Intern-Teacher Graduate Update: Mr Sanele Ndaba

Each year the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy runs an internship programme that enables intern-teachers to gain valuable teaching experience here at Saints. After the intern-teachers complete the programme they go on to teach full time with some remaining at Saints and others teaching at other schools.

Mr Sanele Ndaba joined the Thandulwazi Intern-Teacher Training Programme in January 2012, straight out of Matric at Hill High School. Over the next 4 years, Sanele underwent mentored, pre-service teacher training in both the St Stithians Boys’ & Girls’ Colleges. He completed a Bachelor of Education (FET phase, English & History) with distinction at UNISA and graduated from the intern-teacher programme in December 2015. He was recruited as a History Teacher by St George’s Grammar School in Cape Town and began teaching there in January 2016.

Mr Ndaba wrote of his first term at St George's Grammar School as follows:

"The four-year teaching experience that Thandulwazi has given me has proven to be beneficial. My first year with a full teaching load has been very challenging. I have had to adapt to living in a new city and a new work environment. Thanks to the Thandulwazi programme I have developed coping mechanisms to deal with the pressure and this helped me create structure.

'Coming from a very different background, the internship programme exposed me to the private school culture such as curriculum development; attending marks meetings; tutoring; and a range of extra-murals and sports. So, I knew more or less what to expect and how best to prepare for it by the time I assumed my position at St George’s. However, I am still learning daily and I still do make mistakes. But, my challenges have been manageable in comparison to my friends who did their degree full-time. My friends are constantly asking me for advice and they are struggling to adjust to the working environment and their professional duties.

'I advocate the internship programme because it exposes the student-teacher to the daily running of a school, how to be professional, how to manage a class, how to deal with parents, and how to discipline learners. In addition, it gives you that added advantage that books can never give you: the ability to interact with learners in class. Also, you are able to put the theory into practice and realise that in education the human touch of compassion towards your learners makes you an effective teacher.

'The quote 'No one cares what you know until they know you care' has been my approach this year and it has helped me create a space in my classroom where learners feel safe and cared for.

'St George’s Grammar School has allowed me to grow. The school has given me professional autonomy (which is rare for a new teacher) and that has really allowed me to grow. They are supportive and open to new ideas. They trust my judgement and that has pushed me to research more and to be more creative with my planning and teaching. It is a great environment to work in because it gives me the space to experiment and develop as a teacher. The staff and management are very helpful and understanding.

'St George’s Grammar School is one of the top schools in the country academically and this is a result of their approach to education. Their theories on education and training are sound and I can identify with the vision and values. I am really grateful to St George’s Grammar School for giving me the opportunity to work in such a lovely environment.

'The lessons I learnt at St Stithians will always stay with me, as well as the friendships I created and the professional alliances I made. In fact, I still call my mentors for advice and resources and they are always willing to support and help me. I am truly grateful for the opportunity that St Stithians gave me. I was included in all aspects of the school and that has created a lifelong passion.

'The lessons I learnt from Mrs Acquisto on servant leadership will always stay with me both professionally and personally. The lessons I learnt at the Kamoka Bush School exposed me to offsite duties which came in very handy in the exciting and unforgettable sports tour to Knysna this year. The lessons I learnt in the classroom while observing or teaching have helped me to become a reflective teacher who understands that reflection is a very important aspect of teacher development. My sports coaching and qualifications came in very handy, too. I used them when I was trying to motivate the learners during the Knysna sports tour.   

'I am truly grateful to Thandulwazi, St Stithians College, and St George’s Grammar school for the opportunities that have been given to me.

'Thank you.“