Amanzimtoti High geography teacher bids farewell
Brian Anderson dedicated his life to teaching geography to high school learners. His passion for teaching is evident as no matriculant from his class has ever failed.
BRIAN Anderson, an admired geography teacher at Amanzimtoti High School, bids farewell as he steps into retirement after 40 years.
He began his teaching career at the school in 1984 after completing his compulsory National Service in the infantry. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Natal in 1980, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education in 1981. He later completed his Bachelor of Education Honours in 1990, also at the University of Natal.
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He has always been committed to his learners and the subject, which is evidenced by the fact that no matriculant from his class has ever failed. He served as a matric marker and senior marker for over 15 years and was appointed head of department in 1995.
His passion for geography was ignited by his own high school geography teacher, Gerald Delport, who always made the subject interesting.
“I have really enjoyed my time spent at Toti High. Teaching is an exceptionally demanding career; it is a 24/7 commitment and comes with a huge amount of accountability. From the beginning of my career, I decided not to teach out of routine but try to make a difference and leave a legacy with the learners,” said Anderson, adding that he feels privileged to have taught his two sons and interacted with so many amazing young learners.
Beyond the classroom, Anderson has also made contributions to the fishing community. He earned Natal Colours for rock and surf angling and represented Natal in competitions at Jeffreys Bay and Namibia. His achievements include being chosen for the KZN tagging project with the Oceanographic Research Institute from 2000 to 2019, receiving the Mercury Medal for the largest edible fish of the year, and consistently ranking in the top 40 at Annual Meets in both the heavy and light tackle sections, among many other awards.
As he embarks on this new chapter, he looks forward to spending more time fishing, gardening, cooking, travelling and spending quality time with his wife, Michelle, and children. “I see retirement as ‘God giving me another season’, which I’m grateful for,” he said.
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