Miss Marizaan Jordaan is a 31-year-old graduate from UNISA. She studied Social Work, Psychology, Life Coaching and completed other short courses, namely Play Therapy and Inclusive Education. She has a passion for working with children and young adults. She sees it as a privilege to invest in the futures of others, by teaching valuable life skills, while also facilitating the process of self-knowledge and personal – and professional development.

For the next two to three years, she will be completing her Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and FET, with the focus on Life Orientation and languages. Before Miss Jordaan moved to Lady Grey, her hobbies and interests included singing in her church’s worship team, pet sitting, camping, dancing (Afrikaans: “sokkie”) and she also freelanced as a lifestyle and wedding photographer. Miss Jordaan believes that Lady Grey Arts Academy has many opportunities for her and she cannot wait to see where this new journey will take her.

Marizaan Jordaan

We are also pleased to introduce the new English Home Language teacher for the FET Phase, miss Michanda Rheeder. Michanda started working as a Life Orientation and Tourism teacher at the Lady Grey Arts Academy in 2021. She studied BA Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of the Free State where she did extensive work with literature and text analysis throughout her three-year degree. During this time, she also completed a Diploma in English Studies.

After completing her PGCE in Senior and FET Education, which she completed with seven distinctions, she decided to make a shift towards the Languages where she can live out her love for language and literature. During her TEFL course she is also studying to teach English to foreign students in order to cultivate the love for English in people from all around the world. We hope that this new post will bring you joy and fulfillment.

Michanda Rheeder

Honours graduate now teaching at LGAA

Mr Franco de Ridder is a 28-year-old honours graduate from the University of Potchefstroom. He completed his post graduate studies in Botany and Zoology, followed by an honours degree in Aquatic Ecosystems. He is currently in the process of completing his Master’s degree as well as his postgraduate certificate in Education. His main focus is on Natural Sciences and Life Sciences.

He is originally from Centurion in Gauteng, but spent the last eight years as a student at NWU. In his time at University, he developed a love for rock-climbing and became the chairman to his university rock-climbing club.  Along with his rock-climbing passion, he also enjoys both surfing and skateboarding.

“I am really happy about the opportunity to teach at the Lady Grey Arts Academy, especially about being able to teach my subject field to the next generation, hopefully this will inspire some of the learners to want to pursue a career in the sciences themselves.” We wish Mr de Ridder all the best in his future career and endeavours here at the Lady Grey Arts Academy. We look forward to watching him inspire and mould the brains of the next generation of biologists and scientists.

Franco de Ridder

Alum returns to teach at the LGAA

Mr Ian Robert Watson, an alum of the Lady Grey Arts Academy who matriculated in 2003 has returned as an educator after finishing all his qualifications. Mr Watson studied photography at CUT in Bloemfontein and obtained his ATCL in Speech and Drama Teaching through Trinity College in London; England. He is also currently working towards completing his LTCL in Speech and Drama teaching.

• He has taught Drama since 2012 as well as Visual Arts, Design and History.
• Mr Watson has also appeared in multiple productions as a freelance actor and dancer.
• Outside of the classroom and theatre he enjoys skateboarding, rock-climbing, cycling and travelling.

The Arts Academy is very happy to have Mr Watson back as a member of the team. We wish him all the best in his future teaching endeavour and look forward to having him as part of our Creative Arts Department for many more years to come.

Ian Watson