The importance of healthy development in a child’s early years is seldom disputed – but often the extent of how dramatically it impacts children’s futures is not readily understood. According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, it goes so far as to state that healthy early development “provides the building blocks for educational achievement, economic productivity, responsible citizenship, lifelong health, strong communities, and successful parenting of the next generation.” In other words, every aspect of an adult’s life.

With this in mind, what then are the key areas that need to be taken into account when considering the healthy development of a child through their foundational schooling years, from Grade R to Grade 3?

In selecting a school for their child, the first steps parents should take is to assess whether their own values are aligned to the values of the school, and whether the school encourages parents to be partners in the team that is helping the child to learn and grow.

It’s also important for all caregivers – parents and educators – to understand that no two children are alike, and that each child is on their own learning journey right through their developmental stages.

Having said that, there are some generalities that can be related to each child’s development that we will explore further.

A child’s mindset relating to values, attitudes, relationships, and behaviours develops in the foundation phase. At this stage, they must be supported to meet the developmental requirements of each grade, including learning to read and write, count and reason. And possibly more importantly, they need to learn to share, take turns, work as a member of a team as well as independently, ask for help when needed, ask and answer questions, understand differences and not just tolerate them, and be prepared to be brave about trying something new without fear of failure.

The foundation phase is also a child’s first introduction to learning phonics and developing good number sense. Here, experience has shown that a multi-sensory approach to teaching these basics will ensure that all children are able to benefit from the learning; that one or other of the activity will resonate with their learning style. Throughout this approach, children are listening and speaking, feeling, building, categorising, comparing, and developing an understanding of what they’re learning. When this is carried through into the home as well through exploration and conversation, the school teaching is supported and enhanced.

As a foundation phase educator and parent of two boys, I have found that children are most engaged when they feel connected to what they are learning. In this way, giving them a voice, including them in the learning process, and making use of project-based learning ensures that they have fun and enjoy the process of learning to investigate, reflect, and collaborate – all of which are valuable life skills.

Taking this development into account, The Ridge School is a boys-only primary school from Grade R to Grade 7 which enables boys to engage actively in a boy-centred environment, while developing their academic skills alongside their ‘soft’ skills (people and communication skills, character, attitudes). At The Ridge School, we encourage parents to consider a boys-only school for their sons because boys and girls tend to mature at different rates. This means that the boys can be themselves with less concern about judgement, the teacher can manage the classroom environment that best serves boys’ needs, and the boys learn to be more confident. In this way, a sense of ‘brotherhood’ grows which creates a sense of belonging and connections that often last a lifetime.

Regardless of which school parents choose to send their child to, a key factor to remember  is that the early years of a child’s development are critical to their future success. There is much that can be done both in the school and home environments that can contribute positively to this journey.

For more information about The Ridge School, visit www.ridgeschool.co.za

Holly Ferrar is the new Head of Junior Prep at The Ridge School for boys. Having started as a boarder from the age of 7 at Uplands Preparatory School and then later moving to St Anne’s Diocesan College, where she was surrounded by magnificent teachers, it was during her own school years that she discovered her passion for teaching. She took a gap year in the UK to work at a Prep School and it was here that she learned what an amazing impact, beyond the classroom, that teachers have on the children in their care. It was what inspired her to begin her career in education and when she returned to South Africa she completed her BA in Linguistics and History, followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Mrs. Ferrar initially thought she wanted to work with older children, but after working with a variety of age groups, she realised that it was the early years and teaching younger children where she could make the greatest impact.

ABOUT THE RIDGE SCHOOL

The Ridge School is a boys-only independent institution offering top-quality education to young boys in the community since 1919. With a focus on academics, sporting prowess, a rich cultural experience, advanced skills in technology, and character development, The Ridge School provides a holistic learning experience for its students. The core values of courtesy, balance, and purpose guide all that they do. Their dedicated faculty is committed to helping their students become confident and well-rounded young men who are ready to take on the challenges of the world.

Frank Rumboll is the new Headmaster at The Ridge School. With over 30 years of experience in education, Mr Rumboll brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Prior to joining The Ridge School, Mr Rumboll served in leadership roles at several other prestigious institutions where he was known for his passion for education and his commitment to providing a top-quality learning experience for students.

For more information about the school, please visit www.ridgeschool.co.za or follow The Ridge School on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn

You’ll probably know Singapore best as a popular stopover destination. But that would be a disservice to this incredibly unique island country and city-state. From the world-class airport to its melting pot of cultures, futuristic architecture and vibrant street food scene, Singapore will leave you wowed before you even step out of the airport.

