Tween & Teen - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

The ADK Drama & Film Fourways

The ADK Drama & Film offers film, acting and drama classes for all ages. Fully accredited at Cathsseta, we offer a 3-year professional licentiate certificate, for adults, in drama, as well as a Junior Certificate in drama for teenagers. The ADK also offer a radio course, movie making course and a stage make up course. Advantages of Drama: Builds confidence Helps concentration Develops language and communication skills Encourages children to co-operate Develops creativity Encourages relaxation Nurtures friendships Teaches emotional control “BY GIVING CHILDREN OPPORTUNITIES TO SUCCEED IN DRAMA, THEY START TO BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES INSTEAD OF BELIEVING THEY CAN’T DO THINGS” – GILL BRUNINGS GENERAL: All courses consist of one hour’s class a week. We focus on small classes for individual attention. Classes run according to school terms and may differ from branch to branch. FOUNDATION PHASE (GR.0- GR.3) At this age, drama helps in developing creativity, movement, and speech, amongst other things. These classes focus on relaxation, exploring communication, and interaction with other children. The Junior classes are simply ‘fun’ classes, where your child gets the opportunity to relax while learning valuable life lessons. These classes also form the basis for an understanding of drama, as we start focusing on some of the most important points. Optional exams which help to boost confidence are available. In the foundation phase class, group activities, as well as basic drama skills are the focus. In classes we deal with the following: Relaxation exercises Exploring emotions Poetry Improvisations Stage performances Articulation Poems Cost: R390/month JUNIOR (GR.4 – GR.7) These classes are for older children who can now pay attention to more technical details of drama. We do activities that help with building public speaking skills, refining technical acting skills, as well as improving confidence. Any skill level is welcome. In this class, group activities, as well as refining drama skills are the focus. In classes we deal with the following: Poetry Prose Monologues Acting for camera Improvisations Stage performances Articulation Reading Movement Cost: R390/month THREE -YEAR CERTIFICATE (HIGH SCHOOL) (GR.8– GR.12) A three-year, part-time drama course for high school students. The course is a practical course. The course aims to develop basic skills that will form the basis of stage-, radio-, film-, television and all other forms of public performances. All years also include a theoretical element. As is the case with all part-time courses, it is vital that the preparation is regularly done at home. From grade 10 upwards, students have the option of doing additional theoretical work to obtain a Catthsseta certified NQF level 4 qualification. THE COURSE CONTENT: Voice training on stage and for radio Poetry and Prose Theatre training Camera training The course content is practically applied with the studying of: Monologues Poetry and Prose Improvisations Stage performances Camera courses Camera acting training in class Cost: R410 per month At the end of the three-year course a Junior Certificate in Drama is issued to the students who passed. GENERAL: At the ADK students are expected to attend classes regularly and to do regular preparation. FILM-MAKING COURSE (GRADE 5-12): In this course students get the opportunity to create their own short films. From writing, to filming. The course covers a wide range of film theory, as well as practical elements. It takes place one Saturday a month over a period of 10 months, and includes the following: Basic acting for camera skills Creating ideas that work for film Scriptwriting Shot composition Storyboarding Set and prop design Casting Basic lighting techniques Planning a shoot day Creating an advert Aim and result: By the end of the year, each student will have written, directed, and filmed their very own short film. (ranging between 3-5 minutes), which will then be professionally edited and shown at a special ‘red carpet film-premiere’ where students will get to dress up in their fanciest red-carpet outfits and be the stars of the evening. Cost: R450/month (Existing weekly students receive a 10% discount) NB: Space for this course is extremely limited. Contact Information: Petroné van der Merwe: www.adk-drama.co.za [email protected] 0729414308 Instagram: @adk_drama_fourways Facebook: ADK Drama Fourways

