TEACHING REMOTELY: FOCUS ON THE ESSENTIALS, LESS IS MORE
Drickus Maartens • April 23, 2020
The temptation to do it all as if it is possible to maintain the pace and volume of contact education remotely must be resisted, an education expert says.
“As educators adapt to teaching remotely and online, there may be an attempt to mimic what a school day would normally look like, by filling learners’ days according to pre-lockdown timetables, and pace and content of learning,” says Dr Felicity Coughlan, Academic Director at ADvTECH, SA’s leading private education provider.
“However this approach is counter-productive, and can lead to further frustration, anxiety and tension under what is already challenging circumstances for all concerned, including for parents, learners and educators,” she says.
Dr Coughlan says there is an important difference between focusing on essential skills during this time, as opposed to trying to keep the curriculum going in full.
“Much of the stress people are experiencing arises from this well-intentioned attempt to ‘keep up’. It is far more conducive to learning and well-being to make deliberate choices and to pare back and focus on those skills around which we can then build content knowledge again later,” she says.
In quite unexpected ways the lockdown and the unique and unprecedented circumstances in which we now find ourselves, provide a perfect opportunity to develop and entrench those global competencies which otherwise might not receive the requisite focus during normal school time, Dr Coughlan says.
“We have known for some time that the world is changing, that the skills required in the workplace are evolving and that the workplace of the future is going to look much different from what used to be the status quo only four weeks ago. Now, all of a sudden, we find ourselves thrown into a completely new paradigm and it is quite clear that the world will not be the same.
“So what better time to develop those global competencies and master 21st Century Skills than during the biggest global disaster in recent history?”
Dr Coughlan says SA teachers have risen to the challenges of remote and digital teaching with remarkable resilience and zeal, with very little warning or lead-time. They have been wonderfully innovative whether or not they have had access to extensive educational technology or been required to use WhatsApp or other day-to-day communication tools to keep in touch with the children they were teaching. The mindset of making do and re-inventing is a precious one we should not lose.
She says ADvTECH Schools have integrated Global Competencies in their curricula for several years, and that those schools and educators who have not yet had the time to do so or have treated these as peripheral, now have the perfect opportunity to embed them in “normal” teaching and learning.
“The world of the future just came crashing through our door,” says Dr Coughlan.
The Global Competencies of THINKING skills (creative, critical and reflexive), RESEARCH skills (collecting, recording, organising, interpreting), COMMUNICATION skills (personal interaction with others), SOCIAL skills (personal behaviour) and SELF-MANAGEMENT are the only ways that teachers and students will navigate this period and what follows it, successfully.
“So, for teachers developing lessons and content, and schools still grappling with how to approach learning at this time, consider that less really is more. If there is therefore a little bit of a silver lining to this disaster, it is that we now have the ideal opportunity to develop these skills, and that even those schools and educators who are not as well-positioned as others can include them.”
Now is the time to focus on the basics, and to aim for consolidation, says Dr Coughlan.
“It is true that for some this is easier than for others. There is particular concern about the Grade 12 class as well as the millions of children being left behind as education continues for some. These social justice imperatives are not trivial, but are not addressed by the entire system freezing. It is however vital that those in positions of privilege who are able to still be learning effectively acknowledge this privilege with humility.
“If your school or class can continue learning then this time needs to be used to develop global citizens just as much as it must be used to entrench skills. Content can and will follow. Don’t mistake quantity for quality. “
From 1 January 2027, Greenwood Bay College will be known as Pinnacle College Greenwood Bay.
