Maseala Progessive Independent Schools
Teachers sharpen teaching tools at Maseala conference
Koketšo Sekhwela
Improving teaching and learning strategies was the focus of a two-day academic conference hosted by Maseala Independent Schools last week, where staff engaged with subject experts from the Independent Examination Board (IEB).
The event was held on Friday and Saturday at the secondary school campus in Legae La Batho. Staff from Maseala Combined School (Phalaborwa campus), Maseala Secondary School and Marara Cynthia Primary School attended the sessions.
The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas on key educational themes, including the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the development of higher-order thinking in assessments, enhancing task outcomes and better understanding learner psychology. IEB representatives Robin Mowatt, Ashlin Pillay and Peter Ruddock led the discussions. Mowatt stressed that AI tools such as ChatGPT should be seen as supportive resources rather than replacements for peer collaboration.
“Teachers must see AI as a colleague, something that can improve their output and simplify certain tasks, not something that substitutes for professional engagement with fellow teachers,” said Mowatt.
She encouraged involving learners in understanding how to use AI tools effectively to enhance their ability to respond to complex questions. Ruddock focused on the design and evaluation of assessments, and urged teachers to define the value of each question to better differentiate levels of learner mastery.
“At the IEB, we build progressively from lower grades to matric.
Our focus is on how learners apply what they’ve learned, not just on rote content,” he said.
Secondary school principal Abraham Mmethi said the conference left teachers with renewed confidence in their ability to set effective question papers and measure learner understanding more accurately.
Maseala’s director-general, Alf Mohlahlana, and executive director, Gladys, also attended, offering support to the academic team throughout the event.
Marara Cynthia Primary showcases talent on Youth Day
Miranda Chauke
The Marara Cynthia Primary School Youth Day’s celebration was a exciting display of talent.
The celebration took place at the school on June 19 with the entire programme run by the learners with help from the teachers. It was a beautiful showcase with performances by the learners who showed deep understanding of why the day is commemorated. The programme was run by learners, Palesa Moloto and Dikoketso Sithole who did an outstanding job.
During the welcome speech by the head girl, Divine Kolobe, she encouraged her fellow learners to enjoy the day and remember that they are the youth today and the future lies in their hands. Also present for the celebrations were the school’s executive director Molatelo Gladys Mohlahlana and director general, Mashilo Alf Mohlahlana. During Mohlahlana’s speech, he explained to the learners that one of the fundamental reasons to celebrate Youth Day is that history must not be forgotten. “We don’t want you to forget where we come from as a country. You must know your history and understand what happened in 1976,” he said.
Mohlahlana also shared the history of the country under the apartheid regime and what led to the Soweto uprising on June 16 1976. He concluded his address with the following, “As learners of Marara Cynthia Primary School the future is waiting for you. It’s not just a celebration, do it with purpose. It is up to you as young people to change the future of the country, create employment and hold high positions in government where you can create change. All this will be possible through education,” he said.
Pyjamas, slippers and smiles
Miranda Chauke
It was all warmth and giggles on the chilly morning of June 13, as learners at Maseala Progressive Day Care Centre swapped their uniforms for snuggly sleepwear in celebration of Pyjama Day.
Decked out in their warmest winter pyjamas, the little ones embraced the cold with cheerful spirits and cozy outfits. The initiative formed part of a fun and educational activity tied to the classroom theme of learning about the four seasons.
Deputy principal Linah Mathe explained that the idea was to help learners connect what they’ve learned about winter with practical, everyday habits.
“When we teach our children about the seasons, we make it real and relatable. Pyjama Day allowed us to show them what winter-appropriate clothing looks like, even down to what they should wear to bed,” she said. To make the day even more memorable, each child received a heartwarming gift: a pair of slippers as a thoughtful gesture to keep little toes toasty long after the festivities ended as well as a beanie hat. With plenty of laughter, learning, and warmth, Pyjama Day at Maseala Progressive was not only a lesson in seasonal dressing but also a celebration of care, creativity, and childhood joy.
