teaching. Instead of traditional schooling where teachers remain by the whiteboard, our learners take charge of their own learning while teachers move to each learner to help them understand the material exactly where they need. By presenting the curriculum on Moodle, we receive real-time feedback on assessments and the learners’ progress.
Modern facilities and beautiful campus
Founded in 1936, our school still features the distinct Victorian architecture of the time in classrooms and the stunning dining area. Our facilities also include a Robotics Lab, STEAMD centre, thriving arts and drama department, an indoor aquatics centre, and more. We even have a library and out-
door classroom.
Get a first-hand discovery
Discover first-hand what your child can enjoy with us by attending our Open Day. You can tour our beautiful campus, meet our teachers, and explore our approach to the excellent Curro education. Space is limited, so hurry to book your spot by emailing info.stgeorges@curro.co.za or calling 041 585 4825. Come and see how our nearly 90-year legacy makes St George’s an excellent choice for your child’s schooling journey. We look forward to meeting you.
JAMES JOLOBE
SCHOOL: Outstanding results despite challenges
James Jolobe Secondary School is located in the heart of Motherwell, Gqeberha. It has come a long way since its establishment in 1992. Once regarded as one of the underachieving schools in the Nelson Mandela Municipality (NMB), the school has undergone a remarkable transformation, posting impressive matric results and shattering records. Despitebeingplaguedbysocietalchallenges such as crime, substance abuse, and vandalism,the school’s dedicated educators and students have persevered, achieving outstanding results. Since 2022, the school’s matric pass rate has consistently exceeded 80%, with a notable 89% pass rate in both 2022 and 2023 and 83% in 2024. However, the school still faces significant infrastructure and teaching and learning resource challenges. Notably, there is a shortage of essential teaching and learning materials, including computers and projectors. Furthermore, the lack of electricity in classrooms has severely impacted the school’s ability to plan and execute critical educational activities, such as schoolcamps,morningclasses, and cross-night studies. Despite these challenges,
the school’s success is not limited to its overall pass rate. In 2024,several educators achieved 100% pass rates in subjects such as English,Tourism,History,Life Orientation,Business Studies, and notably, Geography, which achieved a remarkable 96% pass rate, up from 75% in 2023. This achievement marks a historic first for the school and solidifies its position as one of best performing schools in Motherwell. Furthermore, the school saw a significant increase in Bachelor’s passes, with over 32 out 54 of students achieving this distinction.
Nurturing environment fuels top learner’s ambitions
Ayabonga Cuba, a standout matric achiever from Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha, surpassed significant personal challenges to reach academic success.
Born in 2006, Cuba faced early hardships with the loss of both parents by 2014. Raised by his grandmother, who survives on a modest pension grant, Cuba found inspiration in her unwavering support and love.
Petros Matinha (middle) put James Jolobe Secondary School on the map when he achieved 7 distinctions in matric in 2024.
“My grandmother is my biggest inspiration,” Cuba shared. Despite financial difficulties, she has always encouraged him to work hard. The kindness and support of his teachers have also played pivotal roles in his journey. Soqhayisa Senior Secondary provided a nurturing environment that fuelled his ambitions.
Cuba’s academic results reflect his dedication: a perfect 100 in Mathematics, 97 in Physical Sciences, 95 in Life Sciences, 94 in Life Orientation, and 93 in Accounting.Theseoutstandingachievementshavepaved the way for his future plans to study Actuarial Science at the University of Witwatersrand. “I want to become the best in my field and use my skills to give back to my community,” he said, expressing a commitment to support students struggling with maths and science in his area.
With aspirations to work for a top company, Cuba alsoenvisionsinvestingtimeandresourcesintocommunity development.His ultimate goal is to make a positive impact through both his career and personal contributions, such as donating to local charities.
Principal Abednigo Mankanku (left) and his class teacher, Vuyokazi Gxothiwe were very proud of him.
NGWADLA
The pinnacle of the school’s achievements is the remarkable performance of Petros Matinha, who emerged as the second-best learner in the Nelson Mandela Metro. Petros achieved an impressive seven Level 7’s in subjects including IsiXhosa, English, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, and Life Sciences. This achievement marks a historic first for the school. This outstanding success can be attributed to the solid collaboration between the stakeholders of the school, including the School Governing Body, learners, teachers, and management.
Cuba offered the Grade 12 class of 2025 valuable advice based on his experiences, “Never give up on your dreams,nomatterhowtoughlifegets.Believeinyourself and work hard. Don’t let your circumstances define you;
termined to achieve greatness and inspire others in the process. His journey from adversity to excellence exemplifies resilience and serves as a beacon of hope for fellow students striving to overcome their own obstacles.
PHOTO: NKOSAZANA
Ayabonga Cuba.
Celebrating 25 years of excellence in education
This year, Insight Learning Centre & College celebrates a milestone of 25 years of academic excellence.Over the years, we’ve built a legacy of nurturing young minds and preparing them for success,both in their academic careers and in their adult lives.