Singapore has long been an attractive flight route for South Africans heading to other destinations in Asia or Australia/New Zealand.

“Stopovers are an ideal way to rest between long-haul flights, explore a new city and make your holiday last that little bit longer,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager Flight Centre South Africa. “But Singapore offers much more than the appeal of a stopover destination alone.”

On 30 March 2023, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Flight Centre Travel Group Limited (FCTG) – encompassing Flight Centre Travel Group brands in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada – signed a three-year multi-million-dollar Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to team up and drive increased visitors to Singapore via FCTG’s global network.

“Whether you have six hours or two days, Singapore is the perfect stopover destination. The airport is out of this world, it’s easy to get around the city, and you can squeeze a lot into a short time,” says Turner.
Flight Centre South Africa has picked out its top Singapore spots, whether you’re just stopping over or spending a week exploring:

New attractions
In an innovative city that seldom stays the same, many new attractions have opened over the past 12 to 18 months to delight new and returning visitors.

New attractions include:

Multiple attractions on Sentosa island, including the Central Beach Bazaar, Skyhelix and Scentopia. Enjoy the day-to-night carnival beach experience, Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride and an unforgettable, sensory rainforest orchid experience where you can create your signature scent.

Mr Bucket Chocolaterie is a trendy lifestyle destination that celebrates all things chocolate – think of a very grown-up, fancy version of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. With unique flavours inspired by the diversities of the region, the shop aims to build a sustainably sourced local chocolate community.

The Children’s Museum Singapore – adults are welcome too, but you must bring your kid! This charming museum tailored for the young ones will delight the over 18s as well. Housed in a 100-year-old+ double-storey building, the museum is designed to be a place of wonder for all children to engage with Singapore and the world. Journey back to olden-day Singapore and discover Malay heritage and the wonderful exhibitions, such as how different cultures celebrate birthdays in Singapore.

Classic Singapore attractions
The world’s best airport

The first airport in the world to hold the title of the “World’s Best Airport” by Skytrax for eight consecutive years, Singapore’s Changi Airport is an attraction in its own right. Do a few laps in the rooftop swimming pool, enjoy the numerous flower gardens or marvel at the world’s first airport butterfly garden, home to more than 1,000 butterflies.

Don’t leave without snapping some selfies at Jewel Changi Airport, where you’ll find the world’s largest indoor waterfall.

Feast the senses

Singapore’s food scene alone is reason enough to explore. The country’s local cuisine reflects its mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European heritage, with appealing subtleties and tastes.

Singapore is the ultimate foodie destination. Visitors can eat the best food at a hawker centre (formalised street food court) for just a few dollars. Try Maxwell Road Hawker Centre or eat with the locals at Old Airport Road Food Centre, one of the oldest hawker centres in the city. For those looking for a more discerning culinary experience, Singapore boasts 52 Michelin-starred restaurants, according to the 2022 list.

Explore the world’s greenest city

From the famous Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015 – to the 250-acre Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is well on its way to achieving its vision of being the world’s greenest city.

Quick tip: A night-time visit to Gardens by the Bay is not to be missed. The ‘Supertrees’ collect solar energy and, at night, are lit up to create the most fantastic spectacle of colour and light.

A melting pot of cultures

Take to the streets to admire the architecture and energy of Chinatown, Little India and Emerald Hill. Every corner yields a new Instagram shot, and when the humidity gets too much, you can duck into the nearest café to cool down and enjoy a sweet iced tea.

Futuristic views and sundowners

In a compact city of futuristic skyscrapers, the best way to view the skyline is from above.

Rooftop bars, such as CÉ LA VI on the 57th floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, are ideal for sundowners. The drinks aren’t cheap, but it will be worth it for the incredible view.

For travellers lucky enough to stay at the Marina Sands, be sure to snap the ultimate selfie at the famous infinity pool. You can admire the Marina Bay Sands as seen from across the harbour, the giant Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay and the city skyline from the infinity pool (While only hotel guests are allowed in the pool area, you can catch the same view from the above mentioned CÉ LA VI bar, right next to the pool, without being a hotel guest).

Or head to Southbridge’s Oyster Bar for a different 360° view of Singapore’s skyline.

In a place that boasts so many “world-firsts” or “world’s only,” Singapore is much more than just a heart-stopping stopover destination.

