Online learning the solution to challenges of learner placements in schools


As thousands of parents and guardians await the news whether their children have been placed for the 2023 academic year or not, online school, Brainline says online learning remains a viable and reliable solution for learner placement challenges. Last month, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi revealed that a total of 764 062 applications were submitted and processed for both Grade 1 and 8 and the department have 332 477 learners to place. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje, says the uncertainty of the future can get the better of some families.

‘In October, parents and guardians in Gauteng have started to receive SMSes with placement offers, which will only conclude by the end of November. Until then, many families remain under severe stress and uncertainty over the future of their children’s education. Many face the reality that their children might miss school if not placed by the start of the new year,’ she says. (Ref: https://ewn.co.za/2022/10/02/placement-offers-for-gr-1-and-8-to-be-sent-from-monday-lesufi) 

The Gauteng education department’s online admissions portal was launched in 2016 to streamline the process. After applications for the 2023 school year opened in July, the portal received its highest number of applications ever. Parents applying for their children were able to join an “e-queue” at five schools at the same time. But less than half the learners have been placed in their first-choice schools because of limited spots available and based on the placement criteria. Cronje says with online learning, parents and learners are not subjected to second, third or fourth options.   

‘Innovation has paved the way for an alternative form of education and, with the latest technology, Brainline is bridging the gap to accommodate the digital age. Our teachers present online classes in innovative ways, challenging the status quo of blackboard teaching. These online classes are essentially breaking down the invisible walls of traditional teaching, by presenting the curriculum in new and exciting ways, bringing the classroom to life, and invigorating the lesson material. In this way, Brainline is revolutionising home education for today’s learner and we always have space for new applicants’ Cronje explains.

The education department has identified 275 primary schools and 221 high schools where the number of applications exceeded the number of learners the schools could accommodate. Online school, Brainline, is recognised by the IEB, which is the examination board for many private schools in South Africa.

‘This means that learners follow the South African National Curriculum (similar to the curriculum offered in South African schools) resulting in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) upon successful completion of their matric exams.’

The enrolment for the 2023 academic year is already in full swing and Cronje says there a number of benefits to enrolling early.

‘Avoid the rush and be prepared for classes when school starts in January. It also allows for more time to order books and other study material. By enrolling early, families also get the opportunity to save on their annual tuition fees.’

For more information visit www.brainline.com

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Discover the Future of Kids’ Safety and Connectivity — Meet the Freedom 2

It’s a Saturday morning at a bustling shopping mall in Johannesburg. Little Thando, full of curiosity, wanders off while his mom browses the toy aisle. In seconds, panic sets in — that heart-stopping moment every parent dreads. But unlike most stories, this one ends differently. Thando’s mom opens the Freedom 2 app, taps “Locate”, and within moments, she sees his exact position — just outside a nearby store. Relief floods over her as she spots him, still holding his ice cream, completely unaware of the worry he caused.

In a country like South Africa, where safety is always top of mind, the Freedom 2 isn’t just a gadget — it’s peace of mind on your child’s wrist. With increasing concerns about public safety, this smartwatch gives parents a practical way to stay connected and prevent tragedy before it happens.

✅ Why the Freedom 2 is a Must-Have

If you’re looking to give your child both freedom and safety, the Freedom 2 by Fabulously Fit is a standout. Designed with parents and kids in mind, this smart watch blends advanced technology with kid-friendly features — providing peace of mind for you and fun for them.

1. Stay Connected Anytime, Anywhere

With full 4G support, the Freedom 2 enables 2-way voice calls, video calls, text messaging, and even WhatsApp — letting your child reach you instantly, and you keep tabs on them with ease. 

2. Precision GPS Tracking for Added Safety

This smartwatch uses GPS + AGPS + LBS + WiFi to track your child’s position with 5–15 metre accuracy. Set up geo-fences — get alerts when your child enters or leaves a safe zone. Review their route playback. Activate an SOS alert if they need help. All this gives you real-time confidence. 

3. Dual Cameras, Smart Tools & Kid-Friendly Features

Your child can snap photos or make video calls with a dual-camera setup. The watch also includes smart tools: WhatsApp, MP4 player, voice recorder, class-schedule tracker, math games — blending safety with learning and fun. 