Our school is one of only five in the entire Eastern Cape to achieve a 100% pass rate for the last five years.
This outstanding accomplishment underscores the high standards of education we provide and the dedication of our teachers who ensure that every learner reaches their full potential.
We are proud to serve a diverse learner body, offering specialised learning for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN), remedial teaching, and mainstream education from Grade R to Grade 12. Our tailored approach meets the unique needs of each learner, ensuring they thrive in an environment where they feel supported,valued,and encouraged.
In addition to our academic programmes, we offer vocational courses that cater to learners with a more practical and hands-on approach to learning. These courses help learners develop important skills for the real world.
We equip these learners with the skills they will need in theworkforceandprovideopportunitiesforthoseinterested in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. With small class sizes, weguaranteethateverylearnerreceivesindividualattention. Our teachers understand the strengths and challenges
of each learner, and they adjust their teaching methods to match the pace and ability of the class.
As we celebrate 25 years, we remain committed to shaping well-rounded, confident, and capable individuals ready to take on the world.
Here’s to another 25 years of excellence in education!
Passion,commitmentputWoodridgegirls’cricketonupwardspiral
When the Woodridge girls’first cricket team were allocated the school’s main sporting venue for a match, it dawned on them that they were finally been taken seriously.
This occurrence is just one of the many signs that the traditionally male-dominated sport has become a very real option for young female sporting pupils as Woodridge College and Prep positions itself as a genuine cricketing hub in the Eastern Cape.
The journey of girls’ cricket at the Thornhill school, just outside Gqeberha, is littered with eye-catching developments as their teams stake a claim to be regarded among the most competitive in the region.
Simply speaking, the numbers reveal in stark detail how cricket has carved itself a permanent niche at Woodridge in the past 2½ decades under the passionate stewardship of teacher Adele Vorster and current head of girls’ cricket Josie Greener.
From a position where Vorster, back in 2001, was begging players to fill a team, the College currently has a total of 77 girls playing cricket and a further group of 50 players at the Prep forming a pipeline for the senior teams.
The growth of the sport has not been without its challenges, but the dedication of Vorster and Greener, plus a host of supporting role-players, has seen the sport develop into something that many girls now take as a serious option.
As she looks back at the journey since her arrival at Woodridge in 2000, Vorster can only shake her head in admiration at the growth spurt of the sport. And yet, without her enthusiasm so many years ago, it’s probably safe to say the sport would not have reached the popularity it currently enjoys.
“When I took over the cricket in 2001 we had a type of a team, but it was not really competitive,” said Vorster, whose interest in cricket was sparked when she played indoor cricket on a social basis.
“In those days I had to beg girls to play cricket, and then many of them did not have bats or helmets, so we had to organise proper equipment for them to play matches.
“We struggled in the early years because there was a bit of stigma to girls’ cricket – it was a case of ‘girls don’t play cricket’.
Grade 9 learner, Ashlee Buhr, took 4 wickets for 3 runs in 3 overs in a recent boys U14 match against Alexander Road High School.
“But we knew that for us to be taken seriously, we had to show our talent by winning matches.”
Vorster’s team eventually found their way into the girls’ second league, which they immediately won by more than 20 points, and were swiftly promoted to the first league.
The sport continued to grow annually, but then came the Covid pandemic in 2020, which threatened to derail all the gains Vorster had made in the previous 20 years.
By this time, Greener had married her husband, Haydn, and when she was employed by the school’s sports department,she took over the cricket programme from Vor-
ster.
The ravages of the pandemic, however, meant it was virtually a case of starting over, a challenge even for the cricket-mad Greener family. Haydn oversees the sport at the College and is the head coach of the boys’ first team.
After matriculating from Pretoria High School for Girls, Josie played cricket for a year before Covid hit and then developed a passion for coaching.
That is something that shines through as she speaks with enthusiasm about the girls’ cricket programme, while also acknowledging it has not always been a bed of roses.
“There was a real dip after Covid and in the early stages of my appointment I had just four girls interested in playing the game,” Greener recalls. “So I spoke to those girls and asked them to help me to recruit players.
“At that stage we took the approach that it wasn’t about developing cricketing skills, but more about setting up a family-type environment and to create a place where people wanted to be.
“I didn’t really want people to come there just because they needed to play a second sport – I wanted them there because they wanted to be there and wanted to learn more about the game.”
As they gradually built up enough numbers to field a team, Greener told them they would become the legacy of Woodridge cricket.
“I said if they put in the hard yards and wanted to be part of this family, they would look back in three years and see what they have built.
“So that year it was about keeping the family together and it was a special time for me because we had to start with the basics.
“For instance,most boys grow up playing cricket before going to school, while with girls you often have to teach them about cricket from its very foundations because they might not have been exposed to the game previously.
