A happy and caring space for all learners.
The Coastal Academy opened in January 2021 with thirteen learners. Our venue was quickly outgrown as we grew not only in numbers but in physical size too. Using an online education portal was new to all of us, but we mastered the system and got to know our online teachers well.
As the year went by, we realised that we needed a new space where our children could run and have fun and a bigger area for our classrooms. Since then, we have moved from Betty's Bay and onto our dream venue on a smallholding in Pringle Bay. We are surrounded by birds, bugs, and beautiful fynbos.
While we still have a small group of online learners, the majority of children have shifted back to a more traditional approach of education. We use a blended approach of curricula and our first group of Grade 11s have entered into the final phase of their school career, using an IEB curriculum, encouraging growth mindset and critical thinking through problem solving.
We have an average of 10 learners per grade allowing for individual attention for each learner.
Our Coastal Academy is a happy and caring space for all learners, who are nurtured and self-motivated to achieve their personal potential.
Set on a smallholding in Pringle Bay, we are surrounded by birds, bugs, and beautiful fynbos. Our environment is part of the education.
With an average of 10 learners per grade, every child receives individual attention and is truly known by their teachers.
Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide individual academic support while delivering the CAPS curriculum..
— The Coast Academy Motto
Experienced, passionate educators who chose small-school teaching because they love it.
Every school needs a mascot, and ours just happens to have four legs and a wagging tail! Pinot, our friendly neighbourhood farm dog, visits us most days. His morning routine usually includes a swim in the pond, a tour of the campus to greet his fans, and plenty of pats from the children.
Pinot takes his role as emotional support dog very seriously, offering cuddles, companionship, and the occasional comic relief. When he's not making new friends, you might spot him cheering from the sidelines—or even joining in—a lively game of break-time soccer.
We think every school should have a Pinot!
I have been in education for over 36 years and am just as passionate as I was when I first started. I believe in all-round approach, developing not only the children's academic abilities but helping them to blossom emotionally and spiritually, ready to face life’s challenges. I am fair but firm when dealing with discipline using a values-based methodology to encourage children to become independent, responsible, and respectful towards others, their work and their daily lives. I have always encouraged children to reach their own potential, through setting attainable goals and believing in themselves.
I am a positive individual and enjoy a good challenge. In my down time, I like to read, mosaic and paint. I am married to Glenn, have two children, Calum, who is 26 this year and is a Sound Engineer and Nina, who is almost 23 and is currently doing the Graduate Programme at Woolworths, a Trainee Junior Buyer . We have 6 dogs, who all are part of the family too
My journey in education began over a decade ago in South Korea where I taught English at an elementary school. I am very passionate about children's learnings, and about making sure how our children learn matches the technology of our time. I enjoy working and interacting with children of all ages and supporting them not only through their learning experiences but also through their social and life interactions. I have completed a PGCE specialising in Drama and Dance. I currently teach a number of Grade 7, 8 and 9 subjects. I am also a fully-qualified Pilates teacher and I run the dance programme and drama classes at Overstrand Coastal Academy.
Marianne has been connected to Pringle Bay since her parents built one of the first houses here in 1969. She is a scientist, with a BSc in chemistry and geography, a PGCE, and a PhD in oenology from Stellenbosch University. She has been teaching since she was 21 (a long time ago). She has published academically in both oenology and the scholarship of teaching & learning. She lives in Pringle Bay now, and shows her reverence and appreciation for the beauty of our Biosphere through art (writing and painting). She has always loved science passionately, and really enjoys teaching the sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) to Overstrand Education Centre scholars. She also teaches geography and art at the OEC. She is very involved in conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems in the area through her NPO work.
Jené Gild is a new member of staff and serves as the Senior Mathematics Teacher. With a background in medicine and a passion for education, she loves helping students build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning—especially in mathematics, where she enjoys breaking the stigma that number-crunching can’t be fun! Outside of the classroom, you'll usually find her exploring nature, getting creative with art, or with her nose in a good book.
Tyla de Beer brings a fun-loving and patient approach to the classroom. As a teacher, she is deeply committed to guiding her students through their educational journey with care and enthusiasm. She aims to empower the youth to take ownership of their education, encouraging them to pursue personal growth while striving to make a positive impact on the world around them.
We welcome families to visit the farm and meet our team. Contact us to arrange a visit.