Curro Mount Richmore: the village in which you can raise your child

It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child.

This is a promise, one which will see children able to safely learn and grow in a healthy environment while being prepared for the endless opportunities which come after school.

Situated in Salt Rock, Curro Mount Richmore offers something for everyone with an impressive sport and academic curriculum that develops learners into well-rounded individuals who are able to compete at an international level.

But what keeps the ship that is Curro Mount Richmore sailing is team work and collective input from the heads of the school who work with learners, for learners.

This effort starts with first-hand support coming from head boy Simon Richards and head girl Zuré Viljoen.

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Both Simon and Zuré say they have learned a great deal at Curro Mount Richmore about servant leadership, kindness, honesty, having a good work ethic and showing respect – values they work to instill in their peers.

They meet weekly with Executive Head Bryn Thomas with whom they share ideas and work to bridge the gap between headmaster and learners.

“We are setting an example for our peers and try to carry ourselves as maturely and responsibly as possible, so hopefully others will follow in our footsteps,” says Zuré.

“Our responsibilities are deeply rooted in what we represent. We aim to represent the culture and ethics of our school, as well as set an honourable example for the younger students,” said Simon.

Seeking a place to share his positive influence from a family-orientated perspective, Head of Primary School Mr Mabena made the move to join the team at Curro Mount Richmore with the goal of planting enriching seeds in learners.

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A family man and father, Mr Mabena believes that everything he does starts at home.

“I look at each learner as a seed. The more I water, the more they grow. Everyone has something of value within and our job as teachers is not only to teach, but to draw the best out of each learner to ensure they reach their full potential as God has intended.

“We bridge the gap between the different phases from Grade R through to Grade 12. Our focus is on project-based learning, an instructional methodology which encourages students to learn and apply knowledge and skills through an engaging experience,” he says.

The growing school has many new and exciting plans for learners, including an international enhancement programme being added to the curriculum next year. This, he says, will empower learners even better going forward.

Head of High School, Mr Montgomery is equally as passionate and says that they are not just teaching a curriculum, but preparing their learners to become pillars of society.

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“At Curro Mount Richmore there is no sense of entitlement. We are committed to delivering the best results both in the classroom and on the sports field.”

The dedication and values instilled, he says, prepare learners for future challenges as he and other staff work with parents, giving guidance as best they can.

But all work and no play is never a good idea, says Director of Sport at Curro Mount Richmore, Mr Blignaut.

Mr Blignaut says sport forms an integral part of a child’s development.

As an outgoing person with a deep desire to be of help no matter the situation, Mr Blignaut is goal-driven in his efforts to instill integrity in learners, on and off the field.

“I believe in what Curro stands for and the Christian ethos it offers. It is a spectacular school with great opportunities to grow.”

Mr Blignaut says he is looking forward to extra-mural programmes restarting, knowing that he may be working with future South African sports stars.

Executive Head Thomas’ attention needs to be spread across the four phases on campus and on any given day can be seen involving himself in every aspect of the school, from reading a story to a 3-year-old in the Castle’s gardens to marking Matric portfolios or interviewing scholarship applicants.

Mr Thomas brings an impressive 21 years experience to the school and intends to continue with the school’s main focus: To teach pupils to never take their eyes off God.

His experience teaching abroad has well equipped him to ensure the school produces individuals who are able to compete at an international level and bring a positive contribution to society.

“Your child can start with us from 3 months old and go all the way through to Matric, gaining an internationally recognised qualification through the Independent Examination Board (IEB).”

IEB qualifications ensure that your child has a variety of options available to them when they leave school, either in South Africa or abroad.

When he moved to Curro Mount Richmore Mr Thomas’ family also followed and his son Caleb (10) will also soon be walking the halls alongside his dad.

The family man is motivated by the important role schooling plays for every learner.

Curro Mount Richmore, with its vast compliment of teachers and skilled heads, is the village in which you can raise your child, cementing its motto of ‘your family, is our family’.

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