Pretoria January 2025

February 3, 2025

Pretoria

Big Splash and Inter-House Swimming Gala

Crawford International Pretoria recently hosted the highly anticipated Big Splash and Inter-House Swimming Gala under clear blue skies. The atmosphere was electric as the three houses competed in a day filled with healthy rivalry, teamwork, and exceptional sportsmanship.

From the cheers on the sidelines to the determination in the pool, students and staff displayed remarkable energy and camaraderie. A special commendation goes to our talented swimmers, whose dedication and skill made the event a true celebration of athleticism and house spirit.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success—what a fantastic way to start the year!

Counsellors Induction: Celebrating Leadership

Our Grade 7 students at Crawford International Pretoria were officially inducted as counsellors for 2025 in a ceremony recognising their leadership potential. At Crawford, we believe that every Grade 7 student has a unique leadership style, and we are committed to guiding them in their journey.

Mrs Groenewald, Head of Expression and Leadership, delivered an inspiring message on incorporating HEART values into leadership:

Honesty
Empathy
Accountability
Respect
Trust

These values form the foundation of effective and compassionate leadership. Each counsellor received a school tie, badge, and certificate, marking this important milestone.

We look forward to seeing these young leaders inspire their peers and make a meaningful impact throughout the year. Congratulations to our Grade 7 counsellors!

Importance of Provocations for Language Development in an IB PYP the Early Years Learning environment.

Language development is a cornerstone of early childhood education, as it forms the foundation for communication, literacy, and social interaction. In the early years classroom, provocations serve as powerful tools to foster language growth. These thoughtfully planned or spontaneously created experiences invite children to explore, question, and express themselves. By stimulating curiosity and encouraging dialogue, provocations play a crucial role in building young learners' vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence.

Encouraging Rich Conversations
Provocations naturally prompt children to talk about what they observe, think, and feel. For instance, presenting a jar filled with seashells might lead to a discussion about the ocean, vacation experiences, or the textures and shapes of the shells. Teachers can scaffold these conversations by asking open-ended questions, expanding on children’s responses, and introducing new vocabulary.
Promoting Storytelling and Imagination
Open-ended provocations inspire children to create narratives, which enhances their expressive language skills. A setup of miniature figures, blocks, and natural materials could lead to children inventing stories about castles, forests, or animal adventures. Through storytelling, they practice sequencing, descriptive language, and emotional expression.
Facilitating Peer Interaction
Many provocations are group-oriented, encouraging collaboration and dialogue among children. For example, a shared art project or a sensory table filled with water and floating objects invites children to share ideas, negotiate roles, and articulate their thoughts. This peer-to-peer interaction is key to developing social communication skills, such as taking turns in conversation and understanding others’ perspectives.
Building Vocabulary
Provocations expose children to new concepts and words in meaningful contexts. A teacher might introduce magnifying glasses and insects, sparking conversations about habitats, anatomy, and movement. By naming, describing, and exploring these topics, children expand their vocabulary and grasp abstract concepts.
Connecting Language to Experiences
Provocations create authentic opportunities for children to connect language with real-world experiences. A nature walk or the arrival of a classroom pet might provoke curiosity, questions, and observations. When children have hands-on experiences to talk about, they are more likely to engage in purposeful language use.

Examples of Effective Provocations for Language Development

Sensory Play: Setting up a table with kinetic sand, scoops, and hidden objects can provoke descriptive conversations as children explore textures and uncover surprises.
Art Materials: Introducing an array of paints, brushes, and natural elements like leaves or sticks can prompt children to explain their creative choices and processes.
Books and Visual Stimuli: Displaying picture books, photos, or artworks can invite children to share interpretations, predictions, and personal connections.
Dramatic Play Areas: Transforming a corner into a "veterinarian's office" or "space station" encourages role-play, dialogue, and the use of thematic vocabulary.

The Role of Educators

Educators play a vital role in shaping and guiding provocations to maximize their impact on language development. By observing children’s interests and responding with meaningful provocations, teachers create a dynamic learning environment. It’s essential for educators to actively engage with children during these experiences, modelling language, posing questions, and fostering deeper conversations.

Conclusion

Provocations are a powerful strategy for nurturing language development in the early years classroom. By sparking curiosity, promoting dialogue, and connecting language to real-world experiences, provocations empower children to communicate with confidence and creativity. Through thoughtful planning and active engagement, educators can unlock the full potential of provocations, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and communication skills.

Crawford International Pretoria College

Matric Results Celebration On 13 January 2025, Crawford International Pretoria hosted a special Matric Results Celebration, bringing together students, staff, and families to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our graduates. This unforgettable event honoured the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our Matric heroes and heroines, whose achievements reflect the outstanding academic environment nurtured at our campus. The celebration was a moment to recognise these milestones reached and to inspire future students to strive for excellence in their own educational journeys. Congratulations to all the graduates for their outstanding results and for making us proud.

Student Executive Body Leadership Tour

On Sunday, 12 January, our Student Executive Body embarked on a one-day tour designed to equip them with essential leadership skills and provide the motivation needed for a successful year ahead. The tour offered a unique opportunity for our student leaders to connect, collaborate, and develop the tools necessary to lead with confidence, integrity, and vision. As they forged lasting bonds with one another, they also gained valuable insights into the responsibilities and challenges of leadership, setting the stage for a productive and impactful year at Crawford International Pretoria.

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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.”

10 Reasons Why Early Childhood Development is Important

By ADvTECH Group • April 15, 2025

The 10 reasons why the first six years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to early childhood development, read all about it in this article.

One to one correspondence

By Ashmita Mistry • April 8, 2025

Crawford schools blog article on one-to-one correspondence in early development and the importance of this developmental skill that adults take for granted.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

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.