Curriculum · Mathematics · School improvement

Schools don’t need more answers. They need better ways to think.

Problem Solved is an education consultancy helping schools strengthen the thinking behind curriculum, teaching and assessment.

We help school leaders understand what is happening now, identify what limits progress and build the conditions for lasting improvement.

Our approach

Our beliefs

Three beliefs shape everything we do.

Thinking must be visible.

We make learners’ reasoning, misconceptions and judgement visible, because what is visible can be developed.

Evidence must lead.

We combine the experiences of school leaders, teachers and learners with classroom, curriculum and assessment evidence.

Change must be practical.

Our recommendations translate into focused priorities, supported teachers and sustainable action in real school contexts.

Sandi Bota

Sandi brings 12+ years of classroom, curriculum, assessment and teacher-development experience to Problem Solved SA.

Her work connects research with the realities schools face every day.

The calling

“A whisper, reminding me of my love for developing minds”

It has been a difficult but rewarding work of heart, and she has no doubt that her calling is to unlock the mind of the child beyond classroom reality.

Beyond the work: singing, writing and all things wellness.

Sandi Bota working with learners in a classroom — Curriculum insight.Classroom
reality.

Think
better.

Schools should not simply prepare learners to know more, but to think better.

Experience

12+ years

Classroom teaching, curriculum, assessment and teacher-development experience.

Postgrad research

Wits

BEd Honours in Curriculum Studies and Research from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Publishing

3 textbooks

Co-authored three Mathematics textbooks with Maskew Miller Learning.

Reach

Public voice

GDE Newsletter, NAPTOSA, Newzroom Afrika, SAfm and The Star.

In their own words

What people say.

“What stood out to me was the way Sandi approached school improvement by starting with the learner & then working backwards to the systems, teaching & culture needed to support them.”

Joanne GlendinningHeadmistress, Auckland Park Prep

“I would recommend Sandi without hesitation to any school or education leader seeking to develop a more thoughtful, reflective and intellectually engaging culture of learning.”

Dr Benadette AineamaniMaskew Miller Learning

“What makes her truly remarkable is her ability to transcend the boundaries between traditional wisdom and modern innovation. In an era where there is an increasing dependence on AI, Sandi reminds us that technology should enhance human intelligence, not replace it.”

Sylvia PoleEduPulse Africa

“You played a phenomenal role in her understanding maths and building a foundation for her. And it’s finally clicking — everything just clicks now.”

Irene Ferreira

“Caren’s mark has gone from 24% to 68%. I really, really appreciate what you’re doing for Caren.”

Carmen Webster

“You don’t just teach us maths, you inspire us to believe in ourselves and push beyond what we think we can do.”

Inga Makhubalo