It’s always a joyous occasion celebrating a 20th anniversary to acknowledge the growth and perseverance of a school.
Brandcliff House founder Nicky Pictor said her inspiration to open her own school was initiated a few months after her son passed away in 1997. A conversation with his best friend planted a seed in her mind about how some schools lack in allowing pupils to be individuals.
Her son loved school. She decided to establish a school small enough to allow young people to flourish and express themselves. The school’ s anniversary was truly celebrated in a unique way recently.
“For the anniversary we decided to get learners involved in an activity which would leave a legacy behind, besides just celebrating a birthday since it was the 20th one,” said Pictor.
“We wanted to get the learners to create something which they could put up for future pupils to see and in order for it to be a stamp for learners who were also there on that birthday.
“They painted on blocks of wood which were turned into triangles for them to paint in whichever designs they wanted.”
A mural was created using the painted blocks, depicting each of their unique designs through self-expression. Pictor added the mural is still an ongoing project which is gradually growing the more the youngsters add to it.
“We also had a talk given by myself and the current principal of the school to inspire students through reminding them the reason the school was established. There were also delicious eats and 20 balloons were released by pupils.”
The school’s ethos still remains the same 20 years later: Teaching the individual child.
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