Phoenix educator's maths excellence puts Whetstone on the provincial stage

Phoenix educator M.T. Yusuf’s dedication to mathematics has placed Whetstone Primary School in the spotlight after he won first place in the Pinetown District category for Primary School Mathematics at the National Teaching Awards. The award qualifies him to compete at the KwaZulu-Natal provincial finals, marking a significant milestone in his career as an acting deputy principal at the school. Yusuf’s victory reflects his long-standing belief that mathematics should be more than a collection of numbers, it should inspire confidence and open doors for students. His approach has led to measurable improvements in student performance, particularly in competitions such as Mathematics Games, FEMSSISA Olympiads, and Mathemajica problem-solving contests. These achievements underscore his ability to transform how students perceive and engage with the subject. Yusuf’s journey in education began with a deep personal connection to mathematics. During his own schooling, he found teachers who made the subject accessible and enjoyable, shaping his own passion and setting high standards for himself. He pursued qualifications in Senior FET Mathematics and Science at Edgewood Campus in 2013, which laid the foundation for his teaching career. He later taught at Verulam Islamic School, Holy Family College, and Temple Valley Secondary, consistently advocating for an engaging and inclusive approach to mathematics. In 2016, Yusuf joined Sunford Primary School as a permanent educator and introduced the school’s first Mathematics Club. This initiative included problem-solving activities, math games, competitions, and Olympiads, along with intervention programs and additional tutoring. His efforts paid off, with students excelling in national and regional competitions. In 2024, he was promoted to Whetstone Primary School as Departmental Head and now serves as Acting Deputy Principal, where his impact continues to grow. At Whetstone, Yusuf plays a central role in leading Professional Learning Communities for grades 4 to 7 mathematics teachers. He also acts as Chief Examiner and Chief Moderator for Phoenix Central, developing examination guidelines, revision materials, and study guides. Additionally, he supports learners through online platforms and hosts parent workshops focused on study skills and exam preparation. His philosophy, that uplifting teachers uplifts learners, and uplifting learners uplifts communities, guides much of his work at the school. Principal Mrs V. Pillay praised Yusuf’s leadership, noting that his efforts have fostered a collaborative environment where innovation drives student success. She emphasized that success in mathematics goes beyond test scores, highlighting the importance of teacher cooperation, shared knowledge, and individual growth. Under Yusuf’s guidance, Whetstone has adopted Professional Learning Communities, assessment analysis, and action research to enhance teaching methods. The school also collaborates with neighboring institutions to improve curriculum delivery and assessment quality. Beyond mathematics, innovation at Whetstone extends to coding and robotics. Although the school was not chosen as part of the Department of Basic Education’s pilot program, it independently launched a comprehensive coding and robotics initiative spanning grades R to 7. Teachers under Yusuf’s direction unpacked the CAPS curriculum, created detailed lesson plans and teaching resources, and built a professional support network across Phoenix Central. The school also organized the Phoenix Central Coding and Robotics Competition, giving students hands-on experience with robotics challenges and problem-solving tasks.