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With 18 years teaching experience under the belt Andrea Coetzer from Plattekloof Glen has taken over the reins at top mathematics and science focussed school Protea Heights Academy (PHA) in Brackenfell.
Since 1 April 2020 she stood in as acting principal, as the country went into national lockdown and was officially appointed as new principal as of 1 January this year.
The niche school was established in 2015 under the leadership of previous principal Wendy Horn and has produced many award winning teachers while continuing to develop its strength in the Steamac curriculum encapsulating science, technology, engineering, arts, maths, agriculture, coding and computational skills.
Coetzer was born in Bellville, but her father, also a teacher, relocated the family to the Eastern Cape in 1984 where she completed her schooling in East London and Uitenhage.
She then returned to the Western Cape where she studied BSc Sport Sciences at Stellenbosch University.
“My love for teaching steered me in a different direction and I completed my B.Ed at CPUT’s Wellington Campus cum laude.
“There I was a house committee member from my second year to my third year of studies and was the vice chair of the Student Representative Council in my fourth year.”
Coetzer started her career at Paarl Girl’s High in 2004 as a Grade 4 teacher, followed by a three-year stint at Westerford High School teaching physical science, technology and mathematical literacy.
Between 2012 and 2017 she taught physical science at Claremont High School where she was part of the school management team involved in establishing policies and procedures.
In 2017 she joined the hustle and bustle at PHA as departmental head, continuing to teach physical science to Grade 8 to 12s.
“Then principal Wendy Horn is a dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking woman and leader who inspired and motivated her staff to excell,” says Coetzer.
This set the tone for her career at the school.
“Starting a the school, I looked forward to be part of a new initiative where learners received an excellent education supported by technology.”
She describes the school’s curriculum as rigourous and technologically enhanced that inspires creative critical and analytical thinking.
“We prepare our learners to be productive and successful citizens who have higher-level critical thinking skills needed to solve problems in the real world,” she says.
Under her leadership Coetzer envisions the school to be a place of compassion, kindness and respect.
“It is important that all learners and staff feel accepted so that they can flourish in a safe and motivating environment. Inclusion is not simply about physical proximity. It is about intentionally planning for the success of all learners.”
Coetzer says it is the very talented teachers that set the school apart.
“During the 2021 National Teaching Awards many of our teachers were acknowledged both provincially and nationally for their excellence, dedication, and love for teaching. Dr Mariette Wheeler won the national Best Teacher Award, Danielle van Eck was first runner up nationally for excellence in physical sciences and Chadley Davids, second runner up for the national S/Hero Award.”
During the pandemic, Coetzer says the school was faced with many challenges.
“I took over as the Covid-19 pandemic started and we went into lockdown as a country. This meant that I had to be innovative and re-think teaching and the way we were going to achieve success and respond to this as a school.
“The staff worked tirelessly, putting the school first and sacrificing personal and family time to ensure that we could provide a top-class education to our learners, in spite of the difficulties we have faced.
“We had to implement various operational measures and adjust our school programmes in terms of safety and the well-being of all learners and staff, including unscheduled school closure, full home-based learning, and the phased return to school of the various grade groups. The focus was on ensuring effective learning and curriculum continuity. I am proud that our staff and learners have risen to the challenges, and adapted to the situation well.”
Coetzer, the staff and learners are taking on the new year with new gusto.
“Our theme for the year is Recover, Build, Renew. During the pandemic we were not able to continue with our weekly assemblies or normal activities. The staff must therefore be innovative in ensuring that the school ethos and the sense of camaraderie are maintained.
“We are therefore focussing on the basics, so that we can recover what we had, build on what has worked and be innovative and creative to become more successful in what we want to achieve.
“I am truly privileged to lead and be led by such a dedicated team,” Coetzer says.
