North Coast August 2026

September 20, 2026

Staff Spotlight

We are excited to announce that Crawford Internation North Coast has retained the prestigious Sales Guru Award, demonstrating our continued commitment to ensuring 6-star service for our customers at all times. 

We are especially proud to congratulate Sundeepa Rangasamy, who was awarded Top Academic Consultant after achieving an outstanding 100% score from the Sales Guru Team. This remarkable achievement reflects her dedication, professionalism, and excellence in customer service. 

Pre-Primary

Arts and Culture 

Our Grade 0s at Crawford International North Coast had a wonderful time getting creative as they explored the concept of past, present and future. 

The children designed and made their very own cameras, using them to imagine capturing special moments from the past, recording what they see in the present, and looking ahead to what the future might hold.

This fun, hands-on activity encouraged creativity, imagination and thoughtful conversations about time and memories. 

It was wonderful to see our Grade 0s bringing their ideas to life through play and creativity.

Academic Excellence 

Our students have been working hard as they explore the concept of addition. Through a variety of fun, hands-on activities, they have been developing their understanding of how numbers can be combined to make a total. 

Using practical resources, games and engaging classroom activities, our students have had opportunities to count, group objects, solve simple addition problems and explain their thinking. These experiences help to build their number sense, confidence and problem-solving skills. 

We are so proud of the enthusiasm and determination our students are showing as they develop their mathematical skills.

Sports Excellence

Our little ones have been enjoying time on the playground, developing their gross motor skills through fun and engaging obstacle courses.

As they climbed, balanced, jumped, crawled and navigated their way through each challenge, our children were building strength, coordination, balance and spatial awareness. Obstacle courses also encourage perseverance, confidence and problem-solving as children work out how to complete each activity. 

It was wonderful to see our little ones learning, moving and having fun together while developing important physical skills through play. 

Paton House Outing

The girls of Paton House enjoyed a special outing to Salt & Citrus Restaurant in Umdloti, organised by their Grade 8 Tutor, Ms. Ncane.

The students spent a relaxing afternoon enjoying a delicious late lunch while taking in the beautiful ocean views. The outing provided an opportunity to spend quality time together outside of the boarding environment and further strengthen the wonderful sense of community within the house.

Preparatory 

Academic Excellence 

Grade 6 and 7 students recently enjoyed an engaging, gamified presentation by teachers from Crawford North Coast College, introducing the expressive subjects available in the next phase of their learning journey. Through interactive activities, students explored how these subjects help develop creativity, communication, collaboration, confidence, problem-solving and perseverance.

Aligned with the PYP philosophy, the session encouraged students to reflect on their strengths, embrace new opportunities and remain open to discovering new talents. It also provided a valuable connection between the Preparatoty and College phases, giving students insight into future learning experiences.

Ultimately, the presentation highlighted that choosing an option subject is not just about making a selection, but about exploring possibilities, developing skills and striving to achieve their best. 

Sports Excellence 

Our students delivered an outstanding performance at the Junior D&D Chess Tournament, competing against 95 players from 19 schools. Micah Jainarain claimed 1st place, Milan Lalsab secured 3rd place, and Kian Pillay finished in the Top 10, earning a D&D badge.

Congratulations also to Cuan Munsamy, Kedhar Chonan, Nate Padayachee and Grade 1R student Sanaav Ramkissoon, who impressed in his first tournament. We are incredibly proud of all our players for their determination, sportsmanship and passion for the game.  

Art and Culture 

Congratulations to Grade 7 student Sitara Harripersadh on qualifying for the prestigious National Eisteddfod Young Artist Award Competition. Achieving over 90% for Visual Art and earning Full Colours reflects her exceptional talent, creativity and dedication. We are incredibly proud of her achievement. 

College 

Leadership

Our students proudly represented our school at the Model United Nations hosted by the Deutsche Schule Durban, where they debated the global issue of Food Insecurity and the Risk of Famine in Conflict-Affected Regions. 

Through meaningful debate and collaboration, they sharpened their public speaking and critical thinking, while engaging with real-world issues – developing the skills of tomorrow's global leaders. 

New SLB Structure – 2026/2027

Congratulations to our newly elected Student Leadership Body for 2026 – 2027.

We are incredibly proud of these students, who have been entrusted with the opportunity to lead and serve our school community. Each member of the SLB brings their own unique perspectives, strengths and talents, and we look forward to seeing how these qualities will contribute to the continued growth and vibrancy of Crawford International North Coast. 

