At Schoolscape, we value innovation in schools. Purple Mash offers an interactive learning platform that combines digital teaching resources with creativity and innovation that works. 

Redwood College La Lucia have been using Purple Mash for their Grade R to Grade 7 learners as a teaching enhancement for over four years now. To find out more about the impact of digital resources from real classroom experience, we spoke to Marlini Pillay, Head of Department of the Foundation and Intermediate phase at Redwood College La Lucia.

 

Why Redwood College Chose Purple Mash

“We were looking for a computer literacy program that was current and relevant to this generation of learners,” Marlini explains. “Many programs quickly become outdated, but with the 2Simple team consistently updating Purple Mash’s content and tools, we know it stays fresh, engaging, and aligned with modern education.”

After comparing different options, Redwood College found Purple Mash to be the most relevant, updated, and sustainable interactive learning platform. 

 

Who Uses Purple Mash at Redwood College 

The platform is used across Grade R to 7, Marlini emphasised Purple Mash as a valuable educational tool for primary school learners because it is designed for their needs. 

“The interactive learning platform is very user-friendly and is designed to appeal to learners. It has the look and feel of a game, which keeps learners engaged and excited. There is even a mini Mash for pre-primary learners.”

 

Learners’ Favourite Purple Mash Activities

Marlini shares that the learners enjoy the interactive features – specifically the educational games and the Meshcam app, where learners can take a photo of themselves as a character or against a virtual background. 

“They have loads of fun! The games allow learners to compete virtually, and during lockdown apps like 2email and 2blog helped classmates to stay in contact and connect.”

 

How This Interactive Learning Platform Enhance Teaching 

According to Marlini, before Purple Mash, teachers would have needed multiple apps and platforms to achieve the same results. Each of these applications would have their own logins and learner management system. 

“Purple Mash combines everything into one ad-free, safe website,” Marlini says. “It covers English, Maths, Life Skills, Social Studies, Science, Computer Literacy, Coding, and more – and provides tools to customize lessons and track learner progress.”

Stand-out features include:

• A built-in learner management system to manage learners, staff, and parents.
• A parent portal for parents to monitor and manage their child’s tasks and performance. 
• Collaborative tools such as 2email and 2blog for group discussions and communication.
• Performance report and data dashboard to monitor learner progress. 
• Interactive learning platform with customizable quizzes, activities and even games for learners. 

 

Favourite Feature: 2Do

When asked to name her favourite tool, Marlini didn’t hesitate say 2Dos:

“I love how it allows the teacher to set lessons, assign due dates, mark work, and give feedback. The ability to motivate students by giving them a reward using emojis and voice notes which is really valuable for young learners that can’t read. All completed and marked work can then be stored in the learners profile to show their learning journey.”

 

What Sets Purple Mash Apart?

“Purple mash stands out as an interactive learning platform that contains valuable tools across multiple learning areas – all on one platform! It’s both a Content Management system and a Learner Management system, which can be accessed from any device.” 

The flexibility and multi-purpose features of Purple Mash allows learners to work from anywhere, while also ensuring that teachers are able to set up creative and engaging lessons. 

Furthermore, Marlini highlights the support features:

• Teacher training –  online webinars, teacher blogs and YouTube channel.
• 2Simple provides personalized support by listening and engaging to find solutions.
• Openness to new ideas and suggestions to seek for ways to make teaching and learning more enjoyable.

 

Redwood College Recommend Purple Mash

We asked Marlini if she would recommend Purple Mash to other schools, and she very quickly answered yes!

The key reasons Redwood College recommends this interactive learning platform:

• Its user-friendly – for both teachers and learners.
• Regular updated content which relieves the pressure on the school to create their own.
• The software allows teacher creativity, while remaining engaging, informative, and interactive for learners.
• Affordability – the app offers value for money for schools.

 

Last Thoughts

If you would like to get into contact with 2Simple and learn more about Purple Mash and how an interactive learning platform can benefit your school, here is their contact information:

Website: Visit them here

Email: Tim Holliday

Or call Tim : +27(0) 84 502 4777

For more blogs like this, visit Schoolscape Case Studies.

 

 

Schoolscape sat down with Richard Knaggs, Director of Technology & Innovation from Parklands College, to learn more about the school’s experience using Snapplify’s e-learning solutions. 

