What South Africa Can Learn from the World’s Smartest Education Systems 

In her book, Ripley follows three American teenagers who spend a year attending school in Finland, Poland, and South Korea, countries known for their impressive results in the PISA assessments. PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) is a global test administered every three years by the OECD. It measures how well 15-year-olds can apply what they’ve learnt in reading, maths, and science to real-life problems. Importantly, PISA doesn’t test rote memorisation, but the ability to think critically and use knowledge meaningfully.

By comparing these three education systems, Ripley identified several key factors that contribute to their success:

1. High Expectations for Every Learner

In Finland, Poland, and South Korea, education is taken seriously. All learners, regardless of background or ability, are expected to master challenging material from an early age. Instead of lowering the bar for those who struggle, the focus remains on maintaining high standards and supporting learners to reach them.

2. Respect for Teachers and Teacher Quality

In these countries, teaching is a highly respected profession. Entry into teacher training is competitive, and only top candidates are accepted. Teachers are well trained, well regarded, and given the professional freedom to do their jobs well. This results in classrooms where learners and parents respect educators, not only for their knowledge but also for their dedication.

3. Structured Support at Home

In South Korea, for instance, parents often act as “coaches” rather than “cheerleaders”. They are deeply involved in their children’s learning, not simply encouraging them, but actively helping them prepare for assessments. The culture of academic support at home plays a critical role in learners’ performance.

4. Equity and Challenge

Another common thread in these systems is delaying academic streaming, or grouping by ability, until high school. During the early years, all learners are exposed to the same curriculum, giving everyone the opportunity to develop a strong foundation. This approach helps ensure that no child is left behind too soon.

5. Limited Use of Technology in the Classroom

Interestingly, some of the best-performing countries make very little use of technology in schools. The emphasis is on teacher-led instruction, critical thinking, and mastery of core content. While technology can be useful, it’s clear that a strong, inspiring teacher remains the most important resource in the classroom.

While it may feel daunting to implement these practices here at home, I believe they are possible, with the right support and commitment from everyone, including government, schools, and families.

We already hold high hopes for our children — so why not pair those hopes with high expectations? If we expect little, we may be unintentionally limiting their potential. But when we believe in their ability to succeed, we give them a real chance to rise to the occasion.

South Africa is home to many excellent schools and dedicated teachers. However, two key issues need attention: teachers are often underpaid and undervalued. As a result, few learners are choosing to pursue teaching as a career. To attract passionate and skilled individuals into the profession, we must raise the status of teaching and invest in meaningful training.

Parental involvement also remains a crucial factor. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or tutor, having someone to support a child’s learning at home, especially during the early years, makes a tremendous difference. For many working families, this isn’t always easy, but even small actions like asking your children to quickly explain a concept they learnt at school that day, can reinforce their understanding of the concept.

Too often, children are labelled early in their school career; “Amy can’t concentrate”, “Bongi is too fidgety”, “Jason’s not good at maths.” But the idea that every child has the potential to succeed, given the right support and time, is far more powerful. That’s why exposing all learners to the same curriculum in the early years is so important. As they grow, subject choices will allow them to explore their strengths and interests.

Finally, I found it particularly refreshing that the world’s top education systems don’t rely heavily on digital tools. While technology has a place in modern learning, there is simply no substitute for an enthusiastic, skilled teacher—someone who can bring a history lesson to life or make a science experiment unforgettable.

Conclusion

Ripley’s book is a reminder that meaningful change in education is possible. It doesn’t require fancy gadgets or shortcuts. It requires belief in children’s potential, respect for teachers, consistent support at home, and systems built on equity and high standards. These are not impossible goals, they’re just goals we have to choose to pursue.

Reference:

Ripley, A. (2013). The smartest kids in the world: And how they got that way. New York: Simon & Schuster.