Summerwood Primary School teacher Bronwen Jonson has been nominated for a National Teaching Award (NTA) in recognition of her passion for coding and robotics.
The NTAs are presented annually by the Department of Basic Education to celebrate excellence and innovation in teaching and learning across South Africa. Jonson was nominated in the Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning category, which honours teachers who integrate ICT, coding, and digital tools to transform the classroom.
“The finals in Johannesburg are from 30 September to 3 October. During this period, finalists across 15 different categories will present. I will be presenting on Friday, 3 October,” said Jonson.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Coding
Since being introduced to Tangible Africa in 2022, Jonson has implemented their unplugged coding resources in her classes and has helped organise several regional coding tournaments.
“Unplugged coding helps learners engage with coding in an accessible, hands-on way,” she explains. “I’m motivated by the belief that technology can open doors for every child. Coding and robotics are not just about computers, they teach problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and resilience. Knowing that I can equip learners with skills that prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution inspires me to keep pushing beyond my own classroom and share this vision across the region.”
Tangible Africa Founder, Prof Jean Greyling, said Jonson has played a pivotal role in introducing unplugged coding to not only Summerwood Primary School, but many other schools across Nelson Mandela Bay.
More Than Just One School
“The flagship project that she initiated and has been running for a few years is the quarterly coding tournaments, hosted between four to six schools. These are essentially coding leagues that she started here in Gqeberha,” said Greyling.
Jonson’s future goals include expanding access to coding and robotics, especially in under-resourced schools, by offering support to teachers as they build their own digital literacy skills.
“I also want to continue growing participation in Tangible Africa’s coding tournaments and integrate more innovation projects like the First Lego League. Long-term, I would like to help build sustainable coding and robotics programmes that empower both learners and teachers in the Eastern Cape and beyond,” said Jonson.
Building Confidence and Inclusion Through Technology
While her learners have performed exceptionally well at regional coding tournaments, Jonson says her biggest success is seeing learners who once doubted themselves grow into confident problem-solvers.
“At our most recent event, held at the Nelson Mandela University Science Centre, we had visually impaired learners from Khanyisa School for the Blind coding alongside sighted children. This was the first event of its kind in Nelson Mandela Bay, and it was a moving reminder of how technology can break down barriers and create truly inclusive learning opportunities.”
Picture:
Bronwen Jonson during a previous awards ceremony in the province. From left are Sharon Maasdorp (Head of Department for EC Education Department), Jonson, and Fundile Gade (MEC for Education in the Eastern Cape).
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