Twenty years of trusted education meets expanded opportunities, greater accessibility and future-ready learning from January 2027. Families across Hartbeespoort can look forward to an even stronger independent school offering as Pecanwood College becomes Pinnacle College Pecanwood from January 2027. The transition brings together two decades of local educational excellence with the academic strength, innovation and opportunities offered by the expanding Pinnacle Colleges network. Current and prospective families stand to benefit from a school that retains everything the community values while opening the door to even greater opportunities. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will preserve the school's caring culture, close relationships, boarding facilities, IEB curriculum, sporting tradition and vibrant co-curricular programme, while providing students access to a broader network recognised for academic excellence, future-focused learning and preparation for life beyond school. Pecanwood College has proudly served the Hartbeespoort community for 20 years, offering education from the early years through to Grade 12, including boarding. Dedicated teachers, a nurturing environment, strong IEB academic results and diverse sporting and cultural opportunities have established the school as a respected educational institution in the region. That solid foundation will now be enhanced through the wider Pinnacle Colleges network. Students and teachers will benefit from shared academic expertise, established operational excellence and opportunities to participate in broader academic, cultural and sporting initiatives across multiple campuses. Pinnacle Colleges equips students for tertiary education and successful careers through a balanced approach that combines academic excellence with innovation, career guidance, coding and robotics, technology-enabled learning and holistic personal development. Respect, responsibility and a strong sense of community remain central to every campus experience. Academic success already defines Pecanwood College. The Class of 2025 achieved an impressive 98.59% matric pass rate, a 94.36% Bachelor's Degree pass rate and an average of 1.9 distinctions per student. Pinnacle College Pecanwood will build on these achievements through strengthened academic systems, shared expertise and continued commitment to outstanding IEB education. The name Pinnacle College Pecanwood honours both the school's proud heritage and its exciting future. Twenty years of commitment by students, teachers, families and the wider community remain firmly embedded in the school's identity, while its new name reflects membership of one of South Africa's fastest-growing independent school groups dedicated to innovation, accessibility and student success. Hartbeespoort families can now enjoy the best of both worlds: a close-knit community lifestyle paired with access to a high-quality independent education close to home. Pinnacle College Pecanwood is well positioned to become the school of choice for families seeking exceptional academic opportunities, future-ready skills and an environment where every student can thrive.
Parents often ask what the world of work will look like by 2030. The honest answer is that nobody knows exactly. Entire industries are evolving at lightning speed, while new careers are emerging faster than ever before. One certainty remains: students who can think critically, solve problems creatively and adapt confidently to change will have a significant advantage. Robotics and coding are no longer niche subjects reserved for aspiring software developers. They have become essential building blocks of future-ready education, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital society. At Pinnacle Colleges, technology is not viewed as a destination but as a tool that empowers young minds to innovate, collaborate and lead. Every aspect of modern life is influenced by technology. Healthcare, agriculture, finance, engineering, education and entertainment all rely on digital systems that continue to evolve. Success in these fields depends not only on understanding technology but also on knowing how to create solutions through it. According to Kohen Pillay, Coding and Robotics Teacher at Pinnacle College Waterfall , coding has become a new form of literacy. "Coding is no longer limited to careers in computer science. It teaches students how to communicate with technology, think systematically and understand digital environments. Just as reading and mathematics are foundational skills, coding empowers students to participate confidently in a rapidly evolving digital world." Robotics and coding naturally encourage curiosity. Students are challenged to investigate problems, develop ideas, test solutions and refine their thinking. Every obstacle becomes another opportunity to learn, building analytical thinking alongside creativity and determination. Mistakes are not signs of failure in a coding classroom. They are stepping stones towards success. Pillay explains: "I always teach my students that they should never give up when their code does not work the first time. Mistakes and errors are part of the learning journey, and success often comes through patience, perseverance and problem-solving. Challenges should never discourage us but should become opportunities for growth and improvement." That mindset extends far beyond technology. Resilience, adaptability and confidence are qualities employers increasingly seek and qualities that benefit students throughout their personal and professional lives. Teamwork also plays a vital role. Robotics projects mirror the collaborative environments found in modern workplaces, where diverse perspectives often produce the best solutions. Students learn to communicate ideas clearly, delegate responsibilities, respect different viewpoints and celebrate shared achievements. Creativity flourishes when technology meets imagination. Pinnacle Colleges encourage students to think beyond textbooks and apply their knowledge to meaningful real-world challenges. Grade 7 students recently designed eco-friendly cities using recyclable materials, combining environmental awareness, engineering principles and innovative thinking into one engaging project. Another exciting initiative challenged students to participate in a "Shark Tank"-style presentation, designing medical robots or digital programmes capable of addressing pressing global healthcare challenges. Research, critical thinking, presentation skills and entrepreneurship all came together in a single learning experience. Competitive opportunities further strengthen these skills. Pinnacle College recently competed against ten schools at the Pretoria East Robotics Competition, earning third place in the Novice Stream and second place in the Apprentice Stream. Such achievements reflect not only technical ability but also dedication, teamwork and perseverance. Families searching for future-ready education should look beyond examination results alone. Strong academic foundations remain essential, but equally important are opportunities that develop innovation, collaboration, communication and leadership. Technology should enhance learning by encouraging students to become creators rather than passive consumers. Artificial intelligence, automation and robotics will continue transforming the global economy over the next decade. Careers that today's children will pursue may not even exist yet. Preparing students for that future requires schools willing to nurture curiosity, adaptability and bold thinking. Tomorrow's leaders are not simply learning how to use technology. They are learning how to shape it. That may prove to be the most valuable skill of all.
