Two Cape Town schools have made the top ten shortlist to be named “Best School in the World”.
About 3,000,000 schools are believed to have entered the competition globally. The T4 Education competition has 5 categories with 10 finalists each. Read more about the competition, and finalists here.
West End Primary in Mitchell’s Plein, and Pinelands North Primary have both made the shortlist in the category “overcoming adversity”. The category recognises schools that equip their pupils socially and emotionally to deal with a changing world. They’re the only finalists from South Africa.
West End is being recognised for devising programmes that help kids dream beyond the challenges of poverty, gangsterism and substance abuse. Pinelands North Primary is being hailed as a leader in creating a home for those who don’t fit a traditional and normative family structure. That includes gender-neutral uniforms, facilities, and sports – and the teaching of sign language from Grade 2.
Principal, Ann Morton has been there since 1997, and says it’s been a collaborative effort:
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, attended celebrations at both schools. He says he’s not surprised that Western Cape schools are shining – and also praised the staff and parents at both schools for their commitment:
Winde and new Education MEC, David Maynier, helped the celebrations at Pinelands North with an enthusiastic contribution to the “Jerusalema” challenge:
PIC: PNPS Principal, Ann Morton, celebrates at the announcement. (credit: Roi Simpson)
VID: Premier Winde and MEC Maynier’s “Jerusalema”. (credit: Roi Simpson)
