The achievement marks the fifth time Bracken High has been named the best in the district, with the school producing top design students on numerous occasions over the years, strengthening its reputation as a leader in creative education.

The Design Department at Bracken High School received recognition as the top-performing department in Ekurhuleni South for 2025, a milestone achievement that highlights years of dedication, innovation, and teamwork.

Design teacher Wayne Tewson, who teaches Grades 11 and 12, described the recognition as a collective victory rather than an individual one.

“It is a great privilege to have my students and Bracken High School recognised as the top in Ekurhuleni. This achievement is a result of the hard work of the entire design department, including Lloyd Nichols, who teaches the Grade 10s.

“As I always say, it takes a village to raise a child. This is not just my work, but the work of a team and the broader creative arts department,” said Tewson.

He said the department’s success is rooted in a carefully developed syllabus that caters to students’ strengths while preparing them for life beyond school.

“We have taken time to develop a syllabus that works with our students. With the support of our school and our principal, Mr MP Mochaki, we implemented new strategies such as 3D printers and graphic design software. This has helped prepare learners learners for university and industry-level standards,” he explained.

@albertonrecordYears of innovation, creative teaching and learner dedication have placed Bracken High School at the forefront of design education in Ekurhuleni South. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record

His teaching approach encourages growth through experimentation and confidence.

“In Grade 10, the approach is more structured. In Grade 11, we allow learners to experiment and find their own style. By matric, it is about showcasing the knowledge they have built over the years, whether in fashion, graphic design, or architecture.

“Mistakes are part of learning. We encourage creativity in a controlled environment, even if it gets a bit chaotic some days,” he said.

One of the department’s standout achievements for 2025 was the performance of Keesha Ramsamy, who achieved the best design results in Ekurhuleni South.

Tewson described her as an exceptional learner.

“She did not need motivation. She was already academically strong and highly driven. Our role was to guide her into her strongest suit and push her not to settle for 80% but to aim for the 90s. She rose to the challenge, and we are proud of her,” said Tewson.

Ramsamy said the recognition was both unexpected and rewarding.

“I felt proud and grateful. It showed that all the long days and nights I put into design paid off,” she said.

She credited consistency, time management, and feedback as key factors in her success.

@albertonrecordYears of innovation, creative teaching and learner dedication have placed Bracken High School at the forefront of design education in Ekurhuleni South. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

“I made sure I understood the brief before starting and kept improving my work based on feedback. There were times when I felt stressed and doubted myself, but I reminded myself of my goals and kept going,” Ramsamy said.

She praised her teachers for their support and encouragement. “They always pushed me to believe in my abilities and to take my ideas further.

“My advice to other learners is to be consistent, manage your time well, ask for feedback, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Add your own creative touch and do not copy others,” she said.

Although she is now pursuing an LLB degree at Wits University, Ramsamy said design will remain part of her life.

“The skills I learned, like creativity, discipline, and problem-solving, are valuable in any field. I will always keep creating because it is a passion of mine.”

For Tewson, who has been teaching for nearly two decades, the recognition reinforces his long-term vision.

“My goal is to create an industry-standard department where learners can move straight from school into the workplace. I want them to be familiar with the machines, programmes, and processes so they can start earning a living immediately.”

He added that being part of the Alberton community makes the work even more meaningful.

“It is special seeing learners in the shops greeting you with respect. Being part of this community and helping shape young people is incredibly rewarding.”