As they begin their term of office, we encourage them to embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm, integrity, respect and a genuine commitment to serving their fellow students. We have no doubt that they will make a meaningful contribution to our school community and leave their own positive mark on the year ahead. 

Well done to all our newly elected leaders! We wish you every success as you embark on this exciting journey. May your term of office be a rewarding, fulfilling and memorable one. 

Culture  

Celebrating our Grade 10 dancers on the JOMBA Stage.

We are proud of our talented Grade 10 Dance Studies dancers and their teacher for their outstanding performance at JOMBA. Live: Open Horizons on Thursday, 27 August. 

The dancers performed Range of Motion with Rampage Dance Company, a powerful work choreographed by Iqraam Rahim. The piece explored birth, growth and transformation through the bodies of a generation shaped by rapidly changing digital technologies, beautifully bringing Indian and African cultural aesthetics into conversation with contemporary movement. 

Congratulations to Ahlume Matandabuzo, Emily Naidoo, Zvinaiye Masvikeni, Lilitha Moagi and Julia van Heerden on this incredible achievement! And a special thank you to Jaiuren Naidoo and Andrea Naidoo, two of our Grade 9 students, for their crucial support backstage. 

We pride ourselves in the commitment, artistry, discipline and courage you demonstrated in taking your work onto such a prestigious stage. A special congratulations to Natashia for guiding and supporting our dancers throughout this wonderful opportunity.  

Sports Excellence 

We hosted the 3rd Edition of the Friendship Cup, bringing young footballers together to compete, connect and celebrate the beautiful game. 

More teams joined this year making the tournament bigger and better. It was truly an unforgettable celebration of football, friendship, teamwork and sportsmanship. 

Congratulations to our boys - U15s came 4th in their division and U19s came 2nd.

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What Can You Really Learn From a School Tour?

September 18, 2026

What Can You Really Learn From a School Tour? Choosing a school is about more than comparing websites, prospectuses and academic results. While these can provide useful information, there is something different about seeing a school in person. A school tour gives parents the opportunity to experience the environment where their child could spend some of their most formative years. But what should you actually look for on a school tour? Beyond the buildings and facilities, a visit can tell you a great deal about the school’s culture, its approach to learning and whether it feels like the right fit for your child. Look beyond the facilities Modern classrooms, sports fields, libraries and technology can all contribute to a positive school experience, but facilities are only part of the picture. During a school tour, pay attention to how spaces are used and how students interact within them. Are classrooms welcoming and purposeful? Do students appear engaged? Are there spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity and independent work? These details can give you a better understanding of how the school environment supports everyday learning. Notice how teachers and students interact One of the most valuable things to observe on a school tour is the relationship between teachers and students. A school can tell you about its values, but seeing those values in action can be much more revealing. Notice whether students appear comfortable asking questions and speaking with their teachers. Consider how teachers communicate with students and whether interactions feel respectful, encouraging and supportive. These everyday moments can provide insight into the kind of experience your child may have in the classroom. Get a feel for the school culture School culture can be difficult to understand from a website alone. Listen to what you hear in corridors and classrooms, notice how students move around campus, and consider whether you can picture your child feeling welcome, known and confident there. These impressions may not appear in a prospectus, but they can be some of the most useful things you take away from a visit. Ask ab es out Values You can also ask about the values the school prioritises. How does it support student wellbeing? How are relationships and respect encouraged? What opportunities do students have to contribute to the school community? The answers can help you understand what life at the school is really like. Ask how students are encouraged to grow A strong education should provide more than academic knowledge. During your tour, ask how the school helps students discover their interests, build confidence and develop skills beyond the classroom. Find out about opportunities in sport, culture, leadership, creative activities, clubs and other enrichment programmes. These experiences can help students explore their strengths and develop qualities such as teamwork, resilience, communication and independence. Ask the questions that matter to your child Every child has different needs, interests and ambitions, so there is no universal checklist for a school tour. Think about what matters most to your child before you visit and use the opportunity to ask specific questions. What does a typical day look like for a student in my child's age group? What support is available if my child needs extra help or wants to be stretched further? What opportunities do students have to take part in sport, culture, leadership or creative activities? How does the school communicate with parents? How are students encouraged to take responsibility for their learning? Trust what you see and how you feel A school tour is also an opportunity to consider whether you can picture your child being happy and confident in that environment. Does the school feel welcoming? Do the students seem engaged? Do the teachers appear approachable? Can you imagine your child feeling known, supported and encouraged to grow? These impressions may not appear in a prospectus, but they can be some of the most useful things you take away from a visit. See the school experience for yourself Ultimately, a school tour can turn a list of facts into a real sense of what a school offers. It allows parents to look beyond academic results and facilities and see the people, relationships and environment that shape a student’s everyday experience. This is why visiting a school matters. At Crawford International, families have the opportunity to see the school environment, meet teachers and experience the community for themselves. Choosing a school is not only about what it offers, but whether it is a place where your child can learn, grow and thrive. At Crawford International, personalised tours are arranged directly with your chosen campus, giving you and your family the chance to meet our teachers and students on a day that suits you Book a personalised tour and discover the Crawford International experience for yourself.

