Kathryn Kruyshaar

BSc H DIP ED

My name is Kathryn Kruyshaar (previously Smit) I went to Pretoria Girls High. After being a Rotary Exchange Student in Christchurch New Zealand for a year, I went to study a BSc at Stellenbosch University majoring in Zoology and a Physiology. I then did a Higher Education Diploma also at Stellenbosch. My first teaching post was at Kingsway High School in Amanzimtoti. I taught Biology and Junior Grade Science there for a year. The next twelve years were dedicated to travel and motherhood. I started teaching at Parel Vallei High School in 1996 and at Somerset College in 1998.  For the next 22 years I taught Grade 8 -12 Life Sciences. For some years I was an IEB Portfolio moderator, a regional moderator and a sub examiner (marker of Matric papers). 

Over the years I developed learning material for students as we decided to do away with text books for Grade 8 and 9. I have had extensive experience in the design of examinations, practicals and worksheets. For the past 4 years I have been involved with teams working with Pearse and Oxford publishers in the writing of Biology text books. I have had success over the years with students who struggle with Biological concepts as well as with the extensive workload. I have developed a system of breaking the work down into levels and smaller sections before integration of the whole. I believe that I can assist and inspire students to enjoy and master this fascinating subject.