Uplands Outreach

03/06/2026

Unpacking Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education

In a rapidly changing educational landscape, Artificial Intelligence is a force to be reckoned with - and may be a very useful bridge between what schools have always done and the new possibilities of an accelerated digital future. Under the guidance of Uplands College’s Head of Innovation & Life Sciences teacher - Candice Ellis, our current cohort of school leaders explored how AI can support teaching and learning in rural schools, as well as make leadership and daily school work easier. Participants in this practical workshop learned how to use AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and NotebookLM for lesson planning, preparing presentations, and supporting classroom work, while also exploring issues of safety, privacy and the possible risks of using AI. The session showed how AI can make everyday school work easier, save time, and strongly support teaching and learning in practical ways. Thank you, Candice, for your excellent AI presentation, made by humans for humans!

01/06/2026

An unforgettable evening!

27/05/2026

Connecting Through Conversation

For nearly three decades, the SMILE programme has been bringing Uplands pupils and learners from Maqamela Primary School together in a way that continues to matter. Each school term, more than 30 learners from Maqamela Primary School enter a space filled with conversation, laughter, and a growing confidence in English. At first, words may come slowly and uncertainly, but before long, voices begin to carry with confidence and pride.

What makes the programme especially powerful is the enriching interplay of backgrounds, cultures, and communities. Learners who may never otherwise have crossed paths sit side by side, sharing stories, asking questions, and seeing the world through one another’s eyes. Understanding grows, connections deepen, and friendships begin to form. Over the years, SMILE has become more than a programme - it is a treasured meeting point where community service comes alive. It may begin in a small space, but it is helping to build something much bigger: connection, understanding, and a shared vision for a stronger South Africa. Become a SMILE champion today by contacting Violah Moya, Head of Uplands Outreach.

25/05/2026

Africa Day 2026

Today, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Africa, a continent filled with incredible people, rich traditions and endless possibilities. Africa Day is a reminder of how far we have come, the stories that shape us, and the future we continue to build together.
Here is to the strength of our communities, the beauty of our cultures and the unity that connects us all. May we continue to inspire, support and uplift one another every day.

21/05/2026

We can't wait to welcome the wider Uplands community for what promises to be a truly wonderful weekend filled with connection, sports, entertainment and memorable moments 🎶🤩🏑!

2026 Uplands Founders & Friends Weekend

Be part of our community and the legacy of Uplands at this annual gathering. Founders & Friends Weekend is a time to reconnect with old friends and welcome new faces. Enjoy the unique spirit of the Uplands campus. Across the weekend, guests can look forward to music, nature and memorable moments shared with the wider Uplands community.

28 MAY 2026
ART EXHIBITION AND FOUNDERS’ EVENING
THURSDAY 4PM

29 - 30 MAY 2026
SPORTS DERBY
FRIDAY 2PM
SATURDAY 7:30AM

29 MAY 2026
MAJOZI
CHARITY EVENT
FRIDAY 7:30PM
TICKETS: https://qkt.io/FFW26

30 MAY 2026
CLASS OF 2006 & 2016
REUNION
SATURDAY 5PM

30 MAY 2026
GUIDED BIRD WALK
UPLANDS CAMPUS
SATURDAY 6AM
TICKETS: https://qkt.io/FFW26

30 MAY 2026
ME AND MR GREEN
LIVE PARTY COVER BAND
SATURDAY 7:30PM
TICKETS: https://qkt.io/FFW26

31 MAY 2026
UPLANDS MTB CLASSIC
UPLANDS CAMPUS START
SUNDAY 7AM
ENTER HERE: https://www.entryninja.com/events/83688?referrer=10722755

For more information, contact Tracey Russell 082 8000 618 or visit www.uplands.co.za
Hope to see you there!

&FriendsWeekend

20/05/2026

On the Road Again!

Did you know that in 2025, the Uplands Outreach team conducted 458 on-site coaching visits at our partner schools and ECD Centres? Most mornings, our team can be found travelling deep into rural communities - along bumpy roads, dusty tracks, and the occasional stretch of tar - to work side-by-side with school leaders, teachers, and learners. These on-site visits are a vital part of our work. Rather than only hosting workshops at Uplands, we meet educators in their own classrooms and communities, supporting teaching practices, sharing ideas, and helping to troubleshoot challenges together. Our team members especially value these visits because they build meaningful relationships and gain a deeper understanding of each school’s unique context. If you would like to join us on one of these special trips, please contact Violah Moya, Head of Uplands Outreach.

13/05/2026

Investing in Future Leaders

Uplands Outreach recently hosted a two-day Class Prefects Leadership workshop for learners from Tenteleni Primary school. Leadership is an important skill that can be developed from a young age and class prefects serve as a vital bridge between learners and teachers. The workshop aimed to equip learners with leadership skills such as teamwork, communication and the importance of leading by example. These foundation skills form the core pillars of responsible and confident young leadership within the school environment.

What makes this initiative more meaningful is that the principal of Tenteleni Primary is a proud graduate of our School Leadership programme! This serves as a powerful testament to the long-term impact of investing educational leadership and capacity building. Seeing the ripple effect come full circle through the development of young learners is both inspiring and deeply rewarding. To support our leadership initiatives, please contact Violah Moya, Head of Uplands Outreach.

10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Uplands Outreach team extends warm Mother’s Day wishes to all the remarkable women in the communities we serve. Today, we celebrate and honour the many roles you play and the profound impact you make.

Thank you for the love, strength, wisdom, and dedication you bring to your families and communities. Your nurturing spirit and unwavering commitment shape lives and inspire future generations every single day.

Wishing you a beautiful, joyful, and well-deserved Mother’s Day. 💐✨

06/05/2026

Peer-to-Peer Professional Learning Communities

We are proud to see the new 2026 Digital Literacy cohort evolve into a vibrant peer-to-peer Professional Learning Community (PLC), where teachers are learning with and from one another. Facilitated by Alex Mabuza, this programme supports teachers by strengthening their ICT and communication skills, but the real impact lies in the relationships and peer learning that takes place in these sessions. What stands out most is the willingness of teachers to learn, even in challenging conditions - with limited access to digital tools and equipment. They show up ready to develop new digital skills, try new things, and find practical ways to improve their teaching. Teachers are gaining hands-on experience with basic but important tools like Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel. Teachers spoke about how valuable it was to learn the basics in Microsoft Word - things like creating blank documents, adding borders, and inserting shapes. For many, these were small steps, but important ones that made the digital tool feel more familiar and easier to use, especially when thinking about preparing lesson plans. Please contact Violah Moya, Head of Uplands Outreach, if you would like to support this peer-to-peer PLC.

01/05/2026

Happy Workers’ Day

Thank you to all the Uplands staff this Workers’ Day. The dedication, care, and quiet consistency you bring each day truly does make a difference, even when it isn’t always voiced aloud. It is seen, it is valued, and it matters. We are grateful for each of you and the role you play in our community.

- Mr Sean Carlisle
Uplands Executive Head