Seven schools recognised for innovative projects using Apple technology to inspire creativity, problem-solving and meaningful learning
From a digital South African Sign Language dictionary to imaginative environmental projects and interactive science lessons, South African students are demonstrating how technology can turn classroom learning into opportunities for creativity, discovery and real-world problem-solving.
These are among the projects celebrated at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards, hosted by iStore Education, which recognised seven first-place winners for their innovative use of Apple technology to bring learning to life.
Now in its 18th year, the competition attracted 150 entries from schools across South Africa, with projects evaluated by an international panel of seven judges from the UK, Austria, the Netherlands, Scotland and India.
This year’s awards challenged educators and students to answer one central question: “How have you used Apple products to bring learning to life?”
The winning submissions demonstrated how students are using iPad and Mac to explore academic concepts, express their creativity and develop practical solutions to challenges in the world around them.
“Every year, these awards remind us just how much young people can achieve when they’re given the opportunity to explore ideas and create something of their own,” says Michelle Lissoos, Director at iStore Education and iSchoolAfrica. “What stands out about this year’s winners is the variety of ways they’ve applied technology, from making complex subjects more accessible to addressing real challenges in their communities. Behind every project is an educator who has encouraged curiosity, creativity and independent thinking, and that is what makes these achievements so exciting.”
Celebrating South Africa’s classroom innovators
Projects were recognised across three categories, Curriculum Excellence, Creative Excellence and Tech Excellence, spanning from Grade R to 12.
In the Curriculum Excellence category, Grey Junior School (Gqerberha) took first place for Grades R–3 with Seeing Shapes Everywhere, a project connecting classroom learning about shapes to the everyday school environment. For Grades 4–7, Stirling Primary School (East London) won with Let’s Explore Our Solar System, demonstrating how technology can make scientific concepts more engaging and accessible to young students.
The Creative Excellence category highlighted the power of digital storytelling and imagination. Rallim Prep & Secondary (Cape Town) won the Grades R–3 division with Save a Fishie, using stop-motion animation to explore an environmental issue, its impact and ways students can make a difference. In Grades 4–7, St John’s Preparatory (Johannesburg) received first place for The Story of 1000 Paper Cranes, bringing historical and human stories to life through digital creativity.
In Tech Excellence, Camps Bay Primary School (Cape Town) took first place in Grades R–3 for Litter Monster, featuring a colourful character encouraging students to keep their school environment clean. Star College Durban won the Grades 4–7 division with Beep Beep It Is Raining, showcasing technical creativity and the application of technology to practical problem-solving.
In the Grades 8–12 division, St Vincent School for the Deaf (Johannesburg) was recognised for SASL Dictionary, a South African Sign Language dictionary project developed to assist Deaf students. The project demonstrates how students can apply their technical skills to create tools that support communication and inclusion.
Together, the seven first-place winners, representing schools across four provinces, reflect the diversity of ideas emerging from South African classrooms and the many ways technology can support meaningful learning.
Recognising the ideas behind the technology
Entries were evaluated on four criteria: the use of Apple technology in creating the project, creativity and originality, the quality of the submitted media and the overall impression.
First-place winners received an iPad or MacBook Neo, depending on their grade category, while second- and third-place winners received iStore vouchers and goodie bags.
Beyond recognising technical ability, the awards celebrate the educators who create opportunities for students to experiment, collaborate and apply their knowledge in new ways.
“These projects show what becomes possible when students move beyond simply using technology to actively creating with it,” adds Lissoos. “Our hope is that their achievements inspire more teachers and schools across South Africa to embrace approaches to learning that build confidence, encourage original thinking and equip young people with skills they can carry well beyond the classroom.”
Through the Excellence in Education Awards, iStore Education continues to recognise the schools, educators and students helping shape a more creative, inclusive and digitally enabled future for South African education.
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