Saints and Wits partner for research in education
On Friday 11th November, Wits University’s School of Education and St Stithians signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The ceremony marked approximately five years of imagination, and action, by multiple stakeholders. We are grateful to all who played their part in bringing this partnership into being. We thank Dr Thabisile Nkambule, Acting Head in the School of Education; Dr Robin Drennan, Wits Director of Research Development; Professor Leketi Makalela, founding director of the WITS Hub for Multilingual Education and Literacies in the School of Education; Mrs Celeste Gilardi, Rector of St Stithians, and Dr Adrienne Watson, Head of Education Research and Innovation at St Stithians.
We believe in the power of partnerships. It is our intention that, over time, our collaboration with Wits can make a modest yet impactful contribution to South African research in education, not only for the benefit of our immediate community, but, we intend, for all South Africa’s teachers and students. The time is past for polarisation and closed criticism between so-called elite schools and the state. It is time to come together, expand our spaces of possibility, and work together to solve the problems still ruining the prospects of so many our country’s young people.
The global south must make its voice heard in academia. With the combined research expertise and experience of Wits and the unique eight-school model of St Stithians, we believe we can share with the world wisdom and academic rigour from Africa. We are especially passionate about exploring the use of African languages. Prof Makalela's research focuses on innovative ways to increase opportunities for multilingual learners to improve their academic performance and confidence levels. Valuing multilingualism as a 21st century resource that can be leveraged, rather than a problem to be solved or avoided, is crucial. Correctly understood, it can help teachers address complex multilingual classrooms by equipping them with knowledge based on agile methodologies that are culturally responsive.
For more information or if you are interested in being part of this research collaboration, contact Dr Adrienne Watson at awatson@stithian.com.
Pictured from left to right:
Dr Adrienne Watson, Head of Education Research and Innovation at St Stithians, Dr Thabisile Nkambule, Acting Head in the School of Education; Professor Leketi Makalela, founding director of the WITS Hub for Multilingual Education and Literacies in the School of Education and Dr Robin Drennan, WITS Director of Research Development.
Pictured from left to right:
Professor Leketi Makalela, founding director of the WITS Hub for Multilingual Education and Literacies in the School of Education; Dr Adrienne Watson, Head of Education Research and Innovation at St Stithians, Mrs Celeste Gilardi, Rector of St Stithians College; Dr Thabisile Nkambule, Acting Head in the School of Education and Dr Robin Drennan, WITS Director of Research Development.
#InspiringExcellence #MakingAWorldOfDifference #HopeAndLight2021 #StrongerOneAndAll #PartnershipsMatter
