Curro Secunda celebrates a decade of excellence in education, marking 10 years of innovation, growth and community impact Curro Secunda, a leading educational institution in Mpumalanga, proudly announces its 10th anniversary celebration this year. This milestone marks a decade of providing quality education and fostering academic excellence. Curro Secunda opened its doors in January 2015 with 123 learners and 39 staff members, offering classes from preschool to Grade 5 and Grade 8, phasing in additional grades each year up to Grade 12. In 2018, the campus expanded with the construction of the foundation phase building, and in 2020, the current primary school building was completed for the high school. Today, the
campus accommodates children from 3 months to Grade 12, with 800 learners enrolled and 104 staff members. We are proud to have seven staff members who have been with Curro Secunda since opening in 2015. Each of them is humbled by how far we have come. ‘Congratulations to Mr Ruan Botha, Mr Quintin Kruger, Mrs Izette de Klerk, Mrs Karla Jacobs, Mrs Charlene Botha, Mrs Karita Reneke and Mrs Coleen Cawood on reaching this milestone, and thank you for your commitment to Curro Secunda over the years,’ says Executive Head, Mr Ruan van der Merwe. The school is recognised for its astro field, holiday and aftercare programme, registered nurse, small class sizes, technology-based learning, dedicated cooks for preschool and aftercare meals, Robotics classes and excellent facilities for children from 3 months to Grade 12.

Left to right: Ruan Botha, Karla Jacobs, Charlene Botha, Karita Reyneke, Coleen Cawood, Izette de Klerk, Quintin Kruger

Preschool: Our preschool provides high-quality early childhood development for children from 3 months to 5 years, focusing on the ELDAs. Our small class sizes allow our dedicated teachers to engage each child in our internally developed, play-based curriculum and build strong, caring relationships. Being on the same campus as the primary and high schools allows children to progress through their school journey in a familiar environment. The preschool opened with 57 children. By December 2015, enrolments had grown to 84. In 2020, we introduced the Lillio app (previously HiMama), replacing handwritten reports. From January 2024, we began serving breakfast, included in school fees. We also installed a large steel roof
over the playground, as well as a sandpit and sensory path. Today, we have 125 children enrolled, with classes in English and Afrikaans. The children love the astro field, where they enjoy activities like ‘bring your ball to school’ day and bike day.

Foundation phase: With dedicated teachers and small class sizes, our foundation phase provides the emotional and intellectual foundation needed to handle the formal learning that starts in Grade R and continues to Grade 3. Through our enhanced curriculum, we gradually develop learners’ 21st-century skills in areas such as language, mathematics, computers and creative problem-solving. Robotics and chess also form part of the curriculum, fostering personal growth and accountability. The foundation phase building was completed in 2018 and opened in 2019 with just over 50 learners. Our dream was always to have three classes per grade. As numbers grew, a second English class was introduced in Grades 1, 2 and 3. By 2022, we had reached our goal, with 210 learners and three classes per grade, making the foundation phase an English Home Language medium school.

Left to right:
Executive Head, Mr Ruan van der Merwe, Head of high school – Mr Leon Strydom, Head of Preschool – Mrs Charlene Botha and Head of Primary school – Mr Ruan Botha

Primary and intermediate phases: Our primary school sports programme has expanded tremendously, offering 11 competitive sports codes. We are proud to have produced Mpumalanga rugby, netball and cricket champion teams. Thirteen honorary colours have been awarded to our primary school athletes who have represented Mpumalanga at the highest levels. In the intermediate phase (Grades 4 to 7), learners work with more abstract material. Our small classes and enhanced curriculum encourage excellence and 21st-century skills through subjects such as Natural Sciences and Robotics. From this phase, learners begin using laptops.

High School: In Grades 8 and 9, we emphasise problem-solving and individual thinking. Grades 10 to 12 prepare learners for the IEB examinations at the end of Grade 12. However, we also focus on world-readiness rather than purely examination-driven outcomes. Learners are taught to think innovatively, express their ideas and take charge of their own lives. High school learners can extend their subject choices beyond what is offered at school, through live lessons with teachers during the school day. These subjects extend our enhanced curriculum and provide learners with a personalised learning experience. A message from the leadership team ‘We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone,’ said Leon Strydom, Head of High School. ‘I remember when the town first heard a private school was opening in Secunda. There were doubts about its success. Today, I am proud to be part of this story. When I joined Curro in 2019, there were around 95 learners in the high school and no Grade 12 class. Today, we have almost 270 learners, with our fifth Grade 12 group writing final exams this year. Thank you to every parent who entrusts us with their children. We will continue to grow and set high standards.’
‘As the Executive Head of Curro Secunda, it is with immense pride and excitement that I share that 2025 marks a monumental milestone in our school’s journey — our 10th anniversary!’ says Mr Ruan van der Merwe. ‘This is not just a celebration of a decade of academic achievement and growth, but a testament to the dedication, resilience and spirit of our school community. ‘This year, we have exciting plans to mark the occasion. Our celebrations will take place throughout the year, beginning with a week-long birthday celebration for our learners. This will conclude with a fun-filled day offering a variety of exciting activities, fostering joy and togetherness. ‘As we mark this milestone, I reflect on how far we have come. I am blessed to be part of this exceptional community of passionate learners, devoted educators and supportive families. This is a proud moment for everyone who has contributed to our story. ‘Here’s to a year of celebration, reflection and excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to inspire, empower and create lasting memories for generations to come.’