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International conversations around sustainability continue to gain urgency, yet meaningful change often begins in the most ordinary spaces. Classrooms, playgrounds and even lunchboxes are becoming powerful platforms for environmental awareness at Pinnacle Colleges. International Day of Zero Waste, observed on 30 March, presents an opportunity to rethink how waste is created and managed in daily life. A practical and student-centred approach is taking shape at Pinnacle College Linden, where sustainability is embedded not as a once-off campaign but as a lived value. “International Day of Zero Waste highlights the importance of rethinking how we use and dispose of resources,” says Ineshree Naidoo, Principal of Pinnacle College Linden. “At Pinnacle College, this global conversation is brought into everyday student experiences through our approach to respect for self, others and the environment.” A simple yet practical Term 2 focus on “zero-waste lunches” reflects this philosophy. The idea, sparked by Kerry Gerlag, Deputy Head of the Intermediate Phase at Pinnacle College Linden, has been developed collaboratively within the school’s WESSA team. Emphasis is placed on reducing single-use packaging and encouraging students to bring snacks in reusable containers rather than relying on cling wrap or individually wrapped items. Focus remains on how food is packed, rather than what students eat, making the initiative both practical and inclusive. Small adjustments, such as decanting snacks into reusable containers at home, are proving effective in reducing unnecessary waste. Awareness grows through repetition, while habits begin to shift through consistency. “Perfectly waste-free lunches are not always realistic,” Naidoo explains. “Our aim is to build awareness through small, consistent changes that make a difference over time.” Sustainability at Pinnacle Colleges extends well beyond lunchboxes. A structured partnership with WESSA has strengthened environmental programmes, ensuring that initiatives are both educational and impactful. At Pinnacle College Linden these efforts are guided by a collaborative team of WESSA teacher leads who work together to embed sustainable practices into daily school life. Activities such as bottle top and bread tag collections, eco-brick projects and community drives are integrated into school routines, encouraging active participation. Student leadership plays a critical role in driving this momentum. Johannesburg Mini Councillors and the WESSA Eco Committee empower students to influence peers, teachers and the wider school community. Peer-led initiatives foster a sense of ownership, making environmental responsibility both relatable and achievable. “Students are far more receptive to messages driven by their peers,” says Naidoo. “This creates a culture where awareness becomes shared and action becomes collective.” Teachers support this journey by embedding sustainability into everyday teaching. Lessons in Natural Sciences and Social Sciences are linked to real-world environmental challenges, ensuring that knowledge translates into action. Younger students are introduced to these concepts through mentorship structures, where older students guide discussions and activities in age-appropriate ways. Recognition of these efforts is reflected in Pinnacle College Linden’s WESSA Silver Award, achieved with an impressive score of 91%. Continued investment in sustainability, including the implementation of solar energy systems, further reinforces a long-term commitment to responsible resource use. Challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that recycling initiatives do not unintentionally encourage overconsumption. Clear messaging around reuse and reduction helps maintain focus on meaningful impact rather than quantity. Parental involvement remains an important pillar. Guidance around initiatives such as eco-bricks and zero-waste lunches ensures that sustainability extends beyond the school gates into everyday family routines. A broader message emerges through these efforts: impactful environmental change does not require perfection, but participation. “Starting with simple, consistent actions can make a difference,” Naidoo concludes. “When students are involved in practical, hands-on activities, we begin to develop habits that last far beyond the classroom.” International Day of Zero Waste serves as a reminder that global challenges can be addressed through local action. Each reusable container, each conscious choice and each student-led initiative contributes to a future shaped by responsibility and awareness.