Does Your Child Have a Voice in Their Education?

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Student voice builds confidence and independence. See what having a say looks like from Grade 1 to Grade 11, and how parents and schools support it.

Don’t Just Tour a School. Imagine Your Child’s Future There

September 4, 2026

A school tour shows you the buildings. Picture your child inside them. What to look for beyond the facilities when you are choosing a school.

The Questions Parents Often Forget to Ask at an Open Day

August 21, 2026

Most parents ask about fees and academics. These are the seven questions that tell you far more about whether a school is right for your child.

What is the Purpose of a School Open Day

August 14, 2026

A school Open Day shows you what a website cannot. Here is what happens on the day, what to look for, and why visiting in person matters so much.

Helping Your Child Develop Leadership Skills at Every Age

August 7, 2026

Leadership starts long before the boardroom. See how children build confidence, empathy and decision making from pre-primary through to matric.

Crawford International Partners with Momentum

July 29, 2026

Helping Your Child Transition Back to School After the Holidays The end of the school holidays often brings a mix of emotions for both children and parents. While many students look forward to seeing their friends and teachers again, others may feel nervous about returning to routines, new classrooms or the challenges of a new term. A smooth transition back to school doesn't happen overnight. With a little preparation and a positive approach, families can help children return feeling confident, organised and ready to learn. The key is to focus on creating healthy routines, encouraging open conversations and making the first few days back feel exciting rather than overwhelming. Re-establish a School Routine Before the First Day One of the easiest ways to prepare your child for the new school term is to begin reintroducing their school routine a few days before classes resume. Gradually adjust bedtimes and morning wake-up times to match the school schedule. This gives children time to reset their body clocks, making those early mornings much easier when the term begins. You can also use this time to prepare school uniforms, organise stationery and pack school bags together. These small tasks help children feel organised and reduce first-day stress. Talk Positively About Returning to School Children often take emotional cues from the adults around them. Speaking positively about the new school term can help build excitement and confidence. Ask your child what they are looking forward to. It could be seeing friends, participating in sport, joining a cultural activity or learning something new. If they have concerns, listen without dismissing their feelings and reassure them that it's normal to feel a little uncertain after a long break. Simple conversations can go a long way in helping children feel emotionally prepared for the transition back to school. Encourage Healthy Habits Returning to school is a great opportunity to re-establish healthy daily habits that support learning and wellbeing. Encourage regular meals, enough sleep, daily movement and balanced screen time. These habits not only support physical health but also improve concentration, energy levels and overall readiness for the classroom. Children thrive when they have a consistent routine that balances learning, rest and play. Help Your Child Set Small Goals A new school term offers a fresh start. Encourage your child to think about one or two realistic goals they would like to achieve. These goals don't have to be purely academic. They could include improving time management, participating more in class, joining a new activity, reading more often or simply becoming more organised. Focusing on small, achievable goals helps children build confidence and creates a sense of purpose for the weeks ahead. Stay Connected with Your Child's School A successful school experience is built on a strong partnership between home and school. Taking an active interest in your child's learning helps them feel supported and reinforces the importance of education. Regular communication with teachers, attending school events and checking in with your child about their day all contribute to a positive learning experience. Even simple questions such as "What was the best part of your day?" can encourage meaningful conversations about school. Be Patient During the Adjustment Period Not every child settles back into routine immediately. Some may be tired during the first week, while others may need extra reassurance as they adjust to classroom expectations again. Be patient and celebrate the small wins. Whether it's waking up on time, completing homework independently or returning home with a positive story about their day, these moments all contribute to a successful transition. Remember that confidence grows through encouragement, consistency and support. Key Takeaways Begin preparing for the new school term a few days before school starts. Re-establish healthy sleep, morning and after-school routines. Talk positively about returning to school and encourage open conversations. Support your child's wellbeing through healthy habits and balanced routines. Help your child set small, achievable goals for the new term. Build a strong partnership with your child's school. Be patient as children adjust and celebrate their progress along the way. Returning to school marks the beginning of another exciting chapter of learning and growth. By creating positive routines, encouraging confidence and supporting your child's wellbeing, parents can help make the transition back to school a positive experience for the whole family.

