South African parents are fortunate to have real choice in their children’s education, and excellent schools take many forms. Single-sex and co-educational models both have long, credible track records of producing capable, grounded young people. But it is worth setting out what co-educational environments in particular do well. Schools are, in many ways, rehearsal spaces […]
The case for co-education Read More »
Many families start asking an important question this time of year: Which high school is the right fit for a child entering Grade 8 next year? While application timelines vary between schools and provinces, researching options early gives parents more time to make an informed choice. Karabo Mmasa, school portfolio manager at SPARK Schools, says
Choosing a high school for 2027? Ask these five questions Read More »
Foundation Phase education is often judged by visible outcomes: Can students read? Can they write? Can they answer correctly? These milestones matter, but they are not the most important thing happening in the classroom. The early years of education shape something far more enduring: how students approach uncertainty, challenge and discovery. Students who learn only
Why the learning process matters more than the answer Read More »
The final year of high school is considered one of the most defining periods in a young person’s life, as it plays a large part in determining their path and options for the future. For hundreds of thousands of students each year, this reality carries immense weight: University admissions, career paths, family expectations and societal
Managing Matric mental health: Navigating pressure with perspective Read More »
As mid-year exams approach, many families feel stress in their homes soaring. But it’s important to remember that, while exams are an important part of the academic year, they can become emotionally overwhelming for scholars if the pressure to perform starts to outweigh their love of learning. Lindy du Preez, achievement manager at SPARK Schools,
The calm parent’s guide to supporting children through exam season Read More »
As the final exam period approaches, Grade 11 to 12 learners across South Africa enter a high-stakes academic phase where their marks will begin to shape access to university programmes and bursary opportunities. At this level, strong performance comes from how learners structure time and revision schedules, as well as how they engage with their
The one habit that separates SA’s top-performing learners from the rest Read More »
If schools are meant to prepare students for the real world, then they should reflect it as closely as possible. In today’s world, the question is no longer whether co-educational schools have value, but rather how effectively they prepare students for the realities of life beyond the classroom. Having spent my entire career in co-educational
Co-ed schooling: Preparing students for the real world Read More »
Education is rapidly transforming worldwide, and in the early childhood years there is a marked shift toward child-centred, joyful models over rigid academics. “The Reggio Emilia approach, particularly within the early years (infant, toddler, preschool and primary phases), is grounded in the belief that children are capable, curious and rich in potential. It promotes inclusive
Choosing a school for your child will be one of the most complex and consequential decisions parents will ever make. When parents choose a school for their child, the decision is often shaped by immediate needs: convenience, reputation or results in the senior years. Yet, schooling is not a short-term transaction. It is one of
Why parents should approach education as a long-term investment Read More »
South Africa’s matric pass rate may be climbing, but another trend within the education system paints a far more complicated picture. While the country celebrates improved results, mathematics is quietly disappearing from many learners’ subject choices. In 2025, South Africa recorded a historic 88% matric pass rate. But when the numbers are broken down, a
Dividing futures: The real cost of dropping maths Read More »