Recognised globally as both an Apple Distinguished School and Google Reference School, Parklands College is one of two schools in Africa to hold these prestigious titles. Their dedication to innovation, leadership, and excellence in education has positioned them at the forefront of digital solutions in the classroom. 

Here’s what Richard had to say about how Snappfify Engage supports their vision. 

 

Why Digital and Blended Learning Matter 

Parklands College has long believed that technology plays an important role in preparing learners for the future.

“Our vision is to provide excellence in education, and our mission is to best prepare our learners for their futures,” says Kraggs. “We created a school where technology and innovation are an integral part of our culture, allowing learners to have authentic e-learning experiences with real-world applications.”

Blended learning allows learners to engage meaningfully, discover their passions, and develop the necessary 21st-century skills. 

How Snapplify Supports Parklands College’s Educational Goals 

Snapplify has simplified e-learning at Parkland College by providing a single-aggregated digital platform where learners can access their textbooks and digital resources. 

Before this, learners had to navigate multiple apps and websites. With Snapplify Engage, everything is in one place. 

“Snapplify’s support for Apple technologies was critical for us, as an Apple Distinguished school,” Kraggs explained. “Every learner and every teacher has an Apple device for learning.”

Additionally, the Snapplify platform:

• Supports teacher-made content
• Offers multimodal resources – such as audio, video, and interactive resources.

 

The E-Learning Features Parklands College Finds Most Valuable 

According to Knaggs, the features that make the most impact include:

• A single point of access for all e-learning content.
• Snapplify insights, which gives the school data on how learners and teachers use the digital content.
• Purchasing textbooks and booklist setups from within the platform. 

The platform is super functional, and allows the school to be proactive in meeting learners needs and optimizing digital learning and engagement. 

 

Inside The Classroom: What Do The Teachers Say?

Parklands College teachers have shared their experiences about using Snapplify e-learning:

• “Having free access to all the textbooks was like walking into a virtual library where learners could easily search their subjects from the comfort of their couches.”

• “As an educator, having all my textbooks in one place, which is easily accessible and user friendly, makes teaching in a technology-rich environment so much easier. For the learners, not having to walk around with heavy backpacks is an added bonus.”

• “Snapplify really helped with teaching Technology subjects virtually, especially with the theory. By highlighting the important points, learners could take notes efficiently.”

• “I can seamlessly view the textbook on screen, together with other material, which helps to enhance the textbook material. Without Snapplify, this wouldn’t be possible.”

 

The Benefits of Snapplify A Digital Library 

Snapplify’s digital library feature has streamlined Parklands:

• 24/7 accessibility from anywhere.
• No risk of book loss or theft. 
• Unlimited lifespan of e-books, which saves resources and time. 
• Automatic returns – no need for cataloguing or manual processing.

 

How Parents Benefit

Purchasing e-learning material and hardcopy textbooks has never been easier for Parklands parents. The simplified procurement process also benefits from bulk pricing and a streamlined system that saves time.

 

Seamless Integration with School IT Systems

Snapplify integrates easily with Google Workspace, allowing Parklands to efficiently manage user accounts, group assignments, and resource lists.

“Integration between Snapplify and Google lets us easily add users, organize them by grade, and manage resources,” says Knaggs.

Knaggs also highlights Snapplify’s support team as fast and convenient, and ensures that the e-learning platform always performs well:

“Their team is always on call — via email or live chat — and response times are incredibly fast. They always go out of their way to assist.”

 

Why Parklands Recommends Snapplify 

When asked if Parklands would recommend Snapplify, Knaggs was quick to respond!

“Absolutely. Snapplify is an innovator in providing personalized digital learning. They have consistently proved their commitment to education and to engaging with our specific needs.”

Furthermore, Knaggs highlighted Snapplify’s support for schools during Covid-19 pandemic by offering free textbooks to ensure learning continued. He praised the inclusive and cross-platform design that supports every device. 

 

Final Thoughts from Schoolscape

Parklands College’s experience is a testament to how Snapplify’s e-learning solutions can encourage schools to improve accessibility, embrace innovation, and provide the best-possible digital learning experience. 

They even offer a free entry level service, to find out more:

Sign up for Engage for free here or visit their website here

As the online world becomes more complex, school systems face the growing responsibility of equipping students with digital competency skills. Western Province Preparatory School (WPPS) took action by implementing a forward-thinking program from MySociaLife. 

The digital competency platform addresses real-world challenges in a learner-accessible manner. Thus educating learners on appropriate technology use. 