The distinctive sound of the log drum permeated the air as several musicians, producers and industry experts gathered in Miami to celebrate the burgeoning genre of Amapiano. With a sound best described as a hybrid of deep house and jazz with percussive loops reminiscent of lounge music coupled with soulful vocals, Amapiano is arguably South Africa’s hottest new export, and its infectious sound continues to attract new audiences as the genre spreads like wildfire. South African Tourism presented an industry-focused panel discussion in collaboration with Maphike Attorneys Inc., providing an opportunity for creators of this musical style to speak about the cultural impact of Amapiano and discuss the genre’s future as it continues to gain popularity worldwide.

Taking place on the eve of the inaugural Afro Nation Miami, which boasts an Amapiano stage, the panel discussion included artists Pabi Cooper and DJ AYA who were joined by several industry executives including: Yoel Kenan, CEO of Africori, Devon Peterson, Creative Director of Africori, Manaileng Maphike, Attorney at Maphike Attorneys Inc. and Jerry Mpufane, President of South African Tourism North America. The discussion was moderated by Yolanda Sangweni, Vice President of Programming and New Content Development at NPR with opening remarks by Justin Barnette, Head of Marketing and Communications of South African Tourism North America. The conversation dove into a wide range of topics including the cultural significance of this new music genre, the impact of its growing popularity worldwide, and the spotlight it has cast on South Africa and its people, fueling industries such as tourism in growing source markets.

Amapiano was born out of the townships of Gauteng province with a distinctive character that is rooted in another uniquely South African musical style, Kwaito. The South African youth who grew up on the sounds of Kwaito have led the creation of Amapiano, a musical style that is distinctly characterized by its use of the log drum which serves as the sound for the baseline. But while Kwaito reflected the struggles of apartheid, Amapiano boasts a more optimistic tone of a young generation that strives to be unapologetically South African. In fact, in South Africa Amapiano has become a culture with its own fashions and styles and its own speech and dance form gaining mainstream popularity.

“As Amapiano makes its way around the world it’s another way in which South Africa’s history and culture demonstrates its global influence,” said Jerry Mpufane, President of South African Tourism North America. “Amapiano is born out of the soul of South Africa, and they say one of the best ways to experience it to its fullest is to be where the music is. So as this genre continues to captivate global audiences, we hope it inspires them to visit South Africa and learn about the history and culture that influenced the creation of Amapiano.”

Today, Amapiano music can be found in clubs, bars, and music venues across South Africa but there are certain places where one might come across the artists who have been instrumental in Amapiano’s rapid rise to the world stage. Travelers arriving in Johannesburg can head south to Soweto, the birthplace of Kwaito,.. Several of the panelists emphasized that understanding South Africa’s history allows one to better understand how South Africa’s freedom became intertwined with the musical styles that gave the people a platform to express their experiences through sound, movement, and lyrics. In Soweto there are plenty of venues to choose from where one can regularly hear the sounds, or even catch a performance by local Amapiano musicians, like Amapiano pioneer and record label owner, Kabza De Small, Njelic or Kamo Mphela, at venues such as Konka, Zone 6 or Disoufeng.

Pretoria, known as the birthplace of Amapiano, is home to a number of influential Amapiano musicians such as Pabi Cooper, Focalistic, Chicco, Mellow and Sleazy (who make up a collective called Pitori Super League) and the likes of Vigro Deep. In Pretoria, one can enjoy the latest and most popular new hits at high-end lounge/restaurant Ayepyep which boasts two locations in the city (and a third now in Cape Town) and night club, ZanZou. Visitors can experience the authentic sounds at festivals including Straata Nation Address and Mamelodi’s outdoor music festival at Moretele Park that draws thousands of revelers annually.

While the best place to experience Amapiano is in its birthplace of South Africa, the genre has made its way to clubs, festivals, and bars worldwide, a testament to how infectious the sounds truly are. As a relatively young underground genre, Amapiano could have easily been stifled by the onset of the pandemic but instead it flourished. The artists noted that Amapiano originated in home studios so it is faithfully poetic the genre would reach audiences at home through social platforms while millions of people were on lockdown. Its popularity was largely driven by viral dance challenges, building an appetite for the genre internationally.

Amapiano boasts a unique representation of women with many of the genre’s biggest names like Uncle Waffles, Pabi Cooper, TXC and Kamo Mphela, paving the way not only for South African women creators but creators from across the diaspora. It’s not enough to say the women are influencing Amapiano as they are in fact defining it through the connection of movement and energy in the dance styles.  The future of Amapiano is one full of possibilities as the young artists and creators continue to put their unique stamp on the genre and bring it to the world.