4. Durable Performance & Long Battery Life

Built on Android 4.4 with 2 GB RAM + 4 GB ROM, a Nano-SIM slot for connectivity, and a robust 1 000 mAh polymer battery. It also features a 1.69″ IPS colour touchscreen (240×280 pixels) and modes for vibration, voice or silent notification — ideal for in-class use without distraction. 

5. Designed with Kids in Mind

A “No Disturb” mode ensures the watch won’t interrupt learning time. A pedometer and sleep monitor support wellness tracking. Remote monitor and remote shutdown features let you discreetly check that everything’s okay. 

🎯 Why It Matters for Your Family

Modern parenting comes with a tough dilemma — you want your child to stay connected and safe, but you don’t want to hand them a smartphone too soon. Too much screen time, access to social media, and unrestricted internet exposure can harm focus, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.

The Freedom 2 offers the perfect balance. It gives parents the ability to call, message, and locate their child instantly — without placing a smartphone in their hands. Your child gets independence and responsibility; you get reassurance and control. It’s connection with boundaries — the healthy middle ground every family needs.

🛍 Get Yours Now

Available in Blue, Pink, and Black, the Freedom 2 is ready to become your child’s everyday companion.

Shop now at Be a Boffin 

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SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES GLOBALLY-RECOGNISED ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL VALENTURE INSTITUTE, WITH A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

And a unique curriculum, influenced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which encourages the holistic development of every learner towards their purposeful and impactful future

Valenture Institute is an exciting new global, online education space set to offer South African learners a highly engaging and socially rich learning experience supported by expert tutors and mentors. 

The Institute’s mission is to evolve what it means to “go” to school by transforming physical limitations into digital opportunities. They do this by providing learners worldwide with a fully supported, global online high school experience, steeped in academic excellence and rooted in sustainable practices. 

They believe in providing more than just a quality online education – they’re dedicated to building and empowering a purpose-driven, global student body and equipping them to make the best of both their individual and collective futures.

Valenture learners are actively encouraged to participate meaningfully in solving some of the world’s biggest problems while completing a quality online high school education that equips them for success in their individual futures. The uniquely constructed curriculum prepares students for the future they want, while enabling them to preserve the future they need.

Using a combination of technology, high-touch human support and social engagement, Valenture Institute aims to teach its learners the necessary 21st Century skills they’ll need to succeed in the modern world. In addition to shaping tomorrow’s leaders, they’re forging progress for people and the planet through an integrated, action-oriented curriculum that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

CURRICULUM & SUBJECTS

Valenture Institute is passionate about building strong partnerships with organisations to offer a world class teaching and learning experience. Through our extensive experience in long-standing partnerships, they know that such collaboration presents great opportunities to drive innovation and achieve mutually-beneficial goals. By partnering with a pioneer organisation within the education industry, Pearson Edexcel, equivalent to a Cambridge accreditation, they are confident that the collaboration will be rooted in strategic synergies which include sustainability, investing in structural growth markets and the development of 21st century skills.

Valenture has opened limited admissions with the first classes set to begin in January 2020 –Learners are due to enter Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12. The curriculum will focus on subjects ranging from Maths English, Business and Physics to Chemistry, Biology and Geography – across iLS, IGCSE and AS-levels.

THE TEAM

Valenture Institute is lead by notable individuals in their relative fields bringing together experience and vision required for the future of education on a global scale. 

From the board – Valenture’s Founder and CEO is South Africa’s very own Robert Paddock, co-founder of GetSmarter and an advisor to a number of online education companies in Africa and abroad. 

Valenture Institute’s Chancellor and Board Advisor Rob Lue, Faculty Director of HarvardX and Harvard Ed Portal at Harvard University. 

Valenture Institute Founding Investor, Samer Salty, is the Founder and Managing Partner of Zouk Capital with almost 30 years’ experience in private equity, sustainability, investment banking and technology. 

From the leadership team – Valenture Institute’s Chief Product Officer, Amy Johnson, has spent the majority of her career leading GetSmarter’s learning design, learning technology, learning analytics and student support services, most notably on GetSmarter’s executive team as Chief of Education. 