Schoolscape spoke to Alexa Todd-Mason, a WPPS teacher, to understand why this program was needed, and the impact digital competency training has already made. 

Why Digital Competence Matters in Modern Classrooms

“If we expect students to use digital tools, we must also teach them how to manage their use safely,” explains Alexa. 

WPPS recognised the critical need to develop digital competence, not just technical skills, but also emotional intelligence and critical thinking when interacting online. Therefore, learners are taught about all aspects of digital media, including the risks of misusing technology. 

Challenges Schools Face with Online Behaviour 

Inside the classroom walls, teachers often deal with minor issues such as students messaging friends or playing games during class time. However, more serious digital risks exist, and these typically happen without supervision. Including:

• social media misuse
• online harassment
• exposure to inappropriate content

“These issues change faster than parents or teachers can manage – which is why education is so important” Alexa shared. 

WPPS looked to MySociaLife to stay ahead of these fast-evolving challenges and support learners in building digital competency skills that extend far beyond school walls. 

Students are More Aware and More Responsible 

Since integrating the program, WPPS noticed an immediate improvement in learner awareness and behaviour:

• Learners are more cautious online
• They have an understanding about how their digital actions can impact others
• They are more confident in making smart online decisions 

“They are far more aware of their digital responsibility,” Alexa commented. 

Evidently, digital competency is not just about using digital tools. It’s about understanding safety, impact, and self-control when online. 

Making Digital Topics Relatable 

Dean McCoubrey, MySocialLife’s founder, is praised by both teachers and learners for his engaging delivery at WPPS. 

“Dean is dynamic, passionate, and relevant. His content connects with exactly what students are going through.”

Expert insights, real-word experiences, and relatability ensure that every session is impactful and meaningful.

“The content keeps pace with digital trends, and that’s crucial for real engagement”.

The flexibility and adaptability is key to educating learners on digital competency as it evolves with the platforms learners actually use.

Would WPPS Recommend MySocialLife?

Without any hesitation at all.

“Absolutely.”

WPPS sees digital competence as a critical life skill for their learners, and strongly believes that each school should be proactive in teaching and practicing it. 

 

Interested in Bringing MySocialLife to Your School?

Schoolscape understands that cybersecurity is key in the modern classroom. If you would like more information about MySociaLife and would like to get hold of them to do something similar at your school, here is their contact information:

Send an email to [email protected]

Or visit mysocialife.com

For more blogs about school innovations, see Schoolscape’s Case Studies

 

Schoolscape knows that Grade 9 subject choice is stressful because it is important for learners’ future career successes.

Hilton College, a prestigious school in the midlands of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, has tried many platforms over the years. However, most required too much technical support. Now they rely on Yenza, a digital career platform that is popular in South Africa for subject choice guidance. 

We sat down with Janna de Gouveia, an accomplished career counsellor at Hilton, to unpack how the school implemented Yenza. We’ve pinpointed why the platform is critical for learners’ subject choices so you don’t have to!

What makes Yenza Different

“It’s more comprehensive and more research-based than other platforms I’ve used. It gave me everything I needed to support learners, technically and psychologically.”

Teachers often struggle to provide one-on-one attention to learners during. Janna appreciates Yenza, because it is built for learners and educators. 

Unlike other platforms, Yenza is easy to implement. Because:

• It doesn’t rely on technical software that is difficult to implement and maintain.
• It works seamlessly on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
• Switching between in-person and online was easy!

A Reliable and Stable Platform

The platform is digital and reliable, with no disruptions. 

“Some Grade 9 learners completed the work in class. But during Covid-19, learners were sent home. There were no major problems when we switched to online learning.”

The easiness of Yenza, allows learners to move through subject choice activities on their own.

“I created individual reports for each learner to detail their progress on modules. The parents have access too, so they are able to use the site to answer any questions.”

Helping Learners take Ownership over Subject Choices

As important as subject choice in Grade 9 is, it’s a personal decision. Yenza allowed learners to use the platform at their own pace to explore options. 

“The learners still need to take responsibility and use their profiles. But the platform gives the opportunity to engage.”

Parents and teachers can use the digital platform to encourage learners to put in the work.

“I can direct parents to the site, and use it to answer their questions about their child’s progress.”

Lightening the Load for Teachers

For guidance counsellors and Life Orientation teachers, individual subject choice conversations are not always possible. Yenza reduces the pressure.