In a significant recognition of its leadership in sustainable education, ADvTECH - Africa's leading private education provider - has been honoured for exceptional environmental stewardship at the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) Centenary Awards. Celebrating a century of inspiring environmental action, education, and advocacy under the motto “People Caring for the Earth”, WESSA acknowledged ADvTECH's deep integration of the Eco-Schools South Africa programme for its unparalleled scale and impact. “As WESSA marks 100 years of environmental leadership, partnerships like the one we share with ADvTECH remind us why environmental education remains one of the most powerful tools for long-term change,” says WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete. “When 42 schools within a single education group commit to environmental stewardship, the ripple effect extends far beyond the classroom into homes, communities and ultimately into the future leadership of this country.” At the awards ceremony on February 27, 37 ADvTECH schools received Silver Awards status, which celebrates two years of WESSA collaboration, and the schools below have shown their lasting dedication by participating in environmental initiatives and raising awareness. Trinityhouse, Little Falls: Gold status (4 yrs.) Crawford International School, Sandton: Platinum 2 status (7 yrs.) Tyger Valley College: Bronze Decade status (12 yrs.) Pinnacle College, Ridgeview: Green Flag Decade status (13 yrs.) Pecanwood College: Platinum Decade 2 status (17 yrs.) Additionally, also recognised for submitting the most eco-snippets All of the ADvTECH participating schools achieved full assessment letters for their submitted portfolios of evidence, with scores ranging from 70% - 98%. Top achieving schools were: Crawford International School, La Lucia Maragon Olympus, Faerie Glen Crawford International School, Sandton Crawford International School, Lonehill Abbots College, Northcliff Additionally, ADvTECH received a Partnership Award in recognition of its outstanding and unique contribution to environmental stewardship. “It has been another incredible year working closely with the WESSA champions at our schools, as well as the dedicated WESSA team. Throughout 2025, we witnessed some of the most inspiring and comprehensive portfolios of evidence ever submitted, reflecting not only commitment but also genuine passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability. The quality, creativity, and consistency demonstrated by our champions have set a remarkable standard and continue to inspire positive change within their school communities,” says Krystal Munian, Academic Advisor and WESSA Lead. “We extend our sincere gratitude to every champion and the school teams for their phenomenal hard work, perseverance, and dedication to advancing the project’s goals. And we are excited about the year ahead and look forward to building on this momentum through new activities, innovative initiatives, collaborative projects, and continued growth across all participating schools.”
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At Pinnacle Colleges, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom. As part of our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals, we offer a variety of extracurricular opportunities designed to develop essential leadership skills in our students. Why Leadership Matters Leadership is more than just a title—it's about initiative, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others. These qualities are vital for academic success and for thriving in life beyond school. At Pinnacle Colleges, we empower students to become confident, capable leaders through hands-on experiences and values-based education. Leadership Programs and Student Government Our schools offer structured leadership programs and student government bodies where learners can take on real responsibilities. Whether it’s organizing school events, leading assemblies, or representing their peers, students develop communication, decision-making, and teamwork skills that will serve them for years to come. Sports: Building Teamwork and Resilience Participation in sports is a cornerstone of the Pinnacle Colleges experience. Our students learn the importance of discipline, collaboration, and perseverance—key aspects of effective leadership. Whether on the soccer field, netball court, or athletics track, learners are encouraged to set goals, support their teammates, and lead by example. Cultural and Club Activities From debate clubs to arts and music, our cultural programs encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. Students have the chance to organize performances, participate in competitions, and work together on projects, all of which foster leadership and initiative in a supportive environment. Community Service: Leading with Heart At Pinnacle Colleges, we believe in the power of giving back. Our community service initiatives allow students to engage with and make a difference in their communities. Through volunteering and outreach projects, learners develop empathy, social awareness, and the confidence to lead positive change. A Holistic Approach to Leadership As part of the ADvTECH Group, Pinnacle Colleges is committed to holistic education. We balance academic excellence with a strong focus on personal growth, ensuring that every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to succeed. Our approach to extracurricular activities reflects this philosophy—preparing students not just for exams, but for life. Ready to discover your leadership potential? Explore the wide range of extracurricular opportunities at Pinnacle Colleges and become the leader you are meant to be!
