Leading expert advice from Wingu Academy
Wingu Academy

Empowering Students with Knowledge on Environmental Awareness through Online Courses at Wingu Academy

Integrating Environmental Education into Online Curricula At Wingu Academy, we believe that empowering students with knowledge on environmental awareness is paramount for fostering a sustainable future. Our online courses are meticulously designed to integrate environmental education, ensuring that students understand the importance of sustainability. These courses cover a broad range of topics, including climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable living practices. By equipping students with this knowledge, we are not only preparing them for future careers in green industries but also nurturing responsible global citizens who are conscious of their environmental impact. Highlighting Courses that Focus on Sustainability Our curriculum includes specialised courses focusing on environmental science and sustainability. For example, the “Global Perspectives” course offers a thorough exploration of ecological principles and strategies for conservation. Furthermore, our Social Sciences courses guide students in understanding environmental initiatives and their role in achieving these objectives. These courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, integrating multimedia resources and real-life case studies to enrich learning experiences. Through active participation, students acquire a comprehensive grasp of environmental challenges and effective solutions. Student Initiatives in Online Schools for Environmental Conservation Wingu Academy takes pride in our students’ proactive approach to environmental conservation. Our online platform facilitates collaboration and innovation, allowing students to lead and participate in various sustainability initiatives. Recently, our students organized a virtual Earth Day event where they shared their projects on recycling, energy conservation, and biodiversity preservation. These initiatives not only foster a sense of community but also encourage students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, making a tangible impact on their environment. Celebrating Earth Day at Wingu Academy Our commitment to environmental awareness was showcased during our recent Earth Day celebrations. Students, faculty, and staff came together to plant trees and clean up the local community. This hands-on experience reinforced the importance of taking action to protect our planet. The event was a resounding success, with participants collectively planting over 100 trees and removing significant amounts of litter, thus contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. Wingu Academy’s dedication to sustainability is evident through our comprehensive environmental education programs and the active involvement of our students in conservation efforts. By integrating sustainability into our curricula and supporting student-led initiatives, we are nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are equipped to lead the way towards a sustainable future.

Wingu Academy

Sustainable Education: The Wingu Way

As the world shifts towards greater sustainability and environmental awareness, Wingu Academy stands at the forefront of educational innovation, blending these vital themes into our curriculum and operational practices. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond mere rhetoric; it’s embedded in the very fabric of our teaching methodologies, creating an eco-conscious learning environment that prepares students for a responsible future. Innovative, Sustainable Learning At Wingu Academy, we understand the importance of educating future generations about sustainability. Our curriculum integrates environmental studies across various subjects, encouraging students to think critically about ecological issues and develop practical solutions. Through project-based learning, students engage in real-world problems, fostering a deep understanding of sustainability principles. Eco-Friendly Operations Our online schooling model inherently reduces our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for physical classrooms and daily commutes. This not only helps the environment but also provides students with a flexible and personalised learning experience. Additionally, our digital resources and virtual classrooms minimise paper use, further contributing to environmental conservation. Engaging Students in Environmental Management and Protection On April 22, 2024, our students actively participated in Earth Day celebrations. They engaged in community clean-up efforts and dedicated time to planting trees. These activities foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who not only understand the challenges our planet faces but are also committed to taking action. By participating in these global efforts, our students join 193 countries in a unified mission to protect and preserve the environment. This hands-on experience not only enhances their awareness but also instil a sense of responsibility and empowerment to contribute to a sustainable future. Moreover, these activities provide practical learning opportunities, reinforcing classroom teachings with real-world applications, and inspiring a lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy. Join the Wingu Family for 2025 As we open our registration for the 2025 academic year, we invite you to join a school that prioritises both academic excellence and environmental stewardship. By choosing Wingu Academy, you are not only securing a top-tier education for your child but also supporting a sustainable future. Our flexible online schooling provides the freedom to learn from anywhere, at any time, ensuring that every student thrives. Register today and become part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Together, we can educate and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Contact us: [email protected] or call us at 086 147 1886

Wingu Academy

The Truth About Online Schooling: Dispelling Myths and Embracing Modern Education

In today’s rapidly evolving world, online schooling has become an essential part of the educational landscape. Despite its growing popularity, several myths persist about its efficacy and value. Let’s debunk these misconceptions and highlight why online education is a vital choice in our current era. Myth 1: Online Degrees Are Less Valuable Than Traditional Degrees One of the most prevalent myths is that online degrees hold less value than those obtained through traditional on-campus programs. This is simply not true. Many accredited online programs offer the same rigorous curriculum and are taught by the same qualified instructors as their on-campus counterparts. Employers increasingly recognise the value of online degrees, appreciating the self-discipline and technological proficiency required to complete them. Myth 2: Online Learning Lacks Interaction Contrary to popular belief, online schooling is not an isolated experience. Modern online platforms facilitate rich interaction through forums, video conferences, and group projects. These tools foster a collaborative learning environment, allowing students to engage with peers and instructors effectively. Myth 3: Online Education Is Easier Another misconception is that online courses are easier than traditional ones. In reality, online education often demands a higher level of self-motivation and time management. Students must balance coursework with other responsibilities, which can be challenging yet rewarding. Embracing Online Schooling in the Modern Age In an era where technology is integral to our daily lives, online schooling offers unparalleled flexibility and accessibility. This is particularly important as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent. Online programs can provide specialised training on how to use AI effectively and safely, preparing students for future job markets. Benefits of Online Education Flexibility: Online schooling allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it easier to balance education with work and family commitments. Access to Diverse Courses: Students can choose from a wide range of programs and courses that may not be available locally. Cost-Effective: Online education can be more affordable than traditional schooling, with savings on commuting, housing, and sometimes tuition. Skill Development: Online learners often develop strong digital literacy and self-discipline, skills that are highly valued in the modern workplace. Conclusion As we continue to navigate the digital age, online schooling stands out as a powerful and flexible educational option. It dispels old myths and aligns with the needs of contemporary students. By embracing online education, individuals can gain valuable knowledge, learn essential skills like AI, and prepare for a successful future in a tech-driven world. Wingu Academy is an innovative online school dedicated to developing well-rounded students. The academy’s approach encompasses all dimensions of learning, addressing not only academic excellence but also socialisation, mental and physical health. Moreover, Wingu Academy emphasises the cultivation of essential skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, ensuring students are well-prepared for the future workforce. Registrations are now open! Contact us: [email protected] or call us at 086 147 1886

Wingu Academy

How AI is Transforming Homeschooling: The Future of Personalised Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising homeschooling, offering a personalised, adaptive, and engaging educational experience tailored to each student’s unique learning style. This article explores how AI is reshaping homeschooling, enhancing engagement, and improving learning outcomes. Dive into the remarkable ways AI enhances the educational journey, making it more effective and enjoyable than ever before. Personalised Learning Paths AI’s ability to create personalised learning paths is a game-changer in homeschooling. By analysing a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests, AI helps tailor the educational experience, fostering deeper understanding and sustained interest over time. Virtual Tutors and Adaptive Curriculum AI-powered virtual tutors provide individualised instruction, adapting the curriculum to match the student’s pace and abilities. For example, if a student excels in mathematics but struggles with English, the AI tutor adjusts the difficulty level accordingly. This ensures that each child progresses at their natural speed, minimising frustration and maximising learning efficiency. Real-time Feedback and Assessment Gone are the days of waiting for test results to understand a student’s performance. AI offers real-time feedback, allowing parents and educators to promptly identify and address areas where a student may be struggling. This immediate insight facilitates timely interventions, enhancing the overall learning process. Enhancing Engagement and Motivation AI doesn’t just personalise the learning experience; it makes it more engaging. AI-powered educational tools can gamify lessons, turning learning into an exciting adventure. Students can earn points, badges, or rewards, keeping them motivated and eager to learn. Ethical Considerations in AI Homeschooling While AI offers numerous benefits, it also presents ethical challenges that need careful examination: Privacy Concerns AI in homeschooling often involves collecting and analysing student data to tailor educational experiences. Ensuring the privacy and security of this data is paramount. Robust measures must be in place to safeguard sensitive information, protecting students from potential misuse or unauthorised access. Bias and Fairness AI algorithms can perpetuate biases, exacerbating existing inequalities. It is crucial to address bias systematically in AI assessments to ensure fair educational opportunities for all students. Developers must actively work to eliminate biases from algorithms, fostering an equitable learning environment. Transparency and Accountability Understanding how AI algorithms make decisions is often challenging due to their complexity. Transparency in the design and functionality of AI systems used in homeschooling is essential. Parents, educators, and students should have access to information explaining how decisions are made and the data used. Equitable Access AI homeschooling tools should be accessible to all students, regardless of socio-economic background. Addressing issues related to technology availability, internet access, and developing AI tools for diverse learning needs is crucial. Human-AI Collaboration While AI can enhance learning, it should not replace the essential human elements in education. The roles of educators, mentors, and parents remain vital. Ethical AI in homeschooling should focus on facilitating human-AI collaboration, empowering educators and parents to make informed decisions and providing tools that support their roles. AI’s Long-Term Impact on Social Skills As AI becomes more prominent in education, concerns about its impact on social skills arise. Balancing AI-driven individualised learning with opportunities for social interaction is essential to ensure students develop necessary interpersonal skills. The Future of AI in Homeschooling As technology advances, expect even more innovative uses of AI in homeschooling, including enhanced virtual reality learning experiences, further personalization, and increased accessibility. The potential for AI to create a more engaging and effective homeschooling experience is immense. Tips for Implementing AI in Homeschooling Understand Your Child’s Learning Style: Tailor AI to individual preferences and needs. Choose the Right AI Tools: Research and select tools that align with educational goals. Set Clear Educational Goals: Define objectives to leverage AI tools effectively. Balance AI and Human Interaction: Foster discussions, collaborative projects, and mentorship. Regularly Monitor Progress: Be flexible and adjust the approach as needed. Encourage Self-Directed Learning: Allow exploration and independent learning guided by AI. Stay Informed About AI Developments: Keep updated with new AI tools and resources. Prioritise Ethical AI Considerations: Choose reputable AI tools that prioritise privacy, security, and transparency. In conclusion, AI is revolutionising homeschooling, offering personalised learning paths, virtual tutors, real-time feedback, and engaging educational tools. While ethical considerations are essential, the future of AI in homeschooling is promising. Book a consultation with Wingu Academy to learn more about leveraging AI for your homeschooling needs.

Wingu Academy

Our journey with Wingu Academy – why we changed to Wingu Academy

At Wingu Academy we always strive to meet our learners and parents where they are at with their needs and requirements. If you’re currently wondering if your schooling solution is the right fit for your family, this may give you a different view from Alexandra Cowley, a Wingu parent’s perspective; “My journey with Wingu has been two-fold. This is part one: When schools were closed at the beginning of the pandemic, my son was happy to remain at home. He was lucky that his school offered online classes, so he continued with his education. He suffers from anxiety and has always found it hard to fit in, as he grew up overseas and his (our) worldview is sometimes very different to that of small town South Africa, where he was now living with his grandmother, while I still worked overseas. When schools reopened, he refused to go back. So my journey to find a good online provider started. I looked at MANY options, but found that Wingu was the most helpful in answering all my questions and it offered a curriculum that is strong and accepted worldwide. Having taught in British Curriculum schools for almost 15 years myself, I know the curriculum pretty well, so I knew what questions to ask to confirm that Wingu knew what they were doing. My son is currently doing his IGCSEs with Wingu and will go on to do his A-levels with them too. The teachers are fantastic, he especially loves his History teacher. Wingu has been super helpful and accommodating to all of our requests. Subject content for the IGCSE is covered thoroughly and the children are given plenty of teacher feedback and support. The platform is easy to navigate and my son has been able to take control of his own learning (I still do check up on him sometimes though). Now onto the second part of my journey with Wingu: Wingu Academy was a life-saver for me and my children when I returned to South Africa with my younger children, aged 8 and 9. They had been in a British Curriculum school all their lives, and putting them into a CAPS school was not an option. Also, as I myself have comorbidities, I was not prepared to risk sending them to school to bring the virus home to me. And constant school closures would mean their education would be continuously interrupted. Wingu has offered them an excellent education. Consistently of a high standard, great online teachers and lots of interactive work. The technical team is beyond amazing and any issues are sorted out within a very short period of time. Wingu values parental input and is always trying to evolve and this adds tremendous value to their platform. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking for a fantastic alternative to a brick and mortar school.” Wingu Academy is not a one-size-fits-all-kind of school. Our guiding principles and value system form the cornerstones of Wingu’s vision to provide affordable world-class education which is research-led and innovation-based.

