Dear Parents

In recent weeks, I’ve had a number of interesting conversations with parents about the future of education, the role of technology, and the growing ubiquitous presence of AI. It’s evidently a topic we’re all wrestling with, and I’d like to offer a few thoughts from my vantage point.

The rate of change in basic and higher education has been unprecedented. Generative artificial intelligence has disrupted the landscape of learning, and this is no hyperbole.

growing number of voices believe this is the opportune moment to reimagine the future of education. ‘Let’s pull this archaic system, kicking and screaming’ they say, ‘into the 4th Industrial revolution.’

While this is a chance to reimagine and improve what we do, such reflection needs to be guided by evidence and well-worn wisdom. 

Knowledge is sticky  

There have been calls for some time, that schools should ditch the teaching of content and rather focus on the important stuff - 21st-Century skills. The reasoning goes that if AI bots contain all the answers to all the questions, we could possibly ask or imagine, then why do we need to teach facts? In addition, the evolved role of the teacher (facilitator) should change accordingly.

It is a seductive argument, but it will not work and here is why. Cognitive scientists inform us that knowledge is ‘sticky’ and all new knowledge builds on prior knowledge to form a schema. This process is developed sequentially over time through skillful instruction.

Professor Abdool Karim, a South African epidemiologist, captivated the hearts and minds of the public a few years ago with his insightful presentation on Covid-19. It was evident that Prof Karim is an expert in his field. He has a rich and extensive mental schema on infectious diseases.

I have access to all the literature and research in the field of epidemiology (via Google), yet, I would be unable to present such a compelling case nor could I suggest strategies for combatting the outbreak of this disease. The reason for this is quite simple, I have a limited schema of epidemiology and this limits my ability to engage in higher-order thinking on the topic. 

Knowledge rich  

It is no different for our boys. Knowledge precedes critical thought, creativity, problem-solving and any other future-fit skills you can think of. Daniel Willingham puts it succinctly, ‘Not only does background knowledge make you a better reader, but it also is necessary to be a good thinker. The processes we most hope to engender in our students – thinking critically and logically – are not possible without background knowledge.’

This is not a zero-sum equation, our institutions of learning need to produce entrepreneurs, leaders and citizens who can be innovative and creative, but this must be balanced with knowledge-rich curriculums which are well-sequenced, coherent, and full of vitality.

Bish-Bosch

On Saturday we conclude our rugby season with a fixture against our good friends and rivals, Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory School. This annual fixture is part of the fabric of our schools, built on mutual respect, excellence and a love for the game.

As hosts of the return leg, we encourage all our boys to show their support and pride.

Please join us and Saturday, volunteer if you can and add to the vibrancy of our community spirit.

Kind regards

LESTER LALLA
HEADMASTER

General Knowledge Round 2

Time: 14h30
Venue: Reddam

Interhouse Rugby (U9 to U13)

Time: 14h00 to 15h00 (U9) and 15h00 to 17h00 (U10 - U13)
Venue: Lutgensvale

Please click HERE for the programme. All rugby players involved.

The Tuck Shop will be open for drinks and snacks (no hot food)

No other extramurals

Van der Bijl House Outing (Grade 3 - 7)

Time: 18h00 to 20h00
Venue: Rush

Please click here to complete the Rush form

Normal Term 3 extramurals end. These will be replaced by a revised timetable. Please click HERE for details

Interhouse Cross Country

Time: 11h00 to 13h30
Venue: Lutgensvale

• This is a normal school day. Boys will be walked back to school after the event.
  
• Please click HERE for the programme
  
• Parents welcome to support

Soccer programme starts- Interclass

Time: 14h30 to 16h00

Gr 6 + 7 Parent talk - Are you teen ready?

Time: 19h00
Venue: Jagger Hall
Please see further details under Take Note

U12 Day/Night Hockey Tournament

Time: 14h00 to 20h00
Venue: Woodlands Astro

Van der Bijl House Cake Sale

Time: 10h20 to 11h30
Venue: Jagger kitchen
Please see further details under Take Note

VUSA 24 hour Cycle Challenge

Time: Friday 4/9 at 20h00 to Saturday 5/9 at 20h00
Venue: Piley Rees Field
Please see further details under Take Note

We are hosting Rondebosch Boys Prep this Saturday and would once again love to offer our legendary Bishops hospitality.

If you are able to offer just 30 minutes to assist at the Tuck Shop or the Egg and Bacon stand, please click HERE to book your slot.

Please click HERE for the fixtures.

Parenting expert, Megan de Beyer will be giving a talk to Grade 6 and 7 Parents on 31st August 2026 at 19h00 in Jagger Hall. We encourage parents to attend.

Please click HERE for details and please click HERE to RSVP.

Van der Bijl House Cake Sale

VDB House will be holding a cake sale on Friday 4 September at break time from the Jagger kitchen.

Please remember to send cash with your boys so that they can buy some delicious treats and support a good cause at the same time!

⚽️ WAKA WAKA SOCCER TOURNAMENT ⚽️

Join us for an unforgettable day of football, fun and purpose! 

📍 Lutgensvale Field, Bishops Rondebosch
📅 19 September 2026
⏰ 8:00am – 3:00pm
👟 8-a-side teams
🏆 Trophies & medals up for grabs
🍔 Food & drinks available
👦 Ages: U8, U10 & U12
💰 R3000 per team (10 players)

Every goal scored helps support our Kids Hospice through the Rohan Bloom Foundation.

Create your own team and sign up today! Follow the link here: https://ucdcou0ld1e.typeform.com/to/DSOQYdkU

The Kaapse Afrikaanse Eisteddfod is underway during the month of August and the Prep Music Department has entered over 200 boys. This past weekend, the woodwind, strings and piano departments were spread across Cape Town performing for various adjudicators and audiences. We are so proud of the Bishops Prep music boys for flying the flag high!

The Artists of the Week were chosen from Grade 4. The following boys were chosen for their imaginative clay buildings that were inspired by Antoni Gaudi, the Spanish architect who designed La Sagrada Família Cathedral in Barcelona: (Please click HERE to view all the artwork)

4B Charlie de wet, Bradley Liang, Advay Maharaj, Quayan Kew
4P Prince Goni, Alfie Jones, Yadav Naidoo, Thomas Swart
4S Miles Bohm, James Collins, Rafael de Vries, Jack Parkhurst

Rick the Bear was awarded to the U9 F team this week for a great game!

The Hockey Husky was awarded to the U13A team this week for their win at the Co-Ed Cup Tournament!

Well done to all these boys!