Helping Your Child Transition Back to School After the Holidays

July 24, 2026

How College Students Can Make the Most of the School Holidays

July 17, 2026

How College Students Can Make the Most of the School Holidays For College students, the school holidays are more than just a pause between terms. They are a chance to rest, reset and spend time on the things that often get pushed aside during a busy school schedule. Between academics, sport, cultural activities, friendships, leadership responsibilities and future planning, the school term can move quickly. The holidays offer students time to slow down, reconnect with themselves and return to school feeling more focused. Making the most of the holidays does not mean filling every day with revision or activities. It means finding a healthy balance between rest, enjoyment, responsibility and small steps that support personal growth. Use the Break to Properly Recharge Rest is one of the most important parts of the holidays. After a demanding term, students need time to sleep, relax and step away from constant deadlines. This may mean having a few slower mornings, spending time with friends, watching a favourite series, listening to music, reading, exercising or simply doing very little for a while. The key is to rest in a way that actually feels refreshing. Too many late nights, endless scrolling or irregular routines can sometimes leave students feeling more tired than before. A good holiday should help students feel recharged, not drained. Keep a Little Structure Without Overplanning The holidays should feel different from school, but some structure can make the break more enjoyable. Without it, days can start to blur together and it becomes easy to lose motivation. Students can create a simple rhythm that works for them. This might include time for rest, seeing friends, exercising, helping at home, enjoying hobbies and doing any schoolwork that needs to be completed. This does not need to be a strict timetable. Even choosing one or two things to do each day can create a sense of purpose while still leaving plenty of room for downtime. Stay Connected to Learning in a Low-Pressure Way The holidays are not meant to become another school term. However, staying lightly connected to learning can help students return with more confidence. This could mean finishing assigned holiday work early, reviewing a subject that felt difficult, organising notes, reading something interesting or setting a small goal for the next term. For senior students, the holidays can also be a good time to think about future pathways. Exploring study options, careers, personal interests or skills can help students feel more prepared without making the break feel academic. Use Technology with Intention Technology is part of everyday life, especially for College students. The focus should be on helping them build a responsible, intentional relationship with it. Used well, technology can best support learning, connect with friends, watch useful content, research future opportunities or create something original. Recent research has drawn attention to the long-term effects that constant device use can have on young people. Parents have an important duty to play here too, by staying aware of this research and helping set sensible limits around use at home. Taking regular breaks from devices, spending time outdoors and being present with family or friends can help create a healthier balance. Make Time for Movement and Wellbeing Physical activity is one of the simplest ways to support wellbeing during the holidays. It helps with energy, sleep, mood and focus. This does not have to mean formal sport or intense training. Walking, gym, running, swimming, cycling, dancing, hiking or playing sport with friends can all help students stay active. Wellbeing also includes sleep, nutrition, social connection and time away from pressure. The holidays are a good opportunity for students to check in with how they are feeling and reset healthy habits. Explore Interests Beyond the Classroom During the term, students may not always have time to focus on their own interests. The holidays can create space to explore what excites them outside of the classroom. This could include music, art, photography, design, coding, sport, volunteering, writing, entrepreneurship, cooking, reading or learning a new practical skill. These activities are not just ways to stay busy. They help students build confidence, discover strengths and develop a stronger sense of who they are becoming. Take Responsibility in Small Ways Independence grows through everyday responsibility. The holidays are a good time for students to practise managing their time, planning ahead and contributing at home. This might include organising their room, helping with meals, managing their own school preparation, budgeting for outings, planning transport or taking responsibility for completing holiday tasks without being reminded. These small actions help students build habits that will support them beyond school. Ease Back into the New Term A few days before school starts, it helps to gently shift back into routine. Students can check their school materials, complete any final tasks, review important dates and adjust sleep patterns. This is also a good time to set one or two realistic goals. These could be academic, personal, social or linked to sport, culture or leadership. Starting the term with a clear mind and a little preparation can help students feel more confident and in control. Key Takeaways The holidays are a time to rest, reset and reconnect. Students do not need a strict timetable, but some structure can help. Light learning or preparation can make the return to school smoother. Technology should be balanced with movement, hobbies and real connection. Exploring interests outside the classroom supports confidence and personal growth. Small responsibilities help students build independence. A calm return to routine can help students start the next term well. School holidays are a valuable opportunity for College students to pause, reflect and grow. With the right balance of rest, freedom and purpose, students can return to school feeling refreshed, motivated and ready for what comes next.

