Coding the Future with schools like Crawford International

Karabo Molokomme • November 24, 2023

A bunch of laptops are sitting on a table in a room.

Coding the Future with schools like Crawford International


In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, empowering children with essential skills is not just an advantage; it has become a necessity. One such crucial skill is coding, a language that transcends traditional boundaries, enabling creativity, problem-solving, and logical thinking. Introducing coding to children at a young age is not merely a trend; it is a transformative educational approach that shapes brilliant minds and future innovators.


Coding as a Language of the Future


Imagine coding as a universal language, transcending barriers of nationality and culture. In South Africa, where 11 official languages echo the country's rich heritage, coding emerges as a language that could potentially unite. When children grasp the fundamentals of coding, they are not just learning a programming language; they are unveiling endless possibilities. Through coding, they learn the language of technology, the language of the future job market, and most importantly, the language of innovation.


Coding and Cognitive Development: A Powerful Duo


At its core, coding is more than just writing lines of code; it is about cultivating computational thinking. When children engage with coding, they delve into the realm of algorithms, patterns, and logical sequences. These mental exercises stimulate critical areas of their brains, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and honing their analytical skills. Moreover, coding promotes perseverance and resilience as children debug errors and find solutions, encouraging a growth mindset crucial for their overall development.


Creativity and Innovation


Coding serves as a gateway to unleash creativity. Through coding, children transform abstract ideas into tangible creations – whether it's designing a game, crafting a website, or programming a robot and creating a Lego. This process awakens their imagination, encouraging them to envision new solutions to real-world problems. Coding empowers children to become digital storytellers, artists, and inventors, opening up a world of endless possibilities.


The Crawford International Approach


At Crawford International, we recognise the transformative power of coding education. For instance, our EDG curriculum seamlessly integrates coding into the learning experience, providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore the world of programming. Through interactive coding workshops, robotics clubs, and coding competitions, we nurture a passion for technology from an early age. From as early as Grade 2, our students tap into this reality.


In our classrooms, coding is not a standalone subject; it is an interdisciplinary approach that enhances students' understanding of various subjects. From creating historical simulations to designing ecological models, students apply coding skills to enrich their learning across diverse disciplines. Our dedicated teachers, trained in the latest coding pedagogy, guide students, ensuring they grasp the fundamentals and embark on coding journeys tailored to their interests.


South Africa's Digital Renaissance


Crawford International emerges as the guiding star, illuminating the path for a thrilling, tech-infused future. Here, our students don't just learn about the digital world, they are the architects of its evolution. Imagine classrooms buzzing with innovation, a symphony of young minds collaborating, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Picture students not merely as learners but as creators, crafting Apps that solve societal challenges, designing games that captivate global audiences, and inventing technologies that redefine industries.


As South Africa enthusiastically embraces this digital era, Crawford International stands tall, not just as an educational institution but as a transformative force, fuelling a generation of tech trailblazers. This isn't just about coding; it is about unleashing a tidal wave of creativity, curiosity, and courage. It is a celebration of the untapped genius within every child, a recognition that their ideas, dreams, and aspirations have the power to shape a future that dazzles with South African brilliance.


The revolution has dawned, and it is transforming South Africa's tomorrow into a breathtaking wave of limitless potential, one line of code at a time. Join us, and let's embark on this thrilling journey together.

Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025
A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy  Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”
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March 28, 2025
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing.  Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
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