Wingu Academy

How Wingu brings freedom of choice and peace of mind to online schooling from home

Wingu Academy prides itself to meet our Wingu family and our Wingulians’ needs to have flexible schooling and still excel and thrive academically. Following is the account of one of our Wingu parents, Margo Meier’s testimonial of how Wingu was able to provide a stable and structured schooling solution which also affords them the flexibility the children need to pursue their passion for sport.   “As a single working mom I faced an unknown territory when I removed Ané from mainstream schooling in Grade 6. My heart sat in my throat. Within a year I removed Morné, then in Gr 9, as well. Two years later Covid struck and with all the uncertainty of where schooling was heading, I removed Conrad in his Gr 6 year as well. (My eldest had matriculated from a mainstream school by then). There I was, mom alone, but not home alone. Having to take on the responsibility of raising these three all on my own, not mentioning getting them through school alone, was daunting, or even better phrased, outright terrifying! Wingu has changed our lives for the better. It has brought a structured peace of mind to the schooling atmosphere and general household. From falling around from one home schooling system to the next, feeling overwhelmed with the standard of Cambridge and not knowing if my children would ever see a matric certificate, to complete structure, giving over to those who know how, and knowing my children will achieve their best results. The first two years we fell around from online school systems, to cottage style school going, to private tutoring, but all in vain.  Progress was slow, frustrations were high and money was wasted. It was as though a heavy weight was lifted off my compressed shoulders and I could stand upright and face this challenge of homeschooling prepared and backed by professionals. Wingu came as though it was sent to me on angel wings. I was at a dead-end with options. Wingu offered the correct standard (for the British International Curricula like Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel), affordable education with flexible options. For the first time there was structure (a set time table). These systems where the children work completely at their own pace is a tall order for a teenager and working mom to keep tabs. The blend of structure and flexibility that Wingu offers, stroked the best balance for our family.  Furthermore, the lessons are recorded. We have a set rule that no class is skipped. But oh dear, we forgot about load shedding (scheduled power outages in our country) which sort of happens to be in the middle of the mornings sometimes when most classes are scheduled. No problem! – my children can catch up on missed lessons by the touch of a button. In that same breath, it teaches them self-discipline and responsibility from a very young age. More than any mainstream system can, for the sole reason that they are on their own (except for the support the Wingu team provides), nobody except themselves check in if they are up to date in our family. I am blessed with kids that have the right mind-set when it comes to schoolwork. Ané is a top SA swimmer which requires her to miss classes for big galas and occasionally for extra swim practices. Wingu allows her to catch up in her own time without the pressure she would have experienced in a mainstream school. Now she can focus on both academics and her swimming, without sacrificing any one of them.  In a nutshell Wingu gives a child freedom they never knew before. Freedom of choice: To choose between pyjama uniform or dress up for the day. To choose to have slippers or socks on for the school day. To choose what time to make their lunch in between classes. To choose what hobbies to do in leisure time between the classes.  Autonomy with responsibility.  My two children currently still at Wingu are excelling academically. I am extremely proud of them as I do the minimum with them as a working mom. Ané excelled in her IGCSEs scoring A’s for many of her subjects including Chemistry (A*, 87%), A* for Physics (85%), A for Biology (80%), A for English (82%) and A* for Afrikaans (93%) and an A for Maths (75%). All the while becoming an SA swimming champion. We are extremely proud of her. What they achieve is on their own or if necessary, with the help of a Wingu teacher. I feel this is one of the most valuable assets which the Wingu system allows, is for the child to be able to continue daily, taking responsibility and self-discipline into their hands. Wingu gave my kids wings To fly or not to fly is their choice, but Wingu taught them to fly high.  Conrad applauds Wingu for the lower levels of stress and freedom to work at his own pace. Ané thanks Wingu for teaching her how to explore extra avenues and how to learn by herself.” Margo Meier is a mother of four and a physiotherapist from Pretoria in South Africa. Her family has been enrolled at Wingu Academy since 2020 and has enjoyed the growth and innovation of the online school and the flexibility it offers. Margo appreciates the work-school-life harmony in her family that Wingu offers.

Advice from the experts
Wingu Academy

How to become a super organised Wingulian

At Wingu Academy we encourage our Wingulians to develop good study habits and get organised from the word go. According to daniel-wong.com here are some of the top tips to get organised, focused and avoid falling behind. 1. Develop a routine Consistency is the key to student success. So write down your general weekly schedule and create a routine. Include things like when you’ll do your homework, when you’ll review the things you’ve learned, when you’ll exercise, and so on. It’s not possible to stick to a routine 100% of the time, but at least set up the framework to keep you focused and on track. 2. Set rules for yourself Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”. Review your rules once a month and adjust them if necessary. 3. Work on one task at a time; don’t multitask One of the most important organisational tips for students is to focus on one task at a time. Multitasking seems like a good idea because you can pretend that you’re working twice as hard. We all get bored of the tasks we’re working on, so jumping about seems more fun. The problem is that it doesn’t result in the best outcomes. Here’s what I recommend: Take a scrap piece of paper and write down the task you’re working on right now, e.g. Math assignment, questions 1 to 5. Put that scrap piece of paper on your study table, to serve as a reminder for you to stay focused on the task at hand. 4. Keep one notebook and one binder for each subject Take all your notes for one subject in one notebook. When you run out of space, start a new notebook. Label each notebook clearly, e.g. History Notebook 1, History Notebook 2. This will make it easy for you to find the information you need in the future. Don’t take notes on loose sheets of paper you may lose. Also, don’t just use only one notebook, in which you take notes across all your different subjects. 5. Do five minutes of daily planning each day Before you start doing your homework or studying for a test, look at your planner first. Take note of all upcoming deadlines, and think about your schedule for the rest of the day. Then you can decide what specific tasks to work on for the day. Doing daily planning will ensure that you’re always working on the most important tasks, and that you don’t leave anything out. 6. Block out time in your schedule for the things that matter most Blocking out time in your schedule is a critical time management strategy for students. If you don’t do this, other things which are less important will fill your schedule. 7. Break down big tasks into smaller tasks Breaking down big tasks and projects makes them seem less overwhelming and more manageable. Doing this also makes it clearer what your specific next step is, so you’ll be less likely to procrastinate on your assignments. 8. If a task takes two minutes or less to do, do it immediately The “two-minute rule” was popularised by productivity expert David Allen. When you follow this rule, small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming. Things like texting a friend, sending your classmate some information via email, or asking your parents to sign a consent form are all quick tasks that take less than two minutes to complete. When you do these tasks immediately, you’ll feel a sense of achievement too. 9. Create a conducive environment at home for studying You need to have the right environment to work. You need all the necessary materials, stationery, paper and study tools. You also need a suitable table and lamp. And if you want to be productive, you definitely shouldn’t study on your bed! 10. Before you start work, eliminate all distractions Take a moment and think about the distractions you typically face when you’re trying to study. Common ones include text messages, notifications on your phone, social media and YouTube. 11. Every day, review all the new information you learned in school earlier that day A quick review of the key concepts should only take you about 20 minutes. Doing this helps to ensure understanding, so you stay on top of the material. If you really can’t do this review on the same day, do it the following day while the information is still fresh in your mind. 12. Keep an ongoing list of the questions you have about the class material As you read your notes and the textbook, keep a list of the things you don’t understand and the questions you have. As soon as you’re able to, ask your teachers about the items on your list. If you do this consistently, you won’t need to spend so much time studying for tests and exams, because you already understand the information. These are only some of Daniel Wong’s tips.  He has lots more in his article: https://www.daniel-wong.com/2017/04/10/students-get-organised-for-school/ It may seem overwhelming, but adopting one new habit at a time will take you further then you know until you’re comfortable to tackle the next one.  Remember that your journey as a student is about progress and not perfection.

Koa Academy

CAN YOUR CHILD MASTER MATHS AT ONLINE SCHOOL?


It’s not just kids, many parents have ‘Maths anxiety’.  While, the importance of Maths education is all but universally recognized, if you’re a parent who is not confident about your own Maths abilities, you’re likely to be feeling some stress around how you support your child in mastering Maths.  You may even doubt whether it is likely that your offspring can master Maths. When parents were at school, the dominant thought about Maths proficiency was that some kids would be naturally inclined – ‘gifted’ in Maths, most though would struggle along to get average results and there would be others, who would have no hope.  Maths education was the process of sorting out who was lucky, not-so-lucky and downright unlucky. Thankfully, this erroneous and harmful idea no longer underpins Maths education, and it’s not an attitude our children should ever encounter in the Maths classrooms of today.  Reams of research has attested to the fact that everyone can learn Maths and become proficient.  It’s also shown that ‘Maths anxiety’ can be a real roadblock to any child’s potential in mastering Maths.  However, for some parents, worries around their child’s Maths abilities may cause them to pour the family’s resources into extra Maths lessons, and also impact on their school choices. Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, a high-engagement online school says, “I’m really passionate about how we approach Maths at Koa. In fact, more than any other subject, we have seen kids grow in confidence and skill in this area. Last year, for example, we had a boy, who had failed Grade 8 Maths at his local school in 2020, go on to complete two years’ worth of Maths with us in 2021.  He wrote his final Grade 9 Maths exams and passed confidently, effectively catching up with his grade age.  With a different approach, there are remedies available within the school environment.” That ‘different approach’ includes mastery-based learning which is ideally suited to Maths education where the meaning of numbers and number concepts need to be understood rather than trying to rely on memorizing rules.  Maths practice teaches kids how to apply principles to different problems rather than replicating calculations; and, importantly, mistakes are opportunities for reflective learning and doing it again until you get it – rather than never getting a second chance to master a Maths operation and trying to move on with a fundamental Maths learning deficit.   It turns out that digital platforms are adept at providing mastery-based learning in Maths.  Anderson explains, “When you harness the real strengths of the digital space, Maths can really come alive! We use platforms which are designed specifically to teach Maths online. Content is broken up into focused ‘bite size’ chunks, which are immediately followed by checkpoints which help a learner to know whether they have grasped the concepts or need to revisit them. A learner progresses as they master each concept, rather than learning for 6 weeks only to write a test and find out that they have major gaps in their understanding. It means that you can try something, fail, learn and try it again. This builds confidence – and Maths is such a confidence subject! The platforms are also wrapped up in a gamified environment which is engaging and feels native to the online space.  On top of that, at Koa, we know that every learner needs person-to-person academic support at times in Maths. So, we have daily bookable Teacher Time where a learner can book a session with their Pod Teacher or a Maths Subject Specialist to work together on their platform.  They’re never alone, and their parents can monitor their kid’s progress daily but do not need to get involved in teaching their kids Maths.” Discover Koa Academy here

Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning hub provides a unique learning space for learners to thrive with their tribe

Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub has officially opened its doors to learners between 6 – 18 years. Wingu Academy offers the internationally recognised British curriculum and has recently also introduced Grade 10 CAPS. Wingu’s CAPS curriculum is SACAI accredited and will be expanded from 2023. Wingu’s Learning Hub provides a safe space for a blended learning approach which allows learners to learn from home or get support in person at the Learning Hub. It offers the opportunity for children to have access half or full day at the hub, as well as a 3-day or 5-day option per week. This provides a unique level of flexibility between working at home or hub with uninterrupted education for learners as an alternative to attending a traditional school.  Learners can engage and interact with fellow learners in a safe and friendly environment that promotes learning and personal growth. The Learning Hub further provides support such as learning spaces to attend seminars and tutorials, collaborative learning spaces, learning coaches, science and robotics laboratory access and a variety of extra-curricular support.   Learners are encouraged to take part in activities such as sports, drama, art, music and many others as part of the school’s extracurricular programme. “We understand that the development and learning of our learners requires a balance of academic and personal development in and outside the Academy and Hub. Taking part in physical and cultural activities provides an invaluable opportunity for children to develop physical, emotional and cognitive skills,” says Leza Petersen, Wingu Centurion Learning Hub Manager.  Some of the activities are presented at the Learning Hub, which also lighten the burden on parents, whilst other activities are accommodated at trusted service providers.  The host of activities include: Arts & Performance  Drama Swimming Arts & Crafts  Music Baking Horse-riding lessons / Equine Therapy  Golf Hockey Drone Club Chess Science  Early Childhood Development STEM principles  Robotics  Software Engineering  Wingu Academy believes these unique learning opportunities will assist children to thrive in a positive environment to build trust, coordination, teamwork, motivation, attitude and mobility and foster a spirit of healthy competition with fellow Wingulians (Wingu Academy learners). Enrolments are still open until mid-February 2022. To join Wingu Academy’s Centurion Learning Hub or for more information, you can book a free consultation session at: https://wingu-academy.com/book-now/ or send an email to [email protected]. The Learning Hub Manager can be contacted directly on email: [email protected] or mobile:  084 552 6546.

