In the hallways of Heritage International School you can meet teachers coming from all over the world to provide students with a unique, updated and advanced learning experience. One of them is Nozipho Sithebe, a mathematics teacher who has come a long way to be part of the Heritage academic community.

A graduate of the prestigious University of South Africa, where she majored in Mathematics and African Languages, Nozipho Sithebe brings a unique combination of academic experience and cultural perspective to the classrooms at Heritage. In her ninth year of teaching, the teacher’s fascination with her job is unwavering: “I certainly don’t see myself doing anything else. I love what I do. I love children. I think I like being in the classrooms more than anything.”

Mathematics – beyond formulas and equations

Nozipho Sithebe is not limited to traditional, textbook-based teaching. She adapts her lessons to the latest educational trends, but also to the needs of the students. That’s why children are never bored in her class, because she creatively integrates modern elements and makes sure that her students stay engaged and curious. From cooking sessions to exploring students’ passion for sport, Nozipho Sithebe creates an environment where learning transcends the boundaries of traditional education.

In her lessons, mathematics is not only about numbers and formulas, but also about discovering the applicability of the discipline in everyday life. Using interactive methods and practical examples, she challenges her students to think critically and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

“I like to let students tell me what they think about the problem before I tell them the solution. I always like to ask them how they would approach a particular math situation or problem in real life. Thus, they are also able to solve these problems in a practical way.”

She has a passion for mathematics since her school days, when she was a tutor for other students, helping them to better understand this discipline.

“Basically, I was a student teaching other students. They made me love the subject a bit more than I originally did, because my group was very encouraging, telling me I was so good at it, because I didn’t laugh at them when they made mistakes. I always carry this encouragement with me. Even now, when people ask me why I am a teacher, I tell them it’s because of the group I had when I was in high school.”

At Heritage International School, Nozipho Sithebe feels that the support and appreciation from teachers and students is mutual and constant. Heritage students are always encouraged by their teachers to look beyond the grades they receive and focus on developing their skills by participating in competitions or extracurricular projects. And the teachers, in turn, are appreciated by their students, by their fellow teachers and the school management. This culture makes Heritage an academic environment where every member of the community feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential: “We love supporting each other all the time. And the kids are amazing, they make it worth coming here.”