Additionally, they were fortunate enough to meet educational experts, entrepreneurs and role models at Busy Bees, Pretoria-Oos and Siembamba. PEN’s non-profit community project school Sun Sparrows was also on their list. Lastly, they were afforded the opportunity to visit and observe at the highly respected Reggio Amelia curriculum model.

“Observing the various models at these schools took us away from the theory of our textbooks, threw us out of the comfort of our lecture theatres and exposed us to how these schools operate and function in the real world. If I had to sum up the entire experience in one word, it would be the word ‘admiration’. From one school to the next, we left feeling more encouraged and enthused than the last. What is more, we all gained a new found respect for teachers,” said student Nikki Preston.

The class also spent a day at the Pioneer Museum. Here their eyes were opened to what a real-life, authentic and meaningful learning experience is all about. They learnt how effective a fieldtrip is in teaching and integrating all learning outcomes of CAPS.

Niki added that this educational adventure opened up their minds and hearts to what is on offer in South Africa’s educational system. “It revealed the different career possibilities there are and excited us for our futures in early childhood education.”