Syllabis Learning

Understanding Independent Learning

Independent learning is a method or learning process where learners have ownership and control of their learning – they learn by their own actions and direct, regulate, and assess their education. The independent learner can set goals, make choices, and decisions about how to meet his learning needs, take responsibility for constructing and carrying out his own learning, monitor his progress toward achieving his learning goals, and self-assess the learning outcomes. The concept of independent learning is associated with improving the educational experiences and outcomes for learners through student-centered learning approaches that personalize learning and enable the learner to take ownership of the learning process.  In other words, you need to be able to do your own research instead of expecting a teacher to give you all the background material you might need. What is the difference between homeschool and independent study? Independent learning curriculums like the curriculum provided by Syllabis Learning allow students to learn with little direct teaching and interaction from the parent. Most independent programs have a pre-set program and are meant to be mostly self-instructional.  To become a good independent learner you should be motivated, resilient, ready to overcome challenges, and good with time management. Why is independent learning important? The skills you gain with independent learning are transferrable and valuable to most jobs that you will perform. These include motivation, independence, initiative, time management, organization, multi-tasking, strong reading, and writing skills. Benefits of Independent Learning The child learns how to read (or listen) for understanding. This is a skill that takes practice, and it is important for standardized tests. When the child is answering questions based on what they have read, it is a way of holding them accountable. They will learn to concentrate as they read because they will know they are going to need to use the information for their homework. The child learns HOW TO LEARN. When a child has become accustomed to learning independently, they can pick up any book and learn the information in it. This means they can continue a lifestyle of learning throughout the rest of their life. They will never be dependent on someone else to teach them something. The child has greater freedom to determine their routine. When teachers or parents are not part of the equation for learning a particular subject, the child can schedule that subject any time in their day. This often helps with motivation and effort. The child learns about their learning style. When teachers or parents are in control of their entire day, they don’t have the opportunity to experiment with different environments, times of day, or methods of learning. By trying to learn on their own, they become more self-aware, discovering how they like to learn, how they learn best, and how they do not. The child is free to learn at a faster pace. If the child is capable of understanding something well and wants to keep going, he can. He is not held back by a teacher’s lesson planning or availability. The child learns perseverance and self-reliance. When a child struggles through to success, he has learned a very valuable lesson. Some things don’t come easily, but by not giving up, success is possible.  The child learns initiative.  The responsibility for learning is on the child. He needs to do everything he can to find the answers he needs before asking for help. This may mean going back and reviewing previous material, looking for answers to help solve the current problem or answer the current question. (This is a good habit and also helps with studying for tests.)  Independent learning prepares your child for university. University students are expected to take responsibility for their own work, grades, completion of assignments, etc. No university professor is going to hold their hand or even notice if they are struggling, most likely. The student is expected to do the work, find outside resources, and ask for help when they need it. If they are used to it being this way at home, then they won’t feel like they are in over their head in university. Here are some helpful self-learning techniques to make independent learning more effective. Find a good study space: Try to avoid things that might distract you. Put your phone in another room, switch off the TV, and sign out of social media. If possible, try to study away from areas where you eat or sleep. Set goals: A good way to keep your motivation up is to think about what you want to get out of your work and remind yourself next time you are flagging. Get into a good routine. A good routine can help you avoid that feeling of the whole day slipping away without getting any work done. Try to get started on work at the same time every day and include time for breaks and having fun. Read actively: You will need to be an active reader, paying close attention to the words you are reading and their meaning. Skim read: Speed read or skim material before reading it in detail and then summarising the text in your notes. Go solo: Practice working on your own for long periods without seeking the help of an adult. Effective time management: In work or unit studies, you are more than likely to have several pieces of work to juggle at any one time. Break each project down into the relevant tasks, work out how long you will need to spend on each part, then allocate time in your diary in order or priority. Take handwritten notes. Writing out notes by hand might help you to understand and remember the content better. Taking handwritten notes is especially powerful if you try to put things into your own words and do not just copy the language your teacher uses. It can also help to use diagrams to structure your thoughts. This might feel harder at the time, but it will create a stronger memory. Different sources: When doing research, try to draw from a variety of different sources. Be persistent: If a task is challenging, do not

CambriLearn Online Education

Homeschooling: How to Raise Happy Kids (and Parents)

It is safe to say that parenting through a pandemic has dished out a few lessons on how to cope with the daily dose of mom guilt. People speak of the ‘new normal’ and we slowly find ourselves levelling out – back into the daily routine. But things are different now; it has become a little harder to take life for granted and to just ‘get on with it’. Because the last two years changed us, all of us. The Year of Banana Bread 2020, the year of the banana bread, the year of loungewear and the year that the parents became the teachers. At first, homeschooling was a temporary replacement for a traditional classroom setting. The change was driven by necessity, not by choice. And whilst “panic pandemic homeschooling” is not a true reflection of an optimal online schooling model, it did turn out to be a wonderful consolation prize for many families.  The onset of the pandemic catapulted us into online work environments, homeschooling and online shopping. We learned to quickly appreciate the benefits of online learning platforms like CambriLearn, which offers an all-in-one online education from pre-primary to matric.   When we look back on the lessons learned in parenting through the pandemic, we can now see some silver lining to the experience. More and more people are now realising the potential and benefits of remote work and school environments and have put measures in place to reset and restructure the work and education aspects of their lives.  Many parents have experienced first-hand that their children learn better when they want to learn. When they have a vested interest in the content and how they are exposed to the subject matter. The best educational setting is the one that helps a child achieve their goals, that makes the most of their abilities, and meets their unique personal needs.  Are you paying attention? With challenges like anxiety, ADD, ADHD and other special needs we have to ask ourselves – is there one schooling option that is right for everyone? Or should we be paying more attention and investigating more personalised approaches that suit each unique child? With six-hour school days on top of extramural activities on top of extra lessons, children (and parents) are under pressure. Homeschooling has opened the door to alternative education solutions that better serve the diverse needs of our children. When I grow up, I want to be healthy and happy Logan Laplante is a 13-year-old boy who hosts a popular TEDx Talk episode about his homeschooling experiences. In a profound moment in the video, he talks about what he wants to be when he grows up. His answer is simple and one that we as adults so often forget. “I want to be healthy and happy,” he says.  As parents, our number one goal for our children should be for them to grow up to be happy. And we can only hope to raise our children in a way that enables them to learn from our own pursuit of happiness.  What is the right (school) choice for your child?  The right education solution for your child should be the one that allows them to study in an environment that supports their individual needs, rather than one that casts them into a one-size-fits-all mould.  CambriLearn offers a personalised, flexible and self-paced learning solution to suit each child’s individual needs. With over a decade of experience, their online learning platform has been tried and tested by more than 3.5 million students worldwide. Their interactive course content and teaching methods promote optimal knowledge retention and help instil a child’s love for learning – throughout their schooling career. 

Koa Academy

Koa Academy & Fully Alive host free webinar for parents

We’re in the midst of a seismic change in the world of work.  We’ve seen tech disruption so far eliminate industries, transform others and usher in brand-new ones.  Many working parents have experienced this first-hand. We expect emerging and evolving technologies to continue their innovation and disruption at an ever-escalating pace.  Advances in the early field of Artificial Intelligence are already showing the promise of the machine to diagnose illness, offer optimal legal solutions and compose music that even aficionados can’t distinguish from human effort. This has led to the common assertion that we are educating children today for jobs that don’t yet exist, or for roles that are going to look very different from what they are like today.  Principal of Koa Academy Mark Anderson says, “This is why we named our school ‘Koa’, which is a type of tree. Koa wood is famous for being both strong and flexible, which is what we want for our learners – to grow into adults who are robust and flexible at the same time, and therefore adaptable in a fast-changing world. We want this for them academically, as well as socio-emotionally.” Parents are invited to join a conversation with Mark and Meg Bruyns, the founder of Fully Alive for a one hour free Future of Work Webinar on Tuesday, 1st March 2022 (6pm to 7pm) to gain insights into how we need to be educating our ‘digital-native’ kids for a very different future of work. Meg, a self-described ‘passionate people developer’, works with teams and individuals, parents and teens to help her clients find purpose and clarity while developing the skills they need to get the most from life and work.  She says, “It would be helpful for parents to understand that the transformation of work is not just driven by external factors such as the tech.  There’s a people-driven change too.  The young generations entering the workforce, and those preparing themselves for it, are not that interested in clocking in 9 to 5 for a pay-check.  They want to experience how their work makes a difference in the world.  There’s a human drive to change the future of work through pushing for purpose and meaningful impact.  Our young people are keen to be disruptors themselves challenging the status quo and influencing big issues like social justice and environmental awareness.  With latest technologies in their hands, they want to push societal boundaries and go beyond what has been possible before.  So, the question is: How does their education and their youthful experience equip them for this?” During the webinar, Mark will be sharing information about the range of practical ways that Koa Academy is integrating the development of the skills that 21st Century employers prize most, with its IBE-accredited academic curriculum.  He says, “There are so many exciting things that learners can do from Enrichment streams that lean into each child’s interests, strengths and passions to our mastery-based approach that develops goal- setting, adaptability, time management and a growth mindset.  The platforms and applications our learners use day-to-day are the ones that are being used by people in the real world.  Our focus is not on school as an end-goal, but the nurturing of lifelong learners, which is what our kids need to be in order have the strength and flexibility to thrive in the future world of work” Lifelong learning is something that Meg also feels strongly about.  She says, “For educators and parents, their quest is to know how to support the young generation in becoming intentional, lifelong, fearless learners.  This develops the resilience, agility and adaptability that will help them succeed in our constantly changing world.” Parents are invited to register for the free Future of Work webinar here visit www.koaacademy.com

Wingu Academy

The changing landscape of homeschooling in South Africa

More and more families are starting to realize the numerous benefits associated with home schooling. It is no longer a stigmatized, isolated learning experience. Due to the global pandemic and the rise of online curriculum service providers, home schooling has evolved into a bespoke educational offering that merges the best elements of a traditional brick-and-mortar school system with the advantages that independent distance-based learning can allow. However, despite the great benefits of homeschooling, there are also certain disadvantages to this approach.  Let’s explore some of these pros and cons of a home schooling approach. Disadvantages A possible disadvantage experienced by a homeschooling parent, is that the parent might become frustrated by having to take on the role of a teacher. Deciphering not only the coursework, but the curriculum outcomes as well, can create a lot of anxiety for parents. Parents might struggle to know whether they are “doing the right thing” or not. Especially in cases where learners are older, parents might be intimidated by the difficulty of some of the coursework, as they are not subject experts themselves, but are now expected to teach their children mathematics or physics that they have done 20 odd years ago – or sometimes not at all! In cases like the aforementioned, parents often start to invest in expensive private tutors, which can lead to a high financial burden. However, by making use of an online curriculum service provider, such as Wingu Academy, these disadvantages can largely be mitigated. Through a reputable online curriculum service provider, learners can have access to subject expert tutors and learning coaches, which eliminates the need for parents to act as teachers themselves. With this in mind, let’s focus on the benefits of homeschooling, and in particular the benefits of online schooling. Benefits 1.    Academic flexibility The traditional education system allows for very little flexibility in learning, when in reality, education is not a one-size fits all solution.  Some learners are very strong auditory and visual learners. Other learners might learn best through repetition. Some might prefer learning through practical application. Home schooling affords an individual the opportunity to learn in a way that suits him/her best, especially if combined with a blended learning teaching strategy – which incorporates live classes and remote learning elements, such as interactive lessons, quizzes and games, as well as practical project based learning. For learners who are professional athletes, or who have parents with careers that require frequent travelling, the flexibility of a home schooling system is particularly beneficial. Furthermore, in a traditional schooling context, with high student-to-teacher ratios, a lot of time is often spent waiting for assistance. Learners are often expected to partake in extracurricular school subjects which do not interest them. The flexibility of homeschooling allow learners more time to focus on things that truly interest them. Learners can progress according to their own ability and interest. 2.    Fosters independent learning skills Learners who are homeschooled and allowed the freedom to learn in a way that suits him/her best, naturally also acquire the ability to learn more independently. In other words, these learners don’t need someone to guide them through all elements of the learning material step-by-step. They are more confident in assimilating academic resources for themselves – a skill which they have honed during their years of homeschooling! This sense of autonomy is an invaluable ‘soft-skill’ that will aid learners for years to come, whether at university or at work. Furthermore, learners who homeschool with the help of an online curriculum service provider learn how to be adept at using technology, often from a young age. These learners learn how to use cloud computing tools to collaborate remotely – an essential future of work skill, which is becoming even more important in an increasingly globalized and interconnected world. 3.    Health and safety Learners who struggle with anxiety, social anxiety or depression, or who were victims of bullying in a traditional school context, can study from home in a safe environment.. Learners have the opportunity to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing. In small amounts, stress can be good, but the incredible pressure that is placed on learners to perform academically – or that they often place on themselves – can become debilitating. There is less pressure on learners to conform or fit a traditionally expected mould, which is beneficial to a student’s self-esteem. Learners with special needs or learning disabilities might feel especially marginalized in a traditional school setting, and their confidence can suffer. In a home schooling environment, parents are better equipped to introduce certain interventional strategies to address learning challenges.  With the global pandemic learners can study from the safety and comfort of their homes without the fear of being infected or having to wear a mask. Schooling remains uninterrupted and unaffected. Parents sending their children to school for the first time, have peace of mind knowing that their child isn’t affected by the current circumstances surrounding Covid-19.  4.    Social development A fear that many parents who are considering homeschooling have, is the fear of social isolation. Parents fear that their children will not develop social skills or have no friends. However, due to the flexibility of homeschooling, learners often have more time to engage in social extracurricular activities or community initiatives – such as joining a sports club, or volunteering at a local shelter – where they can still make friends and interact with peers. For learners who make use of an online curriculum service provider, the shift from parent-led to facilitator-led education means there is an even greater opportunity to interact socially. In an online school environment – which essentially emulates some elements of a traditional school environment, such as live classes – learners continually interact with classmates and tutors. 5.    Higher quality education In traditional classes with high student-to-teacher ratios, learners do not get individualized attention. In a home schooling context, learners can receive more individualized attention, either from a parent or tutor. When making use

