A teacher who ‘treated you with respect and taught you about life…’
By Kim Kannemeyer
Ashley Van Der Horn was born in Wynberg and attended two local primary schools, matriculating from South Peninsula High at the age of 16. His tertiary studies began with a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Cape Town and he graduated when he was 19. He completed his Teaching Diploma at UCT and was placed at Livingstone High School at the tender age of 20! He went on to teach at Livingstone from 1988 to 2020 – close to 33 years!
During his time there, he mainly taught general science or biology, which the younger generation would know as life science today. He fondly recalls enjoying the interactions with his students and learning a great deal from them. Natasha van Schoor recalls how biology was her favourite subject and “even the rowdiest of classes were quiet when he spoke. He could explain a biological process as if he was the creator himself.”
Shana Graham remembers him saying “if you don’t know the rules, you cannot play the game”. Keeno L Hector remembers being treated with respect, “like an adult capable of your own decision-making. Educators who not only teach you the curriculum, but about life.”
Naeema Bawa wrote: “Mr A van der Horn. My home room teacher for 4 yrs. His encouraging talks and confidence always encouraged one to think further than matric. And I’ll always remember his advice to travel the world as a way to learn some of life’s best lessons. Not only a teacher interested in academics but was always interested in you as a whole being. Awesome teacher. Especially when he joined in for Mini World dances and class events. Thank you, Mr Van Der Horn. Livingstone will remain in our hearts, actions, and memories forever.”
When asked what his fondest memory of his time at Livingstone was, it took a while as there were so many to consider, but the response that brought a massive smile to his face was the class of 1998 who drew Egypt in the Mini World competition. He had a fascination with Egypt and the class managed to get him dressed as a pharaoh and he even participated in the dances. He still has the flag the class used at this event and has since travelled to Egypt.
In 2005 Mr Van Der Horn had the opportunity to go on a teacher exchange as part of the Fullbright Scholarship programme during which he taught at Lincoln Northeast High School in Nebraska, USA, for a year while a teacher from the US taught in his class.
Mr Van Der Horn served as the deputy principal from the end of 2010 until his early retirement in 2020, the year Covid-19 epidemic hit and a great deal of change was happening in schools and in the country. He was responsible for all Covid testing for staff and learners at the school, making it a very stressful time and the decision to retire early was not taken lightly, he said, but he needed a change of pace.
He took a 2-year sabbatical from any form of work and spent time relaxing and enjoying quality time with his ill mom. In 2023 he joined Westerford High School in Rondebosch in a part-time role doing admin in their student wellness centre. This involves helping learners who need extra support such as scribes, readers, prompters, and anything else to aid them at school. He is thoroughly enjoying this as he maintains contact with the learners but without being involved in full-time teaching.
In his down-time, he enjoys walks in the mountains, hiking with a social hiking group, travelling abroad and bumping into students. You won’t find him on any social media as he is a very private person, so if you are lucky enough to spot him, invite him for a cup of coffee and a chat!
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