Rustenburg makes shortlist for global school award
Rustenburg Girls’ High School has been named in the top-10 shortlist for the World’s Best School Prize in the “supporting healthy lives” category.
Education MEC David Maynier made the announcement at the school last Thursday after the shortlist was revealed by T4 Education, an organisation that helps educators support each other's efforts to improve learning and school culture.
The five World’s Best School Prizes - for community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity, and supporting healthy lives - celebrate schools everywhere for the pivotal role they play in developing the next generation of pupils and for their contribution to society’s progress.
Vikas Pota, the founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said: “The schools shortlisted for the World’s Best School Prizes, no matter where they can be found or what they teach, all have one thing in common: they all have a strong school culture. Their leaders know how to attract and motivate exceptional educators, inspire change, and build excellent teaching and learning environments.”
In a statement, T4 Education said Rustenburg embraced the vital role that physical and mental fitness played in a well-rounded education and had taken proactive steps to ensure its pupils' holistic growth and success.
“The school introduced a sports policy to ensure that learners are provided with opportunities to participate in various sports engagements thus promoting healthy living and enhancing the overall wellbeing of its students and wider community.”
School principal Michael Gates said it was an honour to make the shortlist.
“Being active and engaging in physical activity is crucial for academic, social, and mental success. We strive for our learners to embrace a holistic approach and incorporate exercise into their daily routines.”
Mr Maynier said: “We are so proud that within the first two years of this prestigious international competition, we have had three of our province’s schools reach the top 10. In 2022, Pinelands North Primary School achieved a top-3 position, with West End Primary School reaching the top-10, both for the category ‘overcoming adversity’.”
The top-3 finalists for each of the five World’s Best School Prizes will be announced in September followed by the winners in October.
The winner of each prize will be chosen by a judging academy comprising leaders across the globe, including academics, educators, NGOs, social entrepreneurs, and representatives from government, civil society and the private sector.
A prize of $250 000 (about R460 0000) will be equally shared among the winners of the five prizes, with each receiving an award of $50 000 (about R900 000).