Koa Academy

GET TO KNOW MAJOZI, SA MUSO & KOA ACADEMY’S NEW HEAD OF CULTURE

SAMA-nominated hitmaker, Majozi, takes to the stage in SA education this year as Koa Academy’s Head of Culture. Appreciated for his warmth and humanity, we sat down with Majozi so that SA parents can get to know him better: What was your favourite subject in school, and why? “It was history. The other subjects didn’t even come close for me, I’m not sure why. Maybe it was the story-telling aspect, mixed with trying to understand where we’ve come from and how we got here.”  Did you have a teacher that made a huge difference in your life? How? “My history teacher, Mr Van der Bergh. I really enjoyed the subject and he was an interesting character. He shared interesting stories and poems with us all the time.” Looking back, what would you have wanted to change about your own school experience? Tell us more about a song that inspired you when you were at school and why? “I wish I had the opportunity to pursue more of the creative arts in school. We never had music but we did have drama. I wish I had explored that avenue at a younger, school-going age, but to be honest, not many people took it seriously or saw any value in it. I started playing guitar at the beginning of high school, and any song that was fun to play inspired me. I remember playing along with anything from Jimi Hendrix and Metallica, to Blink 182 and Avril Lavigne. As long as it had a few chords and riffs, I would try to play it.” As Koa’s Head of Culture, what are you most looking forward to? “I’m really looking forward to working with the students. In my previous interactions, I found them inspiring and they gave me so much hope for the future. I’m honoured to try and tap into what I’ve already seen and help them explore their creative endeavours in whatever form that may take, in the Koa environment that allows them to grow and feel valued.” Tell us more about your musical journey, and how you got started… “I use to sing in the choir in Grade 1, but I really started being interested in music when I started playing guitar at the age of 13. I was pretty average at most things, but I took to guitar fairly quickly and just had so much fun. Learning to play other songs helped me understand how songs were made, and that inspired me to write my own songs and got me on the path to a creative career.” When you think back to your youth, what did music, arts & culture mean to you? “So many of my favourite memories have songs attached to them, and I’ve been introduced to many of my friends through a mutual love for the same music. My youth is full of those moments. That all turned into important moments like playing music in church, growing spiritually and finding a community that loved me.”   What is your greatest wish or prayer for young South Africans? “I wish all young South Africans knew that they are loved and that they are enough. No matter who they are or what they’ve done.”  What is the best thing about being a professional musician? “I love meeting interesting people. Music has opened many doors for me, and I’ve had the pleasure of engaging with some of the most fascinating people in the world.” If you weren’t a musician, what other career would you like to explore? “Acting, not sure I’d be any good, but I’d have fun.” If you had to give a young, emerging artist just one piece of advice, what would it be? I would quote the incomparable musician, composer, arranger and record producer, Quincy Jones, who said: “Never be a better musician than you are a person’.” Koa Academy is a high-engagement, online school offering an accredited IEB-curriculum for Grades 4 to 12.  Learners, who engage with their teachers in high contact 8-person Pods, get to interact with Majozi in a range of experiential arts and culture projects that aim to develop real-life skills. Majozi also engages with parents through various webinars and school activities. Discover Koa Academy here

Syllabis Learning

Advice to the parent who is undecided on Homeschooling

Are you one of those parents who have been toying with the idea of homeschooling your child? You want to do it…but you don’t want to do it! You find yourself wishing you were a fly on the wall in your colleague or friends’ house to see what homeschooling is really like and how it is done. You must be wondering things like whether it is true that homeschooling takes so few hours a day, do the kids enjoy it more than traditional school? Are they miserable? Do they love the freedom? Do they miss seeing other kids? Are they geniuses? Are they behind in schoolwork compared to other kids their age?  There is no need to wonder, we are able to enlighten you with some valuable knowledge. Answers to All Your Home-schooling Questions: I am a parent and I do not know how Homeschooling works.                                                                                   Conventional home-schooling is essentially doing school-at-home, using similar methods to those used in public or private schools, where a parent, in-home tutor or online tutor take on the role of the teacher. However, in today’s day and age, very few families can afford the luxury of employing personal or online tutors and in most cases both parents are employed to make ends meet. Most SA Home-school curriculum providers, offer a conventional home-schooling curriculum, which even if done ‘online’  is actually already outdated, and of little consequence to today’s learner. Syllabis Learning has taken the Lead in modernising learning and our new Independent Learning curriculum is by far the best solution for the modern-day learner, which requires virtually no input from parents, teachers, or tutors. Independent learning is a modern form of learning. It has been proven to be effective, convenient, and fast, thanks to the rise of the internet. Nowadays, you can learn how to do almost anything through a simple Google search, by watching a YouTube tutorial, or by simply reading instruction manuals. Self-learning is the new form of learning that is equipping people with skills that are relevant to their daily activities. Testimonial of a working Mom- “I will tell you that I was very skeptical of how this was going to work out. I have been so pleasantly surprised to find out how simple the Syllabis Independent Learning curriculum really works with extraordinarily little input from me. My daughter adamantly says she never wants to go back to a public school again!”. How expensive is homeschooling  going to be? You will most probably be surprised at the affordability of such a comprehensive platform! The yearly cost of the Syllabis Independent Learning Curriculum, at the date of this publication, starts from R 3590 for Grade R to R20990 for Grade 12. Discounts are offered for multiple learners from one family. Payment plans are  available on request. Prices quoted are subject to change without notice. How many formal home-school hours should home-schoolers do per day?                                                   Research has shown that on average, home-schoolers study about two to three hours a day. Take away trips to and from school, moving from class to class, taking pre-determined breaks and the delays that slower learners in the class create and what you have is the freedom to work at your own pace and schedule. The Grade 1-3 curriculum can take as little as 2 hours of work per day, Grade 4-9 from 3-5 hours per day and an estimated 7 hours for Grades 10-12. We already battle over homework! How am I going to get them to do all their schoolwork at home? This is the game-changer…when kids get home from school they are exhausted. School is a is a full-time job for a child, 7-8 hours spent concentrating and working, all they want to do when they get home is chill out. Traditional schools demand at least 2-3 hours of homework to be done every single day. With home-schooling there is no homework.  Are my kids going to be weird? This is one of the biggest fears of most parents who are considering home-schooling. The socialisation issue. This is the biggest myth of all about homeschooling. Going to a conventional school does not mean that you are going to be super suave and develop awesome social skills. Going to a conventional school does not make you cool and home-school does not make you weird. There is data to back this up. This amazing paper out of Stetson University examines and compares many studies of social skills of home-schooled children. Here are some striking findings. “Children attending conventional schools showed more than eight times more behavioral problems than home-schooled children. Shyers described the traditionally schooled children as “aggressive, loud, and competitive” (1992b, p. 6). In contrast, the home-schooled children acted infriendly, positive ways. He noted that they introduced themselves, initiated conversation, co-operated with others, invited uninvolved children to join them in play, took turns, let others know it was alright if they lost a game, and even “exchanged addresses and phone numbers for future contact”. The homeschoolers had better social skills? This must be one isolated study, right? Nope. There were many other studies in the paper that showed the home-schooler to be equal to or more advanced than their peers in this area.  How is my child going to make friends? Home-schoolers have more time to spend with friends and get involved in social activities such as sports, scouts, and church etc. Your child will have time to find things they are interested in and sign up and get involved in external activities, in turn they will make friends and meet new people. With Syllabis Learning you child will have the

Koa Academy

UNBUNDLING EDUCATION – WHAT DOES IT MEAN, AND HOW COULD IT BENEFIT YOUR FAMILY?


The traditionally slow-moving education sector has been rocked by the global pandemic, setting in motion changes, that many education professionals believe are long overdue.  There’s been a massive uptake of EdTech tools and online education platforms.  At first, this was in the effort to ensure continuity in learners’ and students’ education during lockdowns.  However, schools, teachers, learners and their families found benefits from their digital explorations and experiences that they want to continue.  There are many families who have post-lockdown, transferred to online schooling, home schooling and hybrid learning solutions. While the concept of ‘unbundling education’ is so far mostly discussed in the context of tertiary education, it can apply just as easily to schooling, and is likely to become popular in the private school, online school and school improvement spaces.  Just as the unbundling option on your TV service offers you tailored choices and cost benefits because you only pay for the channels you actually watch; unbundling education will enable families to choose specific education services relevant to their children at lower costs. Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy which embraces the unbundled education concept explains, “Our COVID lockdown experience has showed us that paying full private school fees for a purely online programme just does not make sense. After all, those fees include the cost of the academic programme, all the teachers, the entire running costs and maintenance of the physical facilities and a myriad of other brick-and-mortar related costs that were irrelevant to families with kids learning online at home for months. This has opened many parents’ eyes to the fact that an unbundled education makes the most sense in the long run where they could pay for different education service providers to suit their child’s individual needs at lower costs.  Unbundled education empowers parents to be more selective with limited resources, accessing the best opportunities for their children across their changing educational and life stages.” Koa Academy puts this into practice by offering families a top quality IEB academic program along with unbundled education options.  In addition to covering the full academic programme for grades 4-12, the Academy helps Koa children explore and identify their unique passions and then offers both in-house enrichment options as well as helping parents to leverage the benefits of the extra time and resources which are freed up by online learning. Koa also partners with third-party service providers in many spheres to offer Koa-partner discount rates.  Mark concludes, “This enables Koa families to access many more options than are typically available at any one school, as well as access the best available options, all at lower costs.” Discover Koa Academy here.

Wingu Academy

Future-proof your child’s employability from an early age with 4IR Skills

The world of work has been changing over the past decade. There were talks of the 4th industrial revolution by many forward thinking individuals, but the trends towards the revolution has become very clear in the workspace. Trends such as remote work which seemed an impossible consideration for many companies, has become centre stage and many will pay the price if an effective remote work policy is not put in place. Most employers had to rapidly change the way they worked, resembling the 4IR trends that have shaped the vision of the Future of Work. The catalysing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned leaders to focus on what the lasting effect of the pandemic will have on their workplace. Leaders in education have turned their focus on what the lasting effect will be on (a) educators and (b) the future leaders – the youth – and they have a responsibility as a transformative element in society to be paving the way to thriving, growth mind-set individuals ready for the 4th and even the 5th industrial revolutions. But how?    According to a report by the World Economic Forum, titled “The Future of Jobs”, the skills that will be most in demand during the fourth industrial revolution are: Complex problem solving Critical thinking Creativity Managing people Coordinating with others Emotional intelligence Judgement and decision making Service orientation Negotiation Cognitive flexibility “Education can no longer be about learning facts. Educational organisations must focus on being transformative experiences, delivering an individual that has gained more than knowledge after completing a program. Central to these future skills is a mindset resembling that of the entrepreneurial-mindset where resilience and personal growth are centre stage in determining success. Education systems and mindsets – striving to master a fixed set of learning outcomes and avoiding failure are outdated viewpoints. Instead, critical and creative thinking, embracing failure as a positive growth opportunity, resilience and collaboration should take centre stage in transformative education strategies. It’s important to future-proof your child to thrive with skills of the future, like lifelong purposeful learning, unlearning and relearning, adaptability and rapid (re)skilling, says Ian Strydom – Managing Director Wingu Academy.  Why is it important to future-proof your child’s employability? The industries tied to the defining 4IR technologies (robotics, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, nanotechnology, cloud computing, quantum computing, machine learning, additive manufacturing, genetic modification) will birth new areas of work. McKinsey and Company predicts that by 2030, up to 30-40 percent of all workers in the developing world may need to move into new jobs or at the least up- or re-skill significantly.  At Wingu Academy learners are introduced to subjects such as coding, robotics, app development and game development from an early age to build a foundational grasp of these fields.  Learners and parents have a preconceived idea of Robotics and Coding and in general believe it’s for the “smarter” kids or for learners who are doing really well in other subjects. In doing so, they automatically disqualify themselves from enriching their future careers with these skills. We want to challenge this mindset. Every field in the future will incorporate coding and robotics to some extent and having a keen understanding of the underlying principles will set them up for success.   Apart from the hard practical skills learnt, integrated robotics and coding curricula teaches students invaluable soft skills such as  critical thinking, collaboration and solving problems logically and has the added advantage of teaching them to persevere in solving problems. Employers are looking for high-performance individuals – young people and mid-career employees- who are in sync with the demands of a rapidly-changing digital workforce. Learners that have these skills at school will be at an advantage, even if a child doesn’t go on to pursue a career in coding/IT. Even if a learner doesn’t go on to pursue a career in coding/IT, how will this benefit them? The first obvious advantage is the opportunity to be employed directly in the IT industry which offers huge employment potential. Currently SA has 200,000 unfilled positions that require a knowledge of coding.  Coding has emerged as a new literacy that allows us to leverage the power of computers.  At school it is important that children learn to use computational thinking to solve problems as this way of thinking is best developed early on. A keen understanding of computational processes allows team members to collaborate with programmers, to better understand the impact of actions and decisions on enabling digital technological processes (and the teams that develop them) and use design thinking principles to drive innovation effectively.   Coding and IT are becoming prominent in almost all career fields. For instance; artists are using machine learning algorithms to create unique art, acting and entertainment machine learning algorithms are used to write scripts and in medicine or biology it is used for diagnosing diseases and finding new treatments by repurposing medicine. “Our aim is thus that learners who complete these courses will not only be more desirable to employ, but at the same time exceed employers expectations,” Strydom concludes. What will the learners be taught to master with these programmes at Wingu Academy? Learners in the Coding and Robotics programme will use a variety of different programming languages such as Python and JavaScript to solve various problems, some translating into creative solutions in the real world. They will apply their skills in various different fields of interest including music, robotics, science and others to demonstrate the power of coding in various fields. More mature learners enter the Software Development programme where they work on front-end and back-end solutions and build a variety of web applications to develop a portfolio of evidence, equipping them with many entry level skills in the IT industry. Parents who would like to find out more about Wingu Academy’s Kukua Programme can visit https://wingu-academy.com/innovation/. The internationally recognised curriculum at Wingu Academy prepares learners for entering University degrees locally and across the globe, and focuses on building critical and creative thinking skills. The

Koa Academy

LIFELONG LEARNING – IS THIS A SKILL THAT CAN BE TAUGHT AT SCHOOL?

