Penryn South Africa

HISTORY | SEEING THE PAST DIFFERENTLY

We were privileged to welcome Tracey Harvey to Penryn for two days of learning, professional development and meaningful engagement with our History community.

Tracey is a passionate History educator with extensive experience in IEB History. She is the convenor of the IEB National Moderator Team, a senior IEB marker and oversees the mentorship programme for early-career History teachers. She also leads a History Cluster of more than 50 schools across the northern part of South Africa.

Her time at Penryn was focused on strengthening our History teachers' skills and exploring new ways to engage scholars with the subject. For our Grade 12 scholars in particular, Tracey worked with them on the skills needed for Paper 2 as they prepare for their upcoming Preliminary and final examinations.

But the value of the experience went beyond examination preparation.

Through discussion, questioning and a fresh approach to historical thinking, Tracey challenged our scholars to look at History differently. Rather than simply learning events and dates, they were encouraged to question, interpret, analyse and understand the perspectives that shape the stories we tell about the past.

This kind of engagement is at the heart of meaningful learning. When teachers continue to develop their own practice, our scholars benefit from richer conversations, deeper thinking and new ways of approaching their subjects.

We are grateful to Tracey for sharing her expertise, challenging our thinking and reminding us that History is not simply about what happened, but about understanding why it matters.

Thank you, Tracey, for investing in both our teachers and our scholars and for bringing a renewed energy to History at Penryn.

10 games. 9 wins. 429 points scored. 65 conceded.

A 90% win rate.
A +364 points difference.
42.9 points scored per game.
And the highest Fairtree U14 ranking for 2026, placing Penryn 59th nationally.

But numbers only tell part of the story.

Because this was not bought.
It was not built overnight.
And it certainly was not manufactured for a graphic.

It was nurtured.

It was coached.
It was developed.
It was earned.

It is the result of scholars being given the opportunity to grow, coaches investing in potential and a programme that believes in developing talent rather than simply finding it.

Every pass, every tackle, every training session and every moment of belief has built towards this.

One loss does not define this season. The response does.

This is what happens when you give young players the right environment, the right people and the opportunity to become more than they thought they could be.

We don't just build teams.

We grow players.
We grow confidence.
We grow character.
We grow something bigger than the scoreboard.

This isn't bought. This is grown.

This is Penryn.

At Penryn preschool we know creativity does not need a table full of resources. Sometimes all it needs is a simple starting point.

What can you build with one cup of Lego?
What can one dot become?

By giving children a limited amount of material and allowing them to take the idea in their own direction, we encourage them to think, problem-solve, make decisions and trust their own ideas.

The aim is not for everyone to create the same thing, but to discover how many different possibilities can grow from exactly the same starting point.

Sometimes a little is more than enough when imagination is given space.

A World of Stories

The Junior Prep was delighted to welcome Hooked On Books from Johannesburg for a wonderful show filled with stories, imagination and plenty of excitement.

Our young scholars were taken on a journey where books and storytelling came to life, creating an engaging experience that encouraged them to listen, imagine and explore the joy of reading.

A big thank you to Hooked On Books for bringing their love of literature to Penryn and making reading such a memorable experience for our Junior Prep scholars.

Hooked on Books South Africa

U11 Chess Team Heads to Provincials

We’re proud to introduce our Under 11 Chess Team, who have qualified for the Provincial Finals in Ermelo this Saturday.

Our team is made up of Keyomatla Kgopa, Nkuthalo Nkosi, Muleya Sihlangu, Thabang Mthalane, Khanya Mthabela and Siyabonga Sibiya.

We wish our young chess players all the best as they take on the provincial stage. Play with confidence, represent Penryn with pride and enjoy every move!

GIRLS CRICKET | SIX-WICKET WIN

Congratulations to our Penryn 1st Team Girls Cricket side on a convincing six-wicket victory over Hoërskool Rob Ferreira yesterday.

Chasing 94 for victory, Penryn reached 93/4 in 16.1 overs, with the girls showing composure and determination to get the job done.

A strong team performance with everyone playing their part, setting up another great result for our girls on the cricket field.

Well done, ladies. We are proud of the way you continue to represent Penryn and grow as a team.

Our U9A cricket team has been putting in some impressive performances on the field, securing three victories against Sabie, Summerhill and Riverview.

Against Sabie, the team claimed a 62-run victory, with Mila scoring 26 runs and Caitlyn scoring 36 runs. They followed this with a 91-run win over Summerhill, with Phillip scoring 13, John adding 10 before retiring, and Machawe making an impact with four stumpings.

The final match against Riverview was a thrilling one-run victory. Phillip top-scored with 28 runs, followed by John with 13 and Mila with 15, while Machawe led the bowling attack with two wickets. A brilliant run of results from our U9A cricketers!

What does learning about Mexico look like when you are two or three?

In our Kingfisher class, it looks like colour, movement, texture and hands-on discovery.

Our youngest children are exploring the same theme as the rest of the Preschool, but in ways that are meaningful for their age—from adding spikes to cacti and painting while looking at Frida Kahlo, to sensory pathways and balloon play in the colours of the Mexican flag.

At this age, children learn by doing. Each time they touch, squeeze, pour, place and balance, they are developing coordination, concentration and confidence.

They may be our youngest children, but they show us every day just how capable they are.

ESPORTS | A NEW FRONTIER AT PENRYN

Penryn is proud to host its very first Esports Tournament on 22 August as we take an exciting first step towards growing Esports within our school community.

Our scholars will go head-to-head with Curro Nelspruit in a competitive day that will put strategy, teamwork, communication and quick thinking to the test.

Esports offers scholars a different way to compete, connect and develop valuable skills in an increasingly digital world. We are excited to create a space where our scholars can discover their potential, challenge themselves and thrive in a new sporting environment.

A huge thank you to our main sponsor, Pronto Computer Solutions, and to our other amazing sponsors for partnering with us and helping bring this event to life.

Come and support our scholars as Penryn enters this exciting new chapter in Esports.

Pronto Computer Solutions Curro Nelspruit MSI Gaming