Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours from Rhodes University, Richard began his career in high schools teaching Mathematics, Geography and Economics. However the sports fields were always more interesting in the early days and he was fortunate to have the opportunity of coaching, selecting and administering various codes at both school and provincial level with hockey receiving the bulk of his attention. 

Having taken the opportunity to move into the prep school environment, Richard’s belief in the development of the whole child – mind, body and spirit – was cemented as a cornerstone of his educational philosophy. Along with his work in the Amathuba Foundation as a mentor to disadvantaged students attending prestigious schools, this also led him to further studies as his particular interest in school cultures took hold. His Master’s dissertation explored the particular needs of bursary students as they navigate the disparate worlds of home and school. 

Richard is a firm believer that children learn best when they are happy, safe, cared for and have clear boundaries. In this space, challenge becomes both the opportunity and the vehicle for growth, where children then grow to meet the demands of their environment.