schoolsthatrock
Deputy Head Boy 2025. Like we did the past years, schoolsthatrock again chat to the Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa this year. Today we talk to Arav Surujhlal, Deputy Head Boy 2025 of Grantleigh College, Richards Bay, KZN.
“As a naturally sociable person, I thrive in events that allow me to connect with. That is what I am looking forward to as Deputy Head Boy 2025.
After three weeks of exciting activities and engaging ice-breakers, the orientation has left me with lasting memories and new friendships that I am certain will continue to grow during the course of this year. Looking ahead, I am especially excited about the upcoming Grade 10 Leadership Development Workshop later this term. This event promises to be an incredible opportunity to deepen my bonds with my peers while sharing my knowledge and skills. I’m eager to contribute and grow alongside others in this enriching experience.
It feels almost surreal that my time at Grantleigh is nearing its end, with less than a year left in this incredible journey. As deputy Head Boy, my goal is to lead with dignity, empathy, and purpose, empowering my fellow prefects to create a meaningful impact in the lives of our students. Grantleigh has been my home for the past four years, providing me with countless opportunities and unforgettable experiences—far more than I could ever repay. However, in gratitude for all that this school has given me, I am committed to leaving a lasting legacy. I hope to inspire the Grade 8s (Class of 2029) to embrace and carry forward the values that make Grantleigh so special.
Qualities of Grantleigh College
What stands out most about Grantleigh is its dedication to academic, cultural, and sporting excellence, which encourages us to aim high and achieve our full potential. Grantleigh also nurtures a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility, through initiatives such as community service projects and beach clean-ups respectively. Most importantly, Grantleigh places a strong emphasis on shaping students into well-rounded individuals. The slogan on the back of our busses, “Leaders in transit,” couldn’t be more fitting; it reflects the profound journey of growth and purpose we undertake here.
While Grantleigh participates in numerous sports fixtures and cultural performances, one area that I would like to see improved is student support at these events. Often, the majority of attendees are hostel students, which limits the atmosphere of unity and encouragement. Making attendance at these events mandatory could have a profound impact. not only by fostering stronger relationships with other schools but also by significantly enhancing the sense of unity and school spirit amongst Grantleigh students.
If you are looking for a school that feels less like an institution and more like a launchpad for the person you are meant to become, then Grantleigh is where you belong. It is not just about academics, sports, or culture, but rather it is about the stories you will create and the legacy you will leave behind. Imagine walking into a place where every corner echoes with opportunity, where you can turn beach clean-ups into bonding moments, leadership workshops into lifelong lessons, and even school buses into symbols of purpose (“Leaders in transit,” remember?). Grantleigh is the place to be if you want to be more than just a student. Grantleigh is the place to be if you are ready to make your mark.
Leadership trait
My strongest leadership trait is my communication skills. I know the right balance between sharing my own ideas and listening actively. Whether in a group discussion or one-on-one interaction, I ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. I believe without hesitation that open and strong communication is the foundation of any successful team, and is essential for motivating and guiding others in a positive direction. As Jim Rohan once said, “If you just communicate, you can get by. But if you communicate skilfully, you can work miracles.” I continue to actively expand on my communication skills through programmes such as Toastmasters.
Whether it’s getting a baby to eat their vegetables or convincing people to work overtime, one thing remains consistent: incentives. I believe that well-thought-out incentives are key to fostering commitment and perseverance within a team. By understanding what drives each individual—whether it’s recognition, rewards, or opportunities for growth—I can tailor incentives to keep everyone motivated. Creating a system where effort is acknowledged and rewarded ensures that collaboration remains strong, and team members feel valued for their contributions. In my experience, when people see the direct benefits of their hard work, they are more likely to stay dedicated and work together effectively.
Person looking up to
It is particularly difficult to isolate just one person who I look up to the most because so many individuals have had an influence on my perspective. However, if I had to choose, it would be my Dad. Through the many property developments that he has undertaken, I have had the amazing opportunity to learn from his work ethic, perseverance, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Being self-employed, he has instilled in me the importance of integrity and taking responsibility for one’s actions. He is a true example of how hard work and determination can lead to incredible rewards; not just material success, but also the satisfaction of seeing your efforts pay off and making a lasting impact.
Daydreaming
Many times, especially during tests and exams, I ironically find myself daydreaming about life after school. I imagine the freedom of not having to cram for a test or worry about assignments, where I can play Xbox for more than half an hour and spend entire days at a time with friends. Despite all the daydreams though, I know that these challenging moments are part of the journey, and the hard work now will make that future even more rewarding.
If I were a kitchen article, I’d be a pressure cooker. No matter how intense the heat of a situation, I thrive under pressure, staying composed and focused while working to get the job done. My approach to handling challenges is often unconventional, much like the inner workings of a pressure cooker—efficient, but not always visible to others. However, just as a pressure cooker delivers perfectly cooked results, my efforts consistently yield meaningful and fruitful outcomes in the end.
Whether I eat to live or live to eat remains a question unanswered to this day. What I am certain of however, is that my favourite dish is my Aaji’s (grandmother from my Dad’s side) homemade prawns curry. Where every bite is made with love and tradition, such a dish becomes more than just food; it is a connection to my roots and the love that she’s always poured into every meal she’s prepared for me.
Future career
I am intent on pursuing Mechatronic Engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT). I have always had a love and natural talent for maths, and am currently working on expanding my knowledge in the world of electronics and IT. My fascination with how things work, from the smallest circuits to complex robotic systems, has driven me to explore this field further. UCT’s cutting-edge research opportunities and strong focus on innovation make it the perfect place for me to develop my skills and make a meaningful contribution to the field.”
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