When Reddam House Umhlanga College head Adam Rogers talks about his school, its teachers, and the pupils, he does so with an incredible sense of pride and passion. It is, he says, the most affirming, inclusive, accepting, and happy school he has ever been a part of.
With an extensive background in teaching at some of the top schools in the country, father of two, Adam Rogers believes wholeheartedly in the ethos implemented by Reddam House schools: education should be enjoyed and not endured.
“This truly is the most positive, warm and nurturing learning environment, and it’s all down to the relationships between the pupils and the teachers.”
Originally from the South Coast of KZN, Adam matriculated from Maritzburg College having spent five years there as a boarder. After completing a BA in English and History at the University of KZN in Pietermartizburg, Adam went to Rhodes University and completed a Higher Diploma in Education. His first teaching job was at an all-girls’ school in the Eastern Cape. After that Adam taught at Maritzburg College where he was a housemaster and the school’s Director of Marketing.
It was during a short stint overseas that he met his now wife, Sharon. They returned to South Africa and, after a 6-month locum at St John’s DSG, Adam was offered a position at Kearsney College, where he spent the next 15 years that culminated in his position of Head of Academics.
“I loved my time there. Our children, Noah (15) and Hannah (13), were born there. It was a wonderful time in our lives.”
In 2017 Adam took over the headship of the new Reddam House Umhlanga College. “I needed a new challenge and it was very exciting starting a new school in a brand-new building.”
But the true value, he says, is not in the modern buildings and top-class facilities. The magic lies in the relationships and the people. “This is an incredibly caring environment where children are encouraged and nurtured.”
The school has been positioned to answer the needs of the market. “We are a non-traditional school with traditional values. There is no student hierarchy (no prefects), but rather a leadership model that involves all Grade 12’s leading the school.”
The school maintains a number of traditional values however, such as pupils being required to take pride in their appearance and wear their uniform smartly. Presentation, manners, and behaviour are all very important. “We believe in holistic education. The lessons learnt outside the classroom are just as important as the ones learnt inside. Our pupils must participate in extra murals, sport or cultural, and support and contribute to the school.”
The school has seen tremendous growth over the past three years and will have over 400 pupils in 2021.
“I have found it incredibly exciting to be part of establishing a progressive school that embraces innovation and change without any ‘old-school’ thinking holding us back. The diversity and inclusivity is something we are very proud of. It’s okay to be who you are here and, if you are prepared to give of yourself, then yourself is enough.”
Details:
Reddam House Umhlanga College,
21 Preston Drive, Prestondale, www.umhlanga.reddamhouse.com,
[email protected]
(0)31 566 5736