Nowadays, we frequently hear about the importance of ‘lifelong learning’.  But what is this?  Lifelong learning is a self-driven, sustained pursuit of knowledge and experience that inevitably enhances our personal and professional lives.  The mantra of a lifelong learner is that there is always more to learn.   In our personal lives, lifelong learning leads us to new frontiers and into exciting worlds based on the individual interests we pursue in our free time.  In our professional lives, lifelong learning compels us to build on our work skills-sets; helping us to stay relevant in the fast-changing world of work, increasing our competitiveness in the job market and opening up new and better work opportunities.  Across these interconnected spheres, lifelong learning tends to lead to greater fulfilment in life, and often enhances our capacities for personal development, active citizenship, and social cohesion. Should lifelong learning be taught at school? We asked Mark Anderson, Principal of high-engagement online school, Koa Academy, and he says: “Lifelong learning is a skills-set encompassing both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills.  School is where it starts formally.  There are technical, practical skills when it comes to learning such as time management and self-management which can be taught and reinforced in the school environment. There are also ‘soft skills’ which are taught through modelling, coaching, and practicing over time.  Developing these skills rests on the foundation of an essential spark that ignites a desire and an enjoyment of learning which you find in high engagement school environments.  Children are innately curious, and curiosity is the major driver of learning.  The school environment, as well as the home environment, need to keep triggering that curiosity which creates the opportunities to develop the skills and self-motivation to keep learning.  It is this that opens up the pathway to a lifetime of continuous learning.” How do our kids ‘learn to learn’, and how to think about their learning? Mark says, “The best place to start with young people is to help them figure out their individual interests as well as why we learn certain things in school. We also want to develop key skills which make learning easy – like being able to prioritise, organise and manage time effectively. We also want to nurture a high sense of personal investment in learning – the idea that my learning benefits me personally and significantly, which helps develop learners who are highly self-motivated. The last thing you want is your child to finish Grade 12 and still have to be told what to study, when to study, how to study and – especially – why to study!” Lifelong learning is a game changer for our future adults. Some of the many benefits include being able to identify and reach personal goals more easily, increased financial opportunities, healthier brains, higher self-confidence and self-motivation, and improved social skills. Discover Koa Academy here

Syllabis Learning

Syllabis Education iAfrikana – Our annual Short Story and Poetry Contest

Writers love competitions. There’s the creative stimulus of an interesting prompt, the promise of kudos and validation, and of course publication and prizes. The Syllabis iAfrikana contest is a new writing competition, writing short stories and poetry with a focus on the African bushveld. It launches in January 2022 and runs to final submissions with a closing date of 31 May 2022. Syllabis presents its first Poetry /Prose Competition. The aim is to give young people the opportunity to express themselves in a public forum, take part in a poetry slam and a creative writing workshop. Creative writing is any form of writing that breaks the boundaries set by traditional writing techniques such as journalistic or academic writing. Writing, in its earliest form was seen as a form of communication, and to this day that is still one of its main purposes, but over the years people have found such joy in exploring the more creative aspects of writing. People realized that writing does not have to remain a formal means of communication but it could be used to express feelings, emotions, and most importantly creativity! If you are looking to take your writing to the next level, then entering our writing competition will help you to achieve this. The goal of the competition is to help promote the writing aspirations of all school-going students. The panel of judges comprises 3 members, all qualified English / Afrikaans educators with a passion for literature. Who is eligible: All Syllabis Learning Registered Students that are currently registered with our institution. Students from any registered school in South Africa including all students that study from home. Some competitions ask for a story on any topic, up to a set word count. But if your parameters are too broad, comparing stories is very hard: How do you judge a 200-word flash against a 5000-word novella? We will set a 3 000-word limit for short stories and a 36-line limit on poetry Theme – South African Bushveld What do I stand to win? At initial selection, we select 5 semi-finalists from the received submissions. The 5 semi-finalists travel via shuttle (Safarilink) to a beautiful game lodge situated in the gaming region of Hoedspruit and stay at the wonderful Toro Yaka game lodge. If minors, they are accompanied by 1 parent if requested. If over the age of 14, the dedicated teacher will be responsible for their wellbeing. Terms and conditions will be provided beforehand. Semi-finalists and any guardians stay on-site, all expenses paid for 2 nights, attend 2 game drives, recite the meaning of their short story during the evening “Boma” storytelling session, and get judged by 3 specialist English / Afrikaans literature educators. Winners will be announced in August 2022. Prizes:  If the winner is a Syllabis learner, their entire education up to grade 9 is funded by Syllabis learning, grade 10 – 12 students get a R20 000 rebate against their studies with Syllabis Education. If the winner is a non-Syllabis Education student, they win: Prizes to the value of R20 000. How can I Register? For Syllabis Education students, log in to your learning portal and upload your submissions. Submissions are limited to 3. For all other students, please complete the entry form found on this link https://syllabiseducation.com/syllabis-iafrikana/ or simply send your completed work to [email protected] after mentioning the competition on Social Media.  

Wingu Academy

How Wingu Academy changes lives – one Wingulian at a time!

At Wingu Academy we pride ourselves in doing school differently. Schooling is no longer one-size-fits-all and therefore we believe the fundamental purpose of education is to unlock potential. We also have the privilege of schooling learners with different needs and requirements. Following; is one Wingu parent’s account of how Wingu Academy creates an environment for a learner (Wingulian), that’s atypical, to thrive and excel: My husband and I were discussing High School options for our children even before they were of high school age.  The decision to change our children from CAPS to Cambridge, brick-and-mortar to online and then specifically Wingu Academy, were made due to the following factors. Living in Pretoria the options for good, affordable, non-private high schools are many, if your Afrikaans speaking, but options for English speaking children are very few and far between. We also wanted to give them the opportunity to study abroad if they wanted to and Wingu’s British curriculum was the best option for this decision.  When we started researching the different online schools, we kept in mind that both my husband and I must work and needed a platform where we weren’t responsible for teaching, but where we could keep track of classes, homework, assessments, etc. A big concern was that towards the end of 2020 our daughter had become super anxious and started struggling with social interaction at her school, distancing herself from her circle of friends and self-harming.   After researching other platforms, we decided on Wingu Academy, because 1. It has online classes where there is interaction with a teacher, and 2. the support structure that exists for students and parents.  In retrospect we can now see that Wingu’s set-up, teachers, and classmates were the absolute ideal option for our daughter. Changing to online schooling was an easy decision, but when she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (aka ASD or Asperger’s) we chose to register with Wingu. The first part of 2021 was extremely stressful for our girl, not only because Cambridge was new to her and doing online schooling had its own challenges, but I was in hospital with Covid mid- February.  The stress of me not being home and not knowing whether I would leave the hospital alive was a huge burden on my family and our daughter had to try and navigate the new schooling system pretty much alone for almost four months, before I was mentally and physically able to focus on anything other than survival.  ASD has a lot of amazing positive traits which we are encouraging.  One of these traits can also be negative though. It is the propensity to stick to a set routine and intense focus on their interests to the detriment of others.  With CAPS she had gotten into a ‘non-homework’ routine as she was so good at retaining any information she heard in class and regurgitating during exams, which gave her 90+% in almost every subject.  Once I could focus on her schooling, I could help her create a new routine of doing online quizzes, assignments, homework and read questions in a way that she would not just regurgitate information but actually apply the knowledge.  This has taken a while and I still need to encourage the new routine on almost a daily basis, but she has made great strides and we are SO proud of her.  There are so many aspects of her life that have been positively affected by being at Wingu. As for most teenagers, not having to get up at the crack of dawn to get to school on time is a huge bonus. The fact that she doesn’t have to leave home to go to school with throngs of other teenagers has reduced her anxiety levels immensely. The Wingu teachers are aware that being on camera is an issue for her and have been very accommodating.  This has made classes such a safe space for her that she now feels comfortable to engage with her teachers and classmates via audio. She has made friends with some of her classmates and not only hosts online homework sessions (off-camera) but goes ice-skating and has ‘live’ visits with friends she made at Wingu. Yes, there will be social limitations for her going forward, but having a platform where she is accepted as she is, given space to interact when she feels comfortable to do so, whilst getting a world-renowned education, has been an absolute Godsend.   For any parents who are considering online homeschooling, whether they are atypical or typical, this is my advice. Do your homework in researching different platforms. Be honest with yourself about your capacity.  I knew with a full-time job I would not have the capacity to teach my children myself, or research extra resources as many platforms would require you to do. You know your children and their abilities – Even with ASD I know my daughter would not cope with just watching videos day after day, she would stop watching them out of utter boredom.  Although she is socially awkward, she needs the structure that a class environment supplies. I also know my son, who will be joining Wingu for Stage 6 in 2022, would get super bored with videos and so a class environment would be ideal. Set up a time with the Wingu admission specialists and consultants and ask every question you can think of.  The staff are super helpful and patient.  After our daughter was diagnosed with ASD at the end of 2020, we had even more questions for the Wingu consultants, and they were very helpful and informative. If you are looking for quality, internationally recognised schooling, Wingu Academy is your answer as SA’s best-rated online homeschool with education rooted in innovation and excellence. Our Wellness Hub and Learning Coaches can assist both learners and parents with professional academic and wellbeing support and guidance to ensure that learners develop, grow and thrive in the Wingulian environment. Enrolments for 2022 are still open. Book a consultation with

Koa Academy

BUSTING 3 BIG MYTHS ABOUT ONLINE SCHOOL

We are almost two years into the global pandemic with its many restrictions on day-to-day life, and the digital world has played a vital role in ensuring continuity of our work and our kids’ schooling.  Our uptake of digital tools and platforms has been vastly accelerated; we’ve acquired new digital skills and knowledge; we’re far more open to possibilities and options that tech has opened up for us – and, there’s no going back.   Mark Anderson, Principal of high-engagement online school, Koa Academy busts three of the common myths around online school: I will have to teach my child – “When traditional schools were forced to transition to online teaching, many parents were required to pick up some form of teaching role from home. However, when an online school is designed specifically for the online space, learning has a distinct pedagogy and online teachers have particular skills to facilitate learning on the digital platform.  At Koa, it is the professional teacher’s role to guide your child through the school curriculum, freeing parents up to be parents, much as they are in the physical school environment. My child will not get socialization – “Parents need to choose a school, online or physical, that suits their values and aims for their child’s education and school experience.  Socialization at school comes through the intentional creation and maintenance of a high-engagement environment. There are physical schools that do well at this, and others that don’t.  Same applies to online schools.  At Koa, children come together in small 8-person Pods with their teacher which makes socio-emotional development a key part of every school day.  Our kids are learning how to be responsible, sociable digital citizens as well, which is preparing them for a very real world where our activities and work are increasingly digitalized.” The qualification is not equal– “It is true that parents need to be on the lookout for unregistered and underequipped institutions, looking simply to capitalize on opportunity. However, accredited online schools offer the same curricula and recognized qualifications as physical schools.  Like every aspect of our lives in these fast-changing times, schooling and tertiary studies are transforming and being disrupted by better ideas and improved tools.  As parents, we are challenged to keep abreast of these developments and to recognize that our child’s education and further studies will and should be different from what we experienced.  The world has, and continues to change rapidly and dramatically, and it is the role of school to prepare our children for the real world they will encounter as adults. In many ways, a well-designed online school like Koa offers a more robust preparation for the future world of work and life.” Discover Koa Academy here