“I compile individual reports for each learner, and use this report when parents or learners need help.”

Therefore, lessening the workload and speeding up the process. 

High-Value for Schools

“Yenza gets the balance right in terms of allowing professionals the space to use their data for their own purposes whilst giving students something to work with and on so they are invested.”

After more than a decade of experience, Janna found excellent value in Yenza because it benefits teachers and learners. Not only for Grade 9s, but also for Grade 11s as they jobshadow.

“The jobshadowing module will help them choose the careers they are interested in and narrow their focus. Then they can shadow one or two jobs and find a meaningful career.”

Hilton College recommends Yenza

We asked Janna if Hilton College recommends Yenza and she didn’t hesitate.

“Yes – it is cost effective, quick and very easy to administer.”

The subject choice period at school can be intimidating. But a digital platform that is affordable and user-friendly removes unnecessary pressure from the process.

 

Want to learn more?

Schoolscape believes innovation is key for success in schools. If you’re in need of a process to make subject choices easier and engaging, then contact Yenza!

Reach out to: [email protected]

 

If you want to read more blogs like this then check out Schoolscape’s Case Studies.

 

Choosing subjects in Grade 9 is a critical turning point for learners in South Africa. It’s a decision that influences future study and career plans which makes the choices overwhelming – especially without personalised career guidance. 

Fairmont High School has made a different choice, by implementing Yenza – a career guidance app. The app relieves learners’ anxiety about the future by allowing them to explore different career options and align them with personal strengths, goals, and interests. 

Schoolscape spoke to Anne Friedenthal from Fairmont High to find out how Yenza is making a real impact in their school community so that you can do the same. 

Why Yenza Stands Out from Other Career Guidance Tools

While many career guidance platforms provide data, Yenza goes further by delivering personalised recommendations in a learner-friendly format and making career planning more intuitive and empowering.

“Yenza has a lot more information than other career solutions I’ve seen and packages that information in a way that is very accessible for learners.” Anne confirmed. 

How Yenza Manages Operationally in a School Environment

“Very easy. Each learner gets their own access code by email and there have been no issues thus far,” Anne discussed with us. 

Therefore, the platform is easy to operate, and can be implemented hassle-free in school settings. The IT team receives clear onboarding instructions that makes for a smooth implementation in schools.  

Even during Covid-19, Yenza proved vital to Fairmont Highs’ Grade 9s.

“We experienced no disruption. The platform is self-directed and works perfectly from home,” Anne confirmed. 

The platform is cloud-based and learner-led and students were able to continue their career exploration independently despite a global pandemic and school closures. 

Empowering Learners through Personalised Career Guidance

“Yenza gives a broad picture of a learner’s strengths, interests, and potential career paths,” Anne shared with us. 

The platform goes beyond surveys and little activities, and encourages deep reflection which helps learners to understand why certain careers will suit them. Learners are then encouraged to make informed subject choices that align with their long-term career goals. 

Instead of pushing learners towards a small list of careers, Yenza empowers them to explore, compare potential options, and make educated decisions based on data, personal insights, and career guidance. 

Anne discussed that, “the process is easy, fast, and helpful. Learners come to their own conclusions.”

A Powerful Teaching Aid for LO & Career Guidance Staff

The platform goes beyond a simple ‘career guidance’ app, it is an educational tool. 

“Yenza gives us more ‘meat’ to use in our lessons,” Anne shared. 

Educators and guidance staff are able to provide valuable one-on-one advice to their learners that would have been otherwise impossible. Yenza steps in as a digital assistant to aid teachers with reliable content and lesson enrichment materials. 

“It’s hard to get young kids engaged, but Yenza definitely does this!” 

Learners not only used the app but meaningfully engaged with it. For teachers and career guidance staff, this kind of engagement and positive feedback feels like a gold star!

Does Fairmont Recommend Yenza?

“It’s very good value for money. We love that we can add our Grade 11’s at no additional cost.”

Yenza is therefore budget-friendly, making it an ideal long-term solution to career guidance in schools. 

Fairmont recommends Yenza to other schools because it boasts these features:

• Instant feedback
• Clear in-App guidance for self-directed learning
• Queries are handled efficiently
• No hiccups

To Find out More About Yenza

Contact Jared Molko, via email at [email protected] or contact him on 076 958 5885.  To view their website, click here