Valenture Institute’s Registrar and Chief Learning Officer, Daniel Coetzer, held the position of Registrar at GetSmarter for 8 years and with leading universities around the world. Dan has built strong working relationships with university academics and administrators, and developed the skills necessary to ensure that the varied needs and requirements of partner institutions are met. 

A powerhouse team equipped with years of experience in education, technology and innovation will prove to be a formidable force in the online education space and success of the Valenture Institute.  

With their headquarters in Cape Town, offices in London, and offices soon to be in Boston, the Institute truly is a global enterprise making its mark on local soil. . 

Website: www.valentureinstitute.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valentureinstitute

Twitter: https://twitter.com/valentureschool

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentureinstitute/

SA Office Contact Details

Telephone: +27 (21) 207 3894

[email protected]

#ValentureInstitute 


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Brainline takes teaching to new heights


Many adults enjoy remote work as it significantly expands their job options in a country where your commute could easily span significant kilometres. Yet very few have seriously considered how it could similarly benefit their children or learners of a school going age.  The virtual classroom is a strong alternative to the traditional brick-and-mortar school option. Distance Educator, Brainline, says it has never been afraid to push the boundaries of education for the new generation of learners.

‘Innovation has paved the way for an alternative form of education and with the latest technology, Brainline is bridging the gap to accommodate the digital age. In 2019, the focus was on masterclasses to prepare learners for tests and tasks. This year saw the introduction of Brainline Cloud School, the hub of teaching. Here, the focus is on the learner and innovation regarding teaching and facilitation,’ says Coleen Cronje, Brainline Chief Executive Officer.

Cronje says the online programs give their students a blend of both in-person and online instruction. Learners are able to engage in weekly online classes, presented by qualified teachers via video communication technologies and in both Afrikaans and English.

‘Brainline Cloud Teachers present classes online in innovative ways, challenging the status quo of blackboard teaching. These online classes, also recorded and made available for later viewing, break down the invisible walls of traditional teaching by presenting the curriculum in new and exciting ways, bringing the classroom to life, and invigorating the lesson material. In this way, Brainline is revolutionising home education for today’s learner,’ Cronje explains.

The virtual classes are complimentary and an added resource to the set curriculum, at no extra cost to the learner. Cronje says there are a number of positive elements associated with virtual or online classes such as the fact that learners can complete their schoolwork in a learning environment free from distractions. She says the students are also able to work according to their own pace.

‘Virtual classes allow learners to work through courses at the pace most comfortable to them. Online classes foster students that are able to take charge of their education and allow them the freedom to complete schoolwork on a schedule that fits their busy lives. So, whether your child is an athlete, performing artist, volunteer, or works, school is always open, and they can access their courses when they have the time.’

Evan Antonites, Visual Arts Teacher for Grade 10 – 12 says the challenge is to remain relevant to a student that craves instant gratification. 

‘In Visual Arts the students join me in my studio, which is my actual art studio. As the classes are presented via video link, I ensure that my angle is set in such a way that the students feel they are actually in my studio. The chat function on the video link provide instant feedback to students and make for constant engagement. I try to be relevant in new VR technologies and virtual tours using Google Arts and Culture for museum visits. In visual arts we will try to do the same but with sites in South Africa.’

He says the role of the traditional teacher is set to change dramatically in the future. 

‘Traditional schooling is obsolete. With the development of AR, VR, Big Data and Artificial intelligence, the current education system has no idea how to prepare for the future. Jobs will become obsolete as will the educator.  The role of the educator will shift to that of mentor, guiding more than teaching. The student’s role will become of a role-player according to their interests.

Meanwhile, the Cloud School is also geared towards identifying students who might experience difficulty with the curriculum due to an array of factors.

‘Cloud Teachers monitor learner performance throughout the year and intervene where learners who are at risk of failing are identified. We then incorporate these learners into our mentor programme. This is to ensure contact with the parent/ guardian and learner, and personal interaction for those needing more individual attention.’

Brainline continually strives to adopt the latest technologies to remain relevant and innovative, and to develop products to serve client’s changing needs. 

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