How to Keep Children Engaged During the School Holidays: Pre-Primary and Preparatory

July 10, 2026

School holidays are an important time for children to rest, play and enjoy a break from their usual routine. After a busy term, children need time to recharge, spend time with family and enjoy the freedom of slower days. At the same time, many parents know that holidays can quickly become challenging when children are restless, bored or spending more time on screens than planned. The goal is not to fill every hour with structured activities. Instead, school holidays can offer a healthy balance of rest, play, creativity, movement and simple learning moments. For Pre-Primary and Prep children, the best activities are often the ones that feel fun, natural and easy to enjoy at home. Keep a Gentle Holiday Routine Children often feel more settled when they know what to expect. A holiday routine does not need to be strict, but a simple rhythm can help the day feel calmer. Parents can include: A regular wake-up and bedtime range Time for outdoor play Creative activities Quiet reading or rest time Limited screen time Small responsibilities at home Family time in the evening This gives children enough structure to feel secure, while still allowing space for holiday fun. Encourage Learning Through Play Younger children learn best through play. Through everyday play, they practise communication, imagination, problem-solving and independence. Simple holiday play ideas include: Building with blocks, boxes or cushions Playing dress-up Creating a pretend shop or restaurant Doing puzzles Playing matching or memory games Using playdough or clay Making an indoor obstacle course Playing board games or card games These activities keep children engaged without making the holidays feel like schoolwork. Make Reading Feel Relaxed The holidays are a good time to encourage reading in a calm and enjoyable way. Reading supports vocabulary, imagination and concentration, but it should not feel like a task. For Pre-Primary children, parents can read aloud, look at picture books together and ask simple questions about the story. For Prep children, allow them to choose books that interest them, whether that is storybooks, comics, fact books or magazines. Even 15 minutes of reading a day can help children stay connected to language and learning during the holidays. Get Creative at Home Creative activities are a simple way to keep children busy while encouraging imagination and focus. Parents can try: Drawing, painting or colouring Making cards for family members Baking simple recipes together Creating a holiday scrapbook Making puppets and putting on a show Building with recycled materials Designing a treasure map The focus should not be on perfection. What matters most is that children are exploring, creating and enjoying the process. Keep Children Moving Movement is especially important for younger children. It supports their physical development, mood, sleep and concentration. Easy ways to keep children active include: Playing outside Going for a family walk Riding a bicycle or scooter Dancing to music Playing ball games Swimming, where safe and supervised Visiting a park Movement does not need to be formal. The aim is simply to help children use their energy in a healthy and enjoyable way. Build Independence Through Small Responsibilities School holidays are a good opportunity to help children practise small responsibilities without the rush of the school morning. Younger children can help with: Packing away toys Making their bed Helping set the table Watering plants Feeding pets with supervision Organising books or stationery These small tasks help children feel capable and trusted. Over time, they support confidence and independence. Set Healthy Screen Time Boundaries Screens can be part of the holidays, but they should not become the main activity of the day. Clear boundaries help children understand when and how screens can be used. Parents may choose to allow screen time after reading, outdoor play or tidying up. Families can also keep mealtimes and bedtime screen-free. It can help to create a simple holiday activity list so children have options before turning to a device. Prepare Gently for the New Term As the holidays come to an end, children may need help adjusting back into routine. A few days before school starts, parents can begin moving bedtime closer to the usual school schedule, preparing uniforms and school bags, and speaking positively about the term ahead. For younger children, reassurance makes a big difference. A calm return to routine can help them feel ready and confident for the new term. Key Takeaways School holidays should include both rest and meaningful activity. Pre-Primary and Prep children learn through play, movement, creativity and conversation. A gentle routine helps children feel settled. Reading, creative activities and outdoor play support development. Small responsibilities help children build confidence and independence. Clear screen time boundaries create a healthier holiday rhythm. Preparing gradually for the new term can make the return to school easier. School holidays are a valuable opportunity for children to rest, explore and reconnect. With a simple balance of structure and freedom, parents can help younger children enjoy their break while continuing to build curiosity, confidence and independence.