Boston Online High School

Boston Online Home Education

The pandemic-led digital transformation enabled online learning to provide a seamless school year, keeping learners on track despite the onslaught of the Covid waves. Furthermore, the digital age also created new avenues of possibilities for parents and learners choosing home education as an alternative to the old-style school curricula.  As a pioneer in private education specialising in online and distance learning over the past 30 years, the Boston group is a key player in this environment, extending their educational expertise to support parents and learners embarking on a home education journey with reliable services via Boston Online Home Education, visit https://www.bostonline.co.za  As a registered Cambridge International Associate we create credible online pathways for parents of home educated learners toward the attainment of school-leaving alternatives that are internationally recognised for entry into leading local and global universities. “Our mission is to provide access to global opportunities for home education parents and learners. For this reason we have chosen to support the renowned Cambridge curriculum with strategically designed learning materials and technology.  This uniquely prepares learners for the future, honing higher order skills of comprehension, understanding and application,” says Katz about the Boston group which has become one of only five international associates listed on the Cambridge International website, https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/find-a-cambridge-school/  Future ready skills:  Critical thinking According to the World Economic Forum critical thinking and problem-solving top the list of skills employers believe will grow in prominence in the next five years.  This is a key competency required in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and a transferable skill that can be used across subjects and careers. “In a world where knowledge has become a vital currency, it is essential that learners are able to think critically about content,” says Eli Katz, executive at Boston Online Home Education (BOHE). A central focus of the Cambridge curriculum is to avoid rote learning and emphasize higher order skills and its application. “Our aim is to support parents and learners so that they gain valuable life skills and competencies including analysis and evaluation of information that can be applied in different contexts, enabling them to problem solve and make meaning of complex issues.  We are excited to support parents and learners who choose the Cambridge curriculum” says Katz. Boston Online Home Education Support includes various Cambridge paths.  The Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE) for learners turning 14 in the first year of registration and who have achieved a Grade 7 or 8; the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) stream is for learners turning 16 in the first registration year and who have achieved either a Grade 9 or 10 or the ICE.  Learners also have the option to register for Cambridge examinations in respect of individual Cambridge IGCSE and AS subjects to supplement their existing studies especially for those learners who wish to enter more demanding faculties such as medicine or engineering post school.   Cambridge awards are recognised by universities in South Africa and  globally, including Ivy League institutions. As a registered Cambridge International Associate our staff have access to the Cambridge Support Hub so that we can provide relevant, comprehensive and up to date support to ensure alignment with the Cambridge curriculum and realise your child’s preparedness for these examinations Quality Course Content  As a registered Cambridge International Associate we provide credible support mechanisms and services required to support your child’s home education success in the Cambridge curriculum.  Amongst the challenges faced by parents is ensuring that their children have access to quality content and assessments whilst being able to monitor their progress. The Boston platform provides parents with a specific login feature to co-participate in their learning journey.  Boston has developed a comprehensive offering mapped to Cambridge guidelines. In addition to live lessons and educator support which provide personal attention to each learner, the Boston methodology includes  extensive recorded video lessons, summaries, e-books and assessments with triggers being sent to parents so that they are able to monitor progress and track performance.   This also allows learners to revise material at their own time and their own pace until they fully grasp the content instead of feeling pressurized in a classroom setting.  The live lessons then allow for classroom interaction and facilitates educator-leaner engagement and discussion.  Our personalized learning approach is further enhanced by individual counselling sessions. Advanced technology infrastructure The use of the Boston’s artificial intelligence (AI) model assists with detailed reporting, data analytics and diagnostics for parent to determine strengths and weaknesses throughput the learning experience. Learner progress is further monitored through access to a range of formal and informal assessments, facilitating detailed feedback to parents and learners, enabling relevant academic intervention throughout the learning process. “ It is essential that we harness technology but intertwine with human intervention to create a learning experience focused on the individual”” says Katz. Social Interaction  Boston encourages social interaction through multiple opportunities to engage online with other home educated learners. In this way, learners can enjoy a local and global social network.  A variety of activities such as digital music production, journalism club, app development, public speaking and even online chess tournaments are made available. Parents who require further information and assistance, can  speak to a Boston counsellor or  visit our website: www.bostonline.co.za or send an email to: [email protected]

Koa Academy

Beloved SA muso, Majozi, joins Koa Academy as Head of Culture

High engagement online school, Koa Academy has announced the appointment of proudly South African creative, Majozi as their new Head of Culture.  The SAMA-nominated musician is well-known for ‘wearing his heart on his sleeve’ and for crafting hit songs conveying his inspiring perspectives on life.  Learners at Koa Academy, who engage with their teachers in small 8-person Pods, will get to interact with Majozi in a range of experiential arts and culture projects that aim to develop real-life skills. Koa Academy CEO and Principal, Mark Anderson says, “We’re delighted to warmly welcome Majozi into the Koa family.  As a professional musician, he’s walked the artist’s road himself and has incredible insight into how young people in South Africa can grow life passions, develop meaningful interests and pursue careers in arts and culture fields.  As a successful working creative, Majozi’s appointment as Koa’s Head of Culture represents the unbundling of education and enables Koa to focus on giving our kids more opportunities to discover their talents and pursue future careers which may typically have fallen outside the usual scope of traditional schooling.” For many years, traditional schools have been seen as a sort of ‘one-stop-shop’ for all things related to a child’s learning and future opportunities, often leading to limited resources being stretched thin and a steep rise in school fees. The emergence of online learning has largely enabled the unbundling of education, with parents able to leverage the best options available for each element of their child’s learning. Koa guides parents to take full advantage of those options, with Majozi leading the charge in the creative arts. In his role on the Koa leadership team, Majozi will be responsible for providing strategic and practical direction when it comes to Koa’s approach to arts and culture.  From January 2022, Majozi will feature at parent webinars and give school assembly presentations.  He will provide coaching to Koa staff on how best to identify and grow individual kid’s talents and artistic interests.  Majozi will also be hands-on involved in the design of more Koa Clubs and courses with an arts and culture focus. Majozi says, “Ever since I found my talent in music and started my career, I wished that my education around arts and culture started at an earlier age. When I was growing up, I think arts and culture were misunderstood and often just a side thought in South Africa. I’d love to help change that mind-set and help learners to embrace and value their creativity in whatever form it takes.  Even if a future career in arts and culture is not for them, all learners can gain so much by engaging with experiential arts and culture education.  They can learn appreciation, understanding, creativity, teamwork, history, and so much more. That’s the beauty of arts and culture, it really has many fascinating subjects that can be explored within it. I want the Koa learners to feel like they are enough and their ideas matter. I’d like to boost their confidence and let them know they can do anything they put their mind to. We’re going to break the ceiling that the world may already have put on their creativity.”

Syllabis Learning

Enhanced Learning in Distance School and the Syllabis Education’s iWizard

For those parents out there who’s children are already distance learning, or those of you that are considering distance learning as an answer for your child’s educational needs, we are sharing some insight about the amazing value-added products and platforms that we offer. We can’t deny that homeschooling requires a certain level of independence and initiative from the students to tackle their academic responsibilities. We have found that some students struggle to engage with their academics and often become distracted from their academics or simply want to learn more still.  Other learners might have certain learning areas where they have problems understanding core concepts, while others are willing to go the extra mile and gain an extensive understanding of a topic or core learning area.  Solving these issues was an incentive to create a new technology enhancement, and this is where the Syllabis iWizard was born. Is it abnormal for my child to get distracted easily? Not at all! In general, most students find some academic areas boring and see it as something they are being forced to do, and with so many distractions being made readily available all around them (laptops, phones, TV’s, video games, etc…) who can blame them for being easily distracted.  Do students want to learn more? Many students enjoy all the subjects offered in their grade, but most students start to develop a learning preference for certain subjects, such as accounting or business studies for aspiring entrepreneurs, or science and mathematics for the sciences. Others love art or sports.  Those students who want to go the extra mile and excel in a learning area, often have difficulty finding applicable resources. That’s another reason we developer the iWizard, for each augmentation lesson available, there is an extended lesson, which greatly enhances the understanding of the topic to the student. They become Masters. How does Syllabis plan on solving the above-mentioned problem? For 2022, Syllabis Launched its iWizard in December 2021. Our iWizard takes the vast resources made available to us by the internet and packages them into fun, interactive, lesson-sized educational lessons.  The iWizard is universally applicable to all students. Students who are struggling on a certain topic, students who have found interest in a certain topic, students who want to further their comprehension on certain topics, and even students who want to further their knowledge on topics that are not part of their curriculum (such as the Syllabis iWellness program) will fall in love with the Syllabis iWizard and its many features. How has Syllabis developed the iWizard? We wanted to develop this educational tool to achieve a few outcomes: To develop an innovative educational tool. To allow the creation of quality educational content as an added feature as part of our core offering. To take full advantage of the internet and its endless number of educational resources. The internet is the most powerful educational resource ever known to man, but this resource is extremely unstructured and unfiltered. The Syllabis iWizard is the solution to the above problem as it allows us to create meaningful, interactive educational resources, saving you the trouble of scrolling through endless web pages just to find the same information. Where can you access the Syllabis iWizard? The Syllabis iWizard will be offered as a free educational resource to all Syllabis students who are studying under the Buffalo or Lion package. The iWizard will help these students test their academic progress with the help of built-in quizzes and further their comprehension on topics they might be struggling with or topics that they may simply be interested in and would like to further their knowledge on. How does the Syllabis iWizard help our students? Step by step lesson plans that helps guide the students through the lessons. Built-in quizzes that test your child(ren)’s comprehension of the relevant lesson. Lessons structured per grade and per subject. Educational videos embedded into the lessons. Instructions that guide the student along every step of the lesson. Makes sure your child(ren) stays on track with his/her academics. The lessons are interactive and make sure that your child(ren) stays engaged in his/her academics. Lessons that go beyond traditional education and incorporate life skills. Our iWellness lessons are a perfect example of this. iWIZARD The instructional model is based on thorough research into students’ needs when using the internet as a learning tool, especially from home. The Pre-Quiz provides a measurement stick against which you’re learning during the online lesson can be analysed. Lessons and Quizzes can be done over and over. Students move page by page through several quality, interactive web resources within our learning browser. Students measure their learning progress by partaking in a post quiz. Results are sent electronically to parents and the Syllabis learning team. Most lessons are accompanied by extended learning content as well as excellent project ideas for learners. When do I use Syllabis iWizard? When I have a problem with a topic and need reinforcement. As extra lessons in general for reinforcement. For revision before tests and exams. As part of my tutoring. For non-students of Syllabis, enquire today about adding the iWizard to your set of learning tools.  Once again, Syllabis Education has led the way in educational innovation, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with our students in 2022!

Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy to open its first Learning Hub in Centurion – enrolments now open!

Wingu Academy has ventured into establishing its first Wingu powered Learning Hub in Centurion to provide a future focused, safe, reliable, and social environment for learners from different backgrounds to learn.  The first Learning Hub is currently open for January 2022 enrolment for learners aged 6 – 19. Interested parents can follow this link to book a free consultation here: https://form.jotform.com/203373140162039 Wingu’s Learning Hub will provide the opportunity for a blended approach to allow learners to learn from home or get support in person at the Hub, providing a unique level of flexibility and uninterrupted education. Learners will engage and interact with fellow learners in a safe and friendly environment that promotes learning and personal growth. The Hub will provide support such as learning spaces to attend seminars and tutorials, collaborative learning spaces, learning coaches, science and robotics laboratory access and other extra-curricular support.   Wingu Academy officially launched in July 2020 and soon after joined TuksNovation (The University of Pretoria’s High Tech Incubator and Accelerator) where it has been housed ever since.  Their remote-learning platform offers educational support to schools, tutoring centres and home-schoolers across the globe, with live classes and tutorials, interactive online content that is aligned with British International Curricula (a Pearson Edexcel examinations centre) catering for qualifications such as the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and AS/A-levels with a focus on developing fourth industrial revolution skills. After finishing these exams, students are welcome to apply at the leading institutions such as the top 100 Universities in the world.   Developed by teachers, UP alumni and postgraduate students who hold advanced degrees in respective fields, and in collaboration with researchers at the Wits School of Education, Wingu prepares students for an international curriculum that is relevant and accredited globally. There is a focus on blended, student-led learning, gamification and instant constructive feedback and continuous assessments. The Wingu platform has evolved markedly over the past year to provide a unique blended experience for the families allowing to utilise Wingu for either complete online schooling or traditional home-schooling with the ability to take advantage of the benefits of both approaches. The core of the Academy is to develop Fourth Industrial Revolution Skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and emotional intelligence. All learners will also be given access to the Wingu Wellness Hub which will provide physical, mental and emotional support to ensure academic success while supporting holistic learner wellbeing. Wingu Academy further offers a variety of different social clubs that enable learners to identify activities they enjoy. The Fitness Club is one example of this, which promotes a healthy level of physical and mental stimulation to keep learners fit, focused and happy. There are limited spaces available at the Learning Hub in 2022, interested parents can follow this link to book a free consultation here: https://form.jotform.com/203373140162039

Koa Academy

HOW SOCIO-EMOTIONAL LEARNING IMPACTS YOUR CHILD’S ENGAGEMENT AT SCHOOL

A few kids are all-rounders, mostly engaging well in their learning and easily in their school community.  Others may be consistently highly engaged in the classroom and achieve well in academics but may sit on the sidelines socially.  Some are social butterflies and sports stars while their schoolwork suffers.  Others flounder around in a middle ground, achieving enough to get by here and there, shifting from time to time, but finding no sustained place to shine.   All of this has to do with how engaged a child may be in their own learning experience, and how engaged they may be in their relationships in their school environment.  Educational Psychologist, Angela Hough explains that a child’s engagement in school is crucial to their learning, and it is not just about their learning experiences. She says, “Peer relationships and teacher-learner relationships are vital for a child’s sense of self-worth, belonging and well-being. Generally, the more a child feels valued for who they are, and the more they feel included, the happier they are, and the more they are able to contribute and experience in the learning environment.  Therefore, encouraging positive relationship skills in schools is vital for learning. This can be modelled, taught, encouraged and facilitated.”  Mark Anderson, Co-founder and Principal of Koa Academy, a high engagement online school says, “Socio-emotional skills can’t be taught through a curriculum as if they are hard skills like learning long division. They have to be learnt over time through modelling, practice and coaching. The school needs to provide structure for socio-emotional learning, such as we have daily Morning Connect sessions to really focus on this type of learning. We run activities focused on key social, relationship and communication skills and constantly provide opportunities for the kids to interact with each other in a safe, supportive and carefully facilitated environment” Why is socio-emotional learning important? As parents we grew up educated in the industrial era that lionized ‘hard skills’ and competitive attributes while designating communication and interpersonal skills as ‘soft skills’ of much lesser importance.  Times have changed.  For our kids in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4iR), their abilities to build relationships, resolve conflicts, collaborate, be an effective team member and artfully navigate communication roadblocks have become top workplace skills.  Developing these competencies should not only start in school but is essential to facilitating the high engagement learning environment where academic performance also thrives. It’s important to note that socio-emotional learning doesn’t just happen in every school environment as some kind of natural consequence of bringing children together to learn.  This is evident by how widespread bullying remains as an issue in South African schools.  Whether your child attends a physical or an online school, socio-emotional learning needs to be intentional, and to have structure, modelling and coaching. Anderson concludes, “Having positive relationships in school, with friends, peers and teachers helps your child to be more engaged in their community, and high engagement is critical to their learning.” Discover Koa Academy here