“That is probably the biggest obstacle for any girls’ cricket coach.”
For Greener, the development of the sport at a prep level was paramount to maintaining a healthy environment for the girls’ game.
“We couldn’t start only in Grade 8 to teach them the game, so that’s why it is so good that foundations are
now being laid down at a prep level,” she said.
Under the guidance of Anda Sakube and Nick Stephenson, girls cricket at the Prep was started in 2022 with 12 players. Again the growth has been significant, with two U13 teams playing in the league and a group of U11 players competing in the third term.
Greener is also astute enough about sporting matters to know that eventually they had to move on from just teaching the basics and that performing well was a prerequisite to girls’ cricket being taking seriously at the school.
“So the conversation I had with the girls was unless we train like the boys and put in a similar effort, we won’t be taken seriously,” she said.
“You have to earn respect in sport and until you work hard enough to achieve provincial recognition and to win key matches, you won’t be taken seriously.
“So we started pushing the sport much more seriously and then we were given a game on Knight Field for the first time, which was so exciting for the girls. Now it’s almost become a thing of ‘why aren’t we playing on Knight Field’.
“And then last year the first team was allowed to wear the brown caps, which is the first team cap, and not one boy disputed it, which is recognition that we are now taken seriously.”
As they started excelling in the leagues, Greener said it had a spin-off effect among girls at Woodridge.
“People would come back from matches and talk about the excitement of winning and this rubbed off on others, who also wanted to become part of that environment.”
With the numbers growing, Greener suddenly found herself facing the conundrum of having to drop players, always difficult for a coach or selector.
“From a stage where we just chose the 11 who were available, we now have to make decisions on players, and for the first time we have started having trials,” she said.
“It’s hard to drop players, especially when we initially started as building a family environment, but that’s how the sport has grown.
“The players now have credibility because you have to be chosen to be in the best 11 players out of 77 and while that is hard as a coach, it’s also incredibly exciting for the future of girls’ cricket at Woodridge.”
Congratulationstotheclassof2024!
Sanctor High learners excel
The year 2024 has been fruitful for Sanctor High. Not only did we achieve our best pass rate ever (91.2%), but there was also a significant increase in the number of bachelor’s passes achieved,as well as many subjects attaining a 100% pass rate. There were also quite a few distinctions achieved in Afrikaans FAL, Life Science, Maths Lit, and Business Studies.
We are proud of our learners who did their best under very trying circumstances and thankful to our grade 12 subject and class teachers who kept on motivating despondent learners. We are starting the year on a positive note, but there is still room for improvement as the ultimate goal would be to achieve a 100% pass rate and see an increase in the number of distinctions achieved. Kirsten Williams, a grade 8 learner, will also be publishing her book in Atlanta this year. Financial aid to support this achievement in May is desperately needed. The school can be contacted on 041 481 2657.
Kirsten Williams, a grade 8 learner, will publish her book in Atlanta this year.
Ruche Smith also achieved outstanding results.
ST JAMES SCHOOL: Striving to educate and uplift
St.James (RC) Secondary School is the last Catholic Secondary School for all learners in the Northern areas of Gqeberha.It attracts learners from all communities and all Christian denominations, and caters for three language groups, i.e English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa. Our motto is “Deus et Veritas”, which means “God and truth”. We strive to educate our learners to become strong, independent women, with a very good values system.
As St.James is a girls only school in a disadvantaged area, one of the purposes of the school is to uplift the girls by giving them a sense of worth and pride in themselves. They can then go out and become leaders in their communities, as many of our former learners have done. These areas have huge socio-economic challenges, with high rates of unem-
ployment and crime. The school therefore seeks to enhance the lives of these girls, trying to give them the best possible education under very trying circumstances. It provides an excellent grounding for learners who either wish to pursue a Tertiary Education, or to enter the job market.
Our matric results have been on an upward trajectory since Covid. In 2023 we achieved a 91,4% pass rate. The educators and learners worked very hard in 2024 and improved the pass rate to 93.9%. The quality of our passes has also improved.
Our percentage of learners achieving a Bachelors Pass has increased from 30% in 2023 to 40% in 2024. We strive for excellence, hoping to achieve a 100% matric pass rate and a Bachelors percentage of 60% for the class of 2025.
The St James School Reading Club.
These learners are amongst the most notable achievers.
1. Ongeziwe Qunta:
3 distinctions – IsiXhosa Home Language; Business Studies and LO 2. Luthithina Skosana: 2 distinctions - IsiXhosa Home Language and Business Studies
3. Amahle Pakela:
2 distinctions – IsiXhosa HL; Business Studies
2 distinctions – Business Studies; LO
6. Sanelisiwe Ndika: 2 distinctions - Business studies; Tourism
7. Mamurele Twana: 2 distinctions – Business Studies; LO
Leandré Smit was Sanctor High School’s top achiever in Grade 12.
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