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KEY COLLEGE OUR NEW HIGH SCHOOL
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Cristan is 26 years old, originally from Ballito in KZN, but came to St Francis Bay via Tofo, Mozambique. An exciting story, no doubt. Let’s dive in!
Tell us about your family.
I live with my partner, Lloyd and our two fur babies. Eira, a cheeky grey Devon Rex, and Tyson, an all too friendly Jack Russel.
You were at a school in Mozambique.
Yes. I headed up a high school called Kingfisher Lake International Children’s College in Mozambique. The school runs on the British National Curriculum and has students from preschool to Grade 10. At the time, there were just over 100 children in the school. It is an idyllic farm school on a beautiful lake nestled within tropical palm trees. The school runs with Project Based Learning at the core of its lessons.
What made you decide on St Francis Bay for your forever home?
St Francis Bay was supposed to be a stopover en route to our next adventure. However, upon staying here for a little while, we fell in love (as most do) with the sheer beauty of our landscapes. The fact that there was no established high school in this fast-growing town was an opportunity that I just couldn’t turn down. I felt wholeheartedly supported once I started talking to parents about this idea. We decided to stay for the beauty, the wonderful community and this dream I have of building St Francis’ first High School.
We are currently situated in the heart of St Francis, in a cozy loft as a temporary solution until we move to a bigger premises. The space provides 2 classrooms, a quiet room (safe space for when children need a break) and an outside garden.
How many learners /teachers did you have when you started?
We started with just me as a teacher and 8 students. Today we have 2 full-time teachers, myself and Tammy Green, and 12 students.
What years do you teach at this stage?
Currently, we teach Foundation 1 and Foundation 2, which on the Cambridge curriculum translates to what we know as Grades 8 and 9.
This will change next year as the students’ progress to their following grades?
Yes, we plan on expanding as the oldest students advance to their next grade. We will open up IGCSE (Grade 10) in 2024 and continue this trend until we are fully established.
The system is Cambrilearn, but what curriculum do the kids follow?
We teach the Cambridge curriculum using the online platform,
CambriLearn, as a learning tool. Following the Cambridge curriculum means that after students complete AS Levels (11th year of schooling), they can apply to universities. After that, they can also complete A Levels (12th year of schooling), which prepares them further for university entrance.
What were the biggest challenges to starting the school/new business?
I suppose teaching teenagers is a challenge in itself, is it not? Haha... On a more serious note, the most significant challenge has been maintaining the courage to continue on this path. However, thanks to the community’s and my team’s incredible support, we continue growing and learning every day!
What are the kids like, and how are they adjusting to the new school and systems?
From what I see in the classroom and what parents have told me, I genuinely believe that the students thrive in this new environment. They are enjoying the addition of technology in the classroom (although it is just used as a tool, all lessons are taught in person), as well as the time and freedom they have to pursue their passions while succeeding in their academics!
What have been the best highlights so far during the school year?
Watching the children come together, form bonds, and create a family-like environment has been wonderful. It has also brought me so much joy watching the school transform and grow week by week. I am very excited about what the future has to hold!
You have quite a few surfers as school kids. What happens when the waves are pumping?
If school is missed for whatever reason, students are held accountable to have their work caught up by the time they return. They have all of the resources available to them on their laptops. They can therefore be responsible for their own work. It is of utmost importance to us to teach independence, accountability and responsibility.
What are your hopes concerning school growth?
I hope to grow Key College into a fully established high school by 2025. Next year we are looking at hiring new teachers and moving into bigger premises. I hope to grow the school into an all-inclusive space where learners from all different backgrounds can come together and find their individuality through our program, which will eventually encompass sports and cultural activities. I hope to give students time to grow and pursue their own passions whilst growing to love learning.
How can people contact you for more details about Key College?
I am happy to be contacted via WhatsApp or email. My number is 079 885 3394, and my email address is cristan@ keycollege.co.za
