Gerrit Jacobs. JSE-listed independent school group Curro Holdings is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerrit Jacobs as the Head of Curro Victory Park. This is a brand new DigiEd school opening in Randburg in January 2023.
Mr Jacobs is no stranger to Curro’s progressive technology-rich curriculum. He had been the Natural, Physical and Life Sciences coordinator for Curro Digital Learning since the beginning of 2022. Prior to joining the Curro family, the University of Pretoria alumnus and amateur sports enthusiast enjoyed an established and varied career in teaching, working at both high school and university level.
“I am very passionate about modern day teaching and learning. I am also excited to take on the reins of the new Curro Victory Park. Furthermore I am especially looking forward to fostering an active partnership between learners, parents, teachers, and the broader community. I want to execute my vision of steering the school into becoming one of the best digital learning schools in the area, if not the country,” says Jacobs.
Meeting demand for digital learning head on
The newly renovated and spacious Curro Victory Park school sits on the same site as the old theology campus of St Augustine College. It is on Ley Road and it is the sixth school to launch in the group’s DigiEd stable. Under this umbrella, Curro schools typically veer away from traditional schooling elements and implement innovative practices with cutting-edge pedagogies. This is also to reinvent the set-up of a traditional classroom.
Curro Victory Park will also offer a dynamic school model. It will initially accommodate ambitious Grade 8 learners who want to get the most of their schooling. The offering sees the introduction of 21st century subjects. Subjects such as Coding and Robotics as part of a broader vision. The focus is to prepare young people to be active citizens in an increasingly digital world. They will be equipped with skills which will be vital to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Applications for enrolment are now open.
“We are not throwing traditional schooling out the window . Nor are we replacing the teacher with online learning. Instead, we are seeking to take the next logical step in the evolution of learning. We need to benefit learners for the 2030 workplace. I also want each of our learners to have an authentic and supportive learning environment. Here they can interact better with their teachers and better reach their full potential. Along with, becoming self-driven and entrepreneurially minded individuals. They will be fully equipped with the right skillset to survive in the ever-changing world of work,” explains Jacobs.
Part of pioneering model
As part of this pioneering model, Curro Victory Park learners will enjoy a longer school day (08:00-17:00). They can complete most of their homework at school. Learning materials will predominantly be delivered via a digital medium. Each learner will be given their own device. Teaching and learning will be facilitated in small-group environments rather than large-scale classes. There will also be a state-of-the-art robotics lab. This is an opportunity to play eSports and even the chance to learn how to fly drones.
The classroom setup will also differ, offering a more flexible environment. It will look more like a modern co-working space, rather than a traditional classroom. Despite some renovations mainly to the front of house, the old-world charm of the previous theology building has been retained and integrated into the new school design, including the iconic chapel.
Commenting on Mr Gerrit Jacobs appointment, Andries Greyling, CEO of Curro Holdings says “We at Curro are working hard to build on international best practice. We are introducing education approaches that are pioneering within the South African context. Curro Victory Park is testament to the success of this. We strongly believe Mr Jacobs has the experience, drive, and passion to help execute this modern education approach to benefit more learners in a digital era. It is always gratifying to be opening a new school. We wish Mr Jacobs well as he embarks on an exciting challenge in developing and growing Curro Victory Park”.
Curro Victory Park will open its doors for the new academic term on 11 January 2023. Numerous information sessions will be held at the school campus until the 3rd of December. For more information, visit www.curro.co.za or contact us on info.victorypark@curro.co.za or 087 3304966.
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