Wingu Academy

Surviving year-end academic burnout

Have you ever woken up in the morning and felt less motivated to get going? Maybe even irritable and just plain exhausted, or even frustrated for no reason? You may very well be experiencing Academic Burnout. Academic Burnout is something that affects most learners, especially when you are putting in those extra hours to complete that every growing mountain of assignments and homework throughout the school year, and that prolonged state of stress. It is experienced through an increase in negative emotions, physical and mental reactions due to prolonged studding which can also results in exhaustion, frustration, a lack of motivation and reduced ability in school. It is often caused by the accumulation of weeks of hard studying of the same material and back-to-back classes.  Academic Burnout, however, is not to be confused with a student’s occasional feelings of frustration and fatigue from putting in hours of studying for and upcoming exam or pulling and all-nighter to catch up on missed work.  Academic burnout is far more serious than this. Academic Burnout can severely reduce your productivity, reduces all your energy which leaves you feeling hopeless, helpless, and resentful towards your educators, peers, and parents. These negative consequences from burnout often spills over into other areas of your life, including our personal and social life. Therefore, it is so important to understand what exactly academic burnout is and how to survive it. Constant exhaustion, no matter how much sleep you get; disrupted sleep patterns or insomnia; a serve lack in motivation to either attend classes or complete homework assignments; loss of confidence in your academic abilities, frequently ill or somatic pians are just a few of the common symptoms to look out for that are associated with academic burnout. But it’s not all doom and gloom. “There are ways to help prevent and manage Academic Burnout before it becomes too severe. The first step to treating Academic Burnout is to acknowledge it and understand that a change does need to be made to how you are current way of tackling school tasks and activities,” says Jessica Hart from Wingu Academy’s Wellness Hub. Here are a few changes you can introduce: Make time for the things you enjoy: Its important to remember that there is more to life then school and work. Use your weekends to spend time with friends and family, and to reconnect with the things that make you happy. Up the exercise: Finding the motivation to get up and exercise can be tough. But its always important to remember that a healthy body equals a healthy mind – the two go hand in hand. Try being active at least three times a week and remember to stay hydrated and eat health. Welcome that fresh air: Spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine, will not only help your body produce that much needed vitamin D, but it will help reduce levels of stress and anxiety, helping you feel more relaxed, improve mental focus and concentration. Set reasonable goals for yourself: Use a calendar or planner and organise what needs to be done in a way that allows you time to rest in between tasks. Trying to get a months’ worth of work done in one week is not going to benefit your grades or mental well-being. Set reasonable goals and stick to them. Wingu Academy’s Wellness Hub offers guidance to all learners and parents on academic, well-being and mental health support. As an online home school we can offer education in a more relaxed environment in the safety of your home. Enrolments are still open for January 2022 at Wingu Acadamy. Book a FREE consultation here: https://wingu-academy.com/book-now/ or visit https://wingu-academy.com/ for more information.

Boston Online High School

Boston Online Home Education to extend its academic support and services

Boston Online Home Education, a registered Cambridge International Associate, is your home education partner.  We create credible online pathways for parents/guardians of home educated learners toward the attainment of school-leaving alternatives that are internationally recognised for entry into leading local and global universities.  As a pioneer in private higher education specialising in online and distance learning over the past 30 years, the Boston group realises the challenges faced by parents who select to home school their children. As a result Boston is extending its educational expertise to support parents and learners via Boston Online Home Education.     Our mission is to create new opportunities for home education parents and learners to choose an aspirational online learning experience by offering support to the Cambridge International single subject, i.e. International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and Advanced Supplementary (AS) Levels, or group awards, i.e. International Certificate of Education (ICE) and Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE). The Cambridge International Certificate of Education (ICE) is for learners turning 14 in the first year of registration and who have achieved either a Grade 8.  And the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) stream is for learners turning 16 in the first registration year and who have achieved either a Grade 9 or 10 or the ICE.  Learners also have the option to register for Cambridge examinations in respect of individual Cambridge subjects to supplement their existing studies especially for those learners who wish to enter into high stakes faculties such as medicine or engineering after school. Parents of a learner without a grade 9 are required to register their child as a home-school learner with the Provincial Department of Education in the province in which they reside.  “Being a registered Cambridge Associate brings huge advantages to parents and their children. The educators at Boston continually work with the academic and assessment guidelines, which are only made available by Cambridge to registered Cambridge associates and Cambridge schools. This means we have access to the Cambridge curriculum statements which ensure that the support is directed towards the guidelines specified by Cambridge. These guidelines also direct the “how” of the assessment methodology for each topic, thereby ensuring that learners will be well prepared for their exams. It is therefore critical for parents to ensure that they are getting support from a credible source such as a registered Cambridge Associate” says Katz. Amongst the challenges faced by parents is ensuring that their children have access to quality content and assessments whilst being able to monitor this progress.  As a result Boston have developed a comprehensive offering of recorded lessons, summaries, e-books and assessments with triggers being sent to the parent so that the parent is able to monitor the progress of the child throughout the learning journey and track performance. The parent has a specific log in feature to participate in the learning journey.  Forums and discussion groups between peers and educators are also integral support mechanisms with access to experience educators to solve problems is fundamental.  Through strategically designed learning material, learners have the benefit of honing higher order skills of comprehension, understanding and application.   Expert tutors are on standby to ensure personal attention to guide and assist each learner.  Learners also have the advantage to study at their own pace, whilst the use of online technology assists with diagnostics pinpointing what a learner knows and where there are gaps as opposed to getting lost in the classroom because a learner might feel uncomfortable to ask question.  Learners also have access to teachers who provide personal guidance and support.  Learner progress is also monitored through a range of formal and informal assessments, facilitating detailed feedback to parents and learners, enabling relevant academic intervention throughout the learning process.  ”We are not a private or independent school, as we do not enrol learners in any grades or have physical school grounds. We also do not set any curricula, exit exams or issue awards – this is done solely by Cambridge International, and you need to register for this separately. We can however assist you by facilitating this separate registration process”. “We do not replace your legal responsibilities and duties as a parent or guardian of the home education learner.  Our focus is about providing support to parents and learners in the home school journey”. Boston encourages social interaction through multiple opportunities to work and interact online in groups with other learners.    In this way, learners are able to enjoy a local and global social infrastructure.   Boston enhances this further through the many extra curricula activities such as digital music production, journalism club, public speaking and even an online chess tournament. “We aim to assist parents so that their children develop skills and future readiness through a holistic support program of academic excellence, offering learners the opportunity to enjoy an alternative to high school while preparing them for a successful and fulling future”. 

Koa Academy

HOW DOES A HIGH ENGAGEMENT LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WORK?

A high engagement learning environment enables our children to be interested and enthusiastic participants in their own learning, and also empowers them to becoming masters of their own learning experiences and academic achievement.  Mark Anderson, Principal and Co-founder of Koa Academy is adamant that high engagement is not something that you leave to chance.  He says, “You create a high engagement learning environment intentionally.  It comes from an understanding that children learn best when they are involved and have age-appropriate accountability for their learning progress.  It is also based on providing an agile and flexible environment that can cater to children’s diversity when it comes to igniting their engagement.” Educational Psychologist, Angela Hough explains that a child’s engagement is crucial to their learning. She says, “Children can possibly learn facts, but without engaging and having an experience or learning to apply the knowledge – then those facts do not have purpose or meaning. Transformative learning is about the need to create meaning from the learning experience. Therefore, I would encourage learning that involves experiences, embodiment, sharing and communicating learning. Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience. Usually, the more involved a child is in their school and class, and the more that they ‘own’ their learning, then the happier they are and the more they learn.” Learning through doing and learning through reflection Learning is not simply listening to a teacher telling you the facts.  You may remember those facts for some time afterwards, but that’s just remembering. How many of us parents have long forgotten a myriad of facts or mathematical operations even though we might have remembered them well enough at the time to pass our school tests?  There’s a lot we didn’t learn, because we can’t retrieve actual knowledge to answer the questions or do the sums today.  Memory fades, but knowledge grows.   Learning happens differently.  Anderson says, “At Koa Academy, we focus on practical, applied and meaningful use of content. This is why our Grades 4 to 9 do all the content subjects through our Engage programme, which is all about giving real world context to the subject matter.  We love the mastery-based approach, which means that in most of our courses, there are opportunities to loop back until a child has shown mastery. It doesn’t matter whether you get 20% or 80%, you are going to loop back and master that section. And everyone does, building confidence and teaching them the importance of reflecting on their own learning.” Through experiential and reflective learning, our children grow to understand how they learn which is essential in setting them up to be life-long learners in our fast-paced, ever-changing, technology-driven world. Discover Koa Academy here

Syllabis Learning

Leading Local, Going Global… Why Syllabis Education is the best solution for your child

Home-schooling is a progressive movement around the world, in which learners are educated at home instead of in traditional public or private schools where methods have hardly changed in over a century. To give you an idea; in only 2020 was the ‘Chalkboard’ replaced by a ‘Smartboard’ in a few privileged schools only 2021– the ‘Classroom Teacher’ is replaced by an ‘Online Teacher’ using the same old methods which are of little consequence to today’s learners.  In 2022 Syllabis Learning is now leading the way to change this. Researchers worldwide, forecast that home-schooling will balloon over the next decade as families discover that there are vastly better alternatives to public or private schooling such as homeschooling and more importantly as far as we are concerned, independent learning. The core idea of home-schooling/ independent learning is the idea that children need to learn at the speed, and in the style, most appropriate for them.  Families have voiced many reasons for moving away from traditional schooling which has now all been super-ceded by the COVID worldwide pandemic. This unfortunately may be with us for quite some time.  At Syllabis Education We have some amazing developments that we would love to share with you, our valued parents, learners, and potential learners. We have just launched our new WEBSITE  and we will be making our unique and super-enhanced products and breakthrough tools available to our home school families, worldwide as of 2022. How our new global distance school works: We offer a 3-tiered product approach to distance school, with each offering customizable to your unique needs. You are free to upgrade or downgrade at your discretion, which means you are not locked into any one package.  Introducing the Syllabis Education Big 3: The Elephant Strong and peaceful with a great memory, a good concentrator, and a force to be reckoned with – This package includes our basic offering, with great value-added products and features. Fantastic for those starting on this journey.  The Buffalo  Strong and Feisty, always looking for an edge, the great rememberer, whether alone or in a herd, this package includes our enhanced offering, and many great value-added services, products, and features. By far the best value for money in comparison to our competitors. Enhanced offering includes Orientation week, extended progress reporting, call-in help with curriculum planning, study skills course, access to iClass online lessons (2 hours per week), and formal academic feedback to parents. The Lion     On the Hunt, Protective, Happy in groups or alone, the King of the Jungle. This package includes all the bells and whistles (and a few loud ROARS). By far Clearly the best value for money in comparison to our competitors. Enhanced offering includes orientation week, extended progress reporting, call-in help with curriculum planning, study skills course, iWellness, access to iClass (4 hours per week), and formal academic feedback to parents. Our unique curriculum enhancements: PRE-REGISTRATION ASSESSMENTS AND ANALYSIS Free Educational Needs Analysis  Online Assessments Online Examination Concession Assessments Educational Analysis Financial Needs Analysis SPECTACULAR CURRICULUM COMPONENTS AND BREAKTHROUGH TOOLS School-on-a-Tablet – (just press the on-button and get started) or download to your own device Syllabis Learner Portal – Learner’s access to our world of learning and prosperity Syllabis E-Workbooks – Tailored to the needs of the student learning at home Syllabis Printed Workbooks Grade R – 3 – Delivered to your home or nearest Postnet (South Africa only) Syllabis Online Study Guides – Provides the learner with month-to-month guidance on how to approach each subject Orientation Pack – Online orientation pack for our Elephant package Orientation Week – Students that enroll with Syllabis Buffalo or Lion packages can participate in various levels of orientation Progress Reporting – Keeps the Parent and Syllabis up to date with the learner’s progress which is optional Extended Progress Reporting – Links the learners up with a tutor who will guide them through a problem area at affordable rates (South Africa only) Online Help – Professional help with Curriculum Planning Call-in Help – Professional help with Curriculum Planning Syllabis iCLASS – Online Group Class with Educators – for our Buffalo and Lion package only Syllabis iWizard – Extra resource for when a learner need additional help Syllabis iWellness – Additional Children’s Wellness and Life Skills Programme Syllabis iMaster English – Online English Literature Support for Grade 10 – 12 (South Africa only) Syllabis iDrive – Driving Lessons offered in the Johannesburg area only until further notice (South Africa only) Formal Academic Feedback to Parents – Online Graphing Calculators –  Syllabis Learning 8 Pillars – Comprehensive add-on curriculum for Grade R – 12 Tutoring – In-home or online tutor placements at affordable rates, at the click of a button  For more information on our amazing and progressive offering or to register for 2022 contact us today. 

Koa Academy

WHY HIGH ENGAGEMENT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

As parents, we want our children to love their school experiences.  It sets off a host of anxieties, and sometimes sustained stress, when our child is despondent, frustrated, or angry because they are struggling with academics or battling to get along socially at school.  We understand innately that not enjoying school much also means not learning much. This is confirmed by Educational Psychologist, Angela Hough who notes that both disengagement in the classroom and in school social relationships impacts a child’s  ability to learn.  She says, “Usually, the more involved a child is in their school and class, and the more that they ‘own’ their learning, the happier they are and the more they learn.  Peer relationships and teacher-learner relationships are also vital for a child’s sense of self-worth, belonging and wellbeing. Generally, the more a child feels valued for who they are, and the more they feel included, the happier they are, and the more they are able to contribute and experience.” That involvement, ownership and accountability for learning, sense of belonging and social acceptance are the characteristics of a high engagement learning environment.  Our kids can all be involved and enthusiastic in their learning and their school community given a high-engagement context.  As parents who were traditionally schooled, we tend to think we need to choose the same or the opposite of what we went through, depending on whether we loved or hated our schooling experience.  But our kids are going to school in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4iR) and it’s clear we need to be thinking more expansively and differently about their options before we make school choices. Koa Academy Principal, Mark Anderson worked as an award-winning teacher in brick-and-mortar schools before co-founding this intentional high engagement online school.  He says, “Engagement does not happen automatically in any one specific type of school.  There are some physical schools which do a great job of having a highly engaging learning environment, while others don’t. The same is true for online schools, home-schools, and every other type of school in between. Every child is also unique in how they go about engaging with others and their learning.  What might be a great fit for one person might just not work as well for another.  What this means for parents, is that it when it comes to their school choices, they need to not only evaluate the school, its reputation and its values; but do so in the context of what suits their child best.” This means that all parents should be on the lookout for schooling options that truly intend to offer and maintain high engagement for a diversity of learners, no matter whether those schools are physical or online. Discover Koa Academy here

Syllabis Learning

Reasons why homeschooling could be the smartest way to teach kids in the 20th Century.

Will the education of today be the education of tomorrow? Educators must reflect upon current practices and policies and identify ways to transform education to address a myriad of challenges in an increasingly complex world. If we are to prepare pre-primary and primary-aged children for their future, we can no longer rely on traditional education models. When we make rethinking education an ongoing part of our improvement process, we allow for changes to take place that supports dynamic new ways to design and deliver quality teaching and learning. Kids who are homeschooled have the same access to online learning, friendships, and extracurricular activities as the typical traditional school student — but without many of the drawbacks, like standardized lesson plans and bullying to name a few. Here are a handful of reasons homeschooling makes sense in 2021. Personalized learning is a strong method of instruction. The core idea of homeschooling is the idea that kids need to learn at the speed, and in the style, most appropriate for them. In the education world, enthusiasts call the approach “personalized learning.” Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are big fans of personalized learning since it tends to use technology as a way to tailor lesson plans to students. Personalized learning is an educational approach that aims to customize learning for each student’s strengths, needs, skills, and interests. Each student gets a learning plan that’s based on what they know and how they learn best. Students can learn more about what they care about. Without formal curricula to guide their education, homeschoolers get the chance to explore a range of topics that might not be normally offered until high school or university. They can study psychology in Grade six, or finance in Grade 9. While many homeschool families focus on English, math, science, and history, education is by no means limited just to those subjects. Flexible time and the opportunity to work at ones’ own pace allow homeschoolers to put their focus on the subjects that interest them most. Social media gives kids a way to form lasting friendships.  The most common misconception about homeschoolers is that they lack socialization. Before the internet, there was some truth to the stereotype. But today’s students have just as much opportunity to see kids their own age as those in private or public schools, and often without as much distraction. Homeschoolers still use apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook — which may foster unhealthy and even addictive relationships to tech — but also allow them to meet up with other homeschoolers or those from traditional schools.  Students need not deal with cliques or bullying. Homeschoolers don’t deal with all the downsides of being around kids in a toxic school environment. Plenty of critics argue these downsides are good for toughening kids up, but kids who have experienced bullying first-hand more often face symptoms of depression and anxiety, do worse in class, and show up to school less frequently. Homeschooled kids can learn in a more harmonious and trusting environment. Schooling isn’t set apart from the “real world.” Contrary to the name, homeschooling takes place in an actual home only a fraction of the time. A great deal of instruction happens in the ‘outside world’ in real-life situations and amongst peers of varying ages and backgrounds. These experiences have the effect of maturing kids much more quickly and cultivating a trait of open-mindedness. Since kids spend more time around adults in the “real world,” they rarely come to see school as set apart from other aspects of life. Students may achieve more in the long run. Homeschooling makes sense from an achievement point of view. Research suggests homeschooled children tend to do better on standardized tests stick around longer in university, and do better once they’re enrolled.  The world is changing around us and education needs to evolve at the same pace. We need to prepare our children to be independent, be problem-solvers, and to be able to adapt to their changing environment.

Wingu Academy

Wingu Academy’s online art auction raises R30 000 for Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Canine Conservation Unit

Wingu Academy, online homeschooling curricula provider, raised an amazing R30 000 during a nail-biting one-hour live art auction on Thursday night, 7 October via Zoom. All the money raised will be donated by Wingu Academy towards Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Anti-poaching Canine Conservation Unit. This initiative by EWT provides trained detection and tracking canines to the conservation sector to support well-structured security plans. This benefits not only rhinos, but also other species that are targeted by poachers including elephants, pangolins and lions. The overarching aim of this project is to ensure that Conservation Canines are strategically placed across South Africa’s private, provincial and national parks and are contributing to the protection of our wildlife. Wingu learners and teachers created their masterpieces from a variety of recycled material, during September in celebration of Heritage Month. The overall winning art piece, a beautiful mirror was created by Wingu learner, Michaela-Lee Pretorius, and is called “Reflection of the monsters we have become”. Artworks varied from interpretations including rhinos, fish, a protea, the Voortrekker Monument and even a living tree made of moss and flowers,  to capture our beautiful heritage. EWT extended an invitation to all participating artists to enjoy seeing the canines in action at their Conservation Training Centre.  “We are blown away by the generosity of Wingu Academy, all the bidders and of course all the hard work by these talented artists that made this event unforgettable,” says Dr Andrew Taylor who manages EWT’s Wildlife in Trade Programme. Ian Strydom, Managing Director of Wingu Academy, says: “Wingu Academy is immensely proud of all our artists and supporters who made this event possible. What a wonderful showcase of the difference creativity and innovation can make, and all that in aid of an extremely worthy cause; protecting our wildlife for generations to come.” 

Syllabis Learning

How Homeschool prepares Kids For The Real World

A common concern when it comes to homeschooling is whether kids will be ready to navigate the ‘real world’ when it comes time to enter it. People who are uninformed about homeschooling, as well as people who are interested in homeschool as an educational alternative, and even homeschoolers themselves might wonder how they can ensure their kids are ‘real-world ready after being schooled from home.  This is a real and smart question to ask if you are considering homeschooling your child. “Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.”   We believe homeschool is great preparation for life as an adult and here are some of the reasons why: They are Independent – Because homeschoolers need to become responsible for their education more than if they were in a traditional school they become able to take over their education more and more. They can decide which topics they want to pursue and which activities they want to engage in. Homeschooling prepares kids to work independently and gives them the ability to make decisions and work toward their own goals. Keep in mind, the evidence consistently shows that qualities employers desire (if the goal is to work for someone else) hardly ever include test scores or the ability to memorize facts, etc. It’s almost always about character, communication skills, and the ability to solve problems–all most easily learned in the real world, where children are free to satisfy their curiosities and find solutions, an amazing trait the Creator gave us all when we were born. Even most highly specialized jobs provide on-the-job training, requiring the capacity for learning, not a specific set of facts already learned (which most students forget anyway). They have a better idea of what they want – Learning from home is so appealing as it provides children with the ability (and time) to explore all of the topics available to them. This is especially true when parents allow the curriculum to be guided by, or at least partially guided by their child’s interests. Homeschool allows for a greater amount of time to be spent on topics that your child is interested in as they can work from anywhere and at any time. Your child can dig deep into the subjects that they find fascinating. In a traditional school, this happens so much later. Homeschool students might be more confident about the direction they would like to take once they graduate from high school.  Developed Life Skills – Another amazing thing about homeschool is that since you and your child have more control over your own curriculum you can include subjects and activities that normally would not be offered in traditional schools. For example, you can teach them how to balance a checkbook, how to develop a budget, how to grow a garden, how to change a tire on their car, how to change the oil in their car, and even how to start a business. You could even have a curriculum that includes a specific focus on life skills. So not only does homeschooling offer more flexibility with curriculum, but homeschooling prepares kids for living on their own. They are Highly Socialized – One common misconception is that homeschooled kids across the board lack socialization. This is untrue. Although it does depend a great deal on the parent and child, homeschoolers have a wide variety of opportunities to socialize. Homeschooled kids are not confined to a single classroom in a single building for 5-8 hours a day. Rather than being limited to interactions with children their own age and most often from their own neighborhood, homeschool children can spend part of their day meeting and interact with children and peers of all ages, through extracurricular and sports activities, as well as with adults. This environment is much more similar to “the real world” than a traditional school setting. So in reality, homeschooling prepares kids better for interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Koa Academy

WHY ONLINE LEARNING POWERS INDIVIDUALISED LEARNING

Many of us parents experience frustrations with the schooling system on behalf of our children.  Sometimes, our child is being left behind as the class moves on before they have mastered a learning milestone.  Sometimes, our child is bored and acting out because the class isn’t moving on yet, and they are ready.  This is because in traditional classroom learning, educators teach to the middle and they are simply, practically, not able to round up all the children on the same page at every time. We can intervene, and we can demand that our child’s learning needs to be individualised, but the entire, conventional education system does not enable this. We all learn somewhat differently; and our capacities to listen, understand and engage with information ebb and flow from time to time, no matter how structured our learning environment.  Just because a teacher stood up in class and gave a lesson doesn’t mean that all the children learned.  Learning deficits can be costly in multiple ways.  They can have long-lasting effects, derailing our child’s positive experience of their education, impacting on their identity and their self-confidence.  If it’s not you, it’s more than likely that you do know someone whose life has been inadvertently shaped by the idea: ‘I couldn’t do this… or follow that path… because at school, I was never any good at Maths.’ Mark Anderson, Koa Academy Principal says, “We all know that individualised learning is the game-changer.  School leaders, teachers and parents have all known this for a long time.  It’s a transformation that has to happen in school systems across the world, and it is turning out that technology is an enabler of this change.”  The advantage of online learning is that children can engage with content at their own pace, and they can access global content in formats that best suit their learning style, creating an individualised learning pathway.   Anderson says, “At Koa Academy, children are highly engaged with their teachers in small Pods of eight learners.  This is the structure that promotes socio-emotional learning and high engagement in our school community.  However, our children are also accessing global educational content and proceeding at their own pace.  They have an individualised dashboard, visible to their teacher and parents, that tracks their content engagement and learning progress.  They are on unique learning pathways in a tech-powered learning environment that enables both structure and individualization.” Discover Koa Academy here

Koa Academy

WHY EDUCATION SHOULD BE DESIGNED FOR THE INDIVIDUAL, NOT THE AVERAGE

Whenever we design one thing for many users, we rationalise that if we ‘design it for the average’, we’ll have a good fit for most users.  An example of this was in 1926, when the US Air Force was coming up with a design for their first fleet of fighter planes. They constructed the cockpits based on the average measurements of over 100 of their prospective Top Gun pilots.   After around 25 years of inexplicable crashes involving highly trained pilots, they decided to revise their cockpit design. They doubled down on their assumption about designing it for the average pilot, and this time they took many more measurements from over 4000 pilots, hoping to have ‘a better average’.  But the plane crashes they put down to ‘human error’ only increased. As Koa Academy CEO and Principal, Mark Anderson tells the story: “Then along came Lieutenant Gilbert S Daniels, a Harvard graduate who had studied the law of averages.  He had a firm belief that if you wanted to design something for an individual human being, the average was useless.  He went on to prove this by studying the data of the 4000 pilots and showing that not one of them fell into the ten most basic average measurements, even with a generous 30% margin of error. In other words, not one of the individual pilots was average in every way, and so none of them fitted into the cockpit with optimal access to all the aircraft’s controls.” Daniels concluded that in designing a cockpit for the average, they had effectively designed ‘a cockpit for no one’.  Anderson maintains that the same is true for our traditional education system. “Teaching to the middle is simply not a good way to educate individual human beings; it’s not a good way for any child to learn.  We’ve known this for a long time, and school leaders, teachers and parents have been yearning for a shift from teaching to the middle to teaching the individual child.” Finding the ways to individualise learning has been a passion for Anderson since his early days of teaching.  Technology has been a key to unlocking how one education system can individualise learning for many.  “We’ve finally solved the dilemma of teaching to the middle, where some are frustrated and bored, and others are frustrated and confused,” he says.  At Koa Academy, a high engagement online school, learners in close-knit Pods are working at their own pace on personalised pathways and engaging with content that is delivered optimally for them. Their progress is tracked and measured against targets that each individual child has set under the guidance of their teacher.   When the US Air Force finally introduced adaptable features in their cockpits and each pilot could fit optimally, crashes due to ‘human error’ became very rare.  In the same way, no child gets left behind, or gets left unattended out ahead, because their learning path is highly adaptable to their unique learning needs. Discover Koa Academy here

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