March 16, 2021

Glenoaks Remedial and Special Needs School

Remedial vs Special Needs There is often some confusion regarding the meaning of remedial and special needs and how schools adapt to the students’ different needs. A remedial program is for learners who have average or higher intellectual abilities but who are not performing well in school. At Glenoaks, learners in the remedial stream sometimes have intellectual test scores below average, but we find that they have the capability to cope in an academic program. Thus our admissions process looks at overall ability and not simply a test score. Typically, remedial students are not struggling because of their intellectual abilities but instead with one subject area like reading, writing or mathematics. Learners may experience various barriers to learning, or learning challenges, including dyslexia, dyspraxia, visual difficulties, ADHD, mild autism, dyscalculia, language delays etc. Remedial programs usually focus on narrowing or closing academic gaps, to the extent that the learner can be re-introduced to a mainstream schooling system. Our remedial stream follows the Grade 1 – 7 CAPS curriculum with accommodations, differentiation and adaptations depending on learners’ needs. The majority of the learners in our remedial stream enter mainstream schools or supportive high school environments and successfully achieve good grade 12 results. Many have continued to further their studies at universities, colleges and other tertiary institutions. We are particularly proud of our past pupils who have become high school prefects and head prefects. Special education differs from remedial education because the learners in these programs lack the intellectual ability to perform in a class that teaches standardised concepts and subjects. The students in these classes may lack social maturity, emotional maturity, physical ability or the analytical skills that are needed to perform in a remedial or a mainstream classroom environment, in addition they may experience global developmental delays. Special needs programs are often individualised with the aim of helping the learner to become a functional, employable adult. In our special needs streams we focus on functional subjects in literacy, numeracy, life skills, and world knowledge, and offer learners exposure to a variety of practical and project-driven vocational subjects such as hospitality, IT and enterprise. At Glenoaks we have two special needs streams; namely the GOAL stream and the Oak House Vocational Academy. Glenoaks Assisted Learning (GOAL) Stream The GOAL Stream caters for learners from the ages of 6 to 14 who have special educational needs which inhibit them from learning in the ‘traditional classroom’. Often our learners’ chronological and developmental ages differ significantly, and it’s important that they learn according to their abilities and at their own pace. GOAL Stream learners have differing areas of strength, often exhibited in practical tasks. They benefit from repetition, positive reinforcement and reduced time pressure; aiming at functional skills of daily living within their levels of ability. We work on individualised numeracy and literacy programs with each learner. Other subjects include: life skills, activities of daily living, cooking, supported reading, home management, basic administration skills, computers, library, sport, social and emotional skills, Occupational Therapy group, Speech, Language and Communication group and art. Older learners have opportunities for project-based learning in preparation for in-house work experience. Oak House Vocational Academy Oak House Vocational Academy was conceived from the need to provide an appropriate setting for specific learners with special needs from our school, and from the broader community, whose abilities and needs are not met in an academic setting. After intense research and planning both locally and abroad, a blueprint was formulated for our vocational academy – highly particular, uniquely crafted and finely tuned to Glenoaks’ vision. The Academy provides learners with a sense of purpose and self-worth, continued applicable academic input, emotional and academic support and an incremental exposure to the expectations and realities of the world of work. This culminates in a learner being more employable with practical work skills and experience in specific industries. If further training or employment opportunities exist for a graduate, those are facilitated and supported by Oak House Vocational Academy. Our Academy program is designed to expose students to a variety of vocational settings aligned to each individual’s strengths, abilities and areas of interest. Students learn the skills required for entry level jobs, and also focus on critical social skills, appropriate behaviours and attitudes required in the workplace. Prior to this, our students are taught a creatively crafted curriculum which includes academics, life skills, business skills, entrepreneurship, IT and admin skills, world knowledge, home management, hospitality, gardening, woodcraft and enterprise. Learners in the work experience program are gaining exposure to a variety of industries and businesses including retail, IT, hairdressing, production line, garden nurseries, schools, sport, robotics and many more. In 2019 the first group of students graduated from Oak House Vocational Academy and successfully commenced with further training, part time or permanent employment. Our School The school’s journey began over forty years ago in 1969 with Dr Lorna Swartz. She started a small school in Melrose for her daughter, who was then regarded as ‘learning disabled’. As word spread, other parents brought their children to Dr Schwartz, and Glenoaks School was born. Glenoaks School at this time was also one of the few schools who included learners of differing racial groups. In 1976 the school moved to Orange Grove. In 1981 Glenoaks expanded and moved to our current premises in Kensington. Dr Swartz’s vision has lived on through the leadership of Ms Peacock, Ms Patt, Mr Barnes and currently Mrs Caldeira. Many who visit the school remark on the friendly and nurturing atmosphere that permeates every aspect of Glenoaks School. The small class settings, individual and group therapies and the unwritten curriculum of care and concern help us to grow our learners socially, emotionally and academically. We strive to ensure that our students are intrinsically motivated and happily engaged in their own learning. We also strive to develop a sensitivity to and an understanding of academic, cultural and religious differences. Glenoaks has a multi-disciplinary team consisting of psychologists, occupational, speech & language, remedial and learning support therapists, as well as

March 10, 2021

3 Brisk Activities That You And Your Child Can Enjoy Together

“Come have some tea with Miss Bubbles and me” – said your 7-year-old, as they pull you in to sit on a miniature chair. It’s 9:30 PM, you’re bushed and you’re about to have tea with a teddy bear and the Queen of England herself. Spending uninterrupted time with your child has its infinite benefits and rewards, so what happens when you’re swallowed by your work and life responsibilities that quality time with the Queen of England is unintentionally put on the back burner? Let’s face it – life is busy, finding moments in your life to spend intentional quality time with your child is definitely a hard task as a working parent. And if not having enough time wasn’t hindrance enough, you have to find something that you’d both like to do. Doubling the guilt for our poor parents. Creating childhood memories, formulating the idea of love with your child and getting to know each other a little better, are only a few of the amazing benefits of quality time with your offspring. Don’t despair, at Sugar Bay we have over 100 free-choice activities and we have given you 3 of our best time- effective activities that both you and your child can enjoy. Adventure / Explore Our campers go on adventures on the beach and around camp, where they’re always discovering and learning something new about the environment around them. The beauty in this activity lies in how it’s physically active and educational simultaneously. Whether you’re going on an adventure in your backyard or looking for things to recycle around your neighbourhood, you’ll always find out something new about each other and maybe lose half a kilo in the same breath. Splatter painting In our arts and crafts classes, campers discover that something can always be made out of nothing. All you need is a blank wall or a large piece of white cloth. This is where you let loose! You both get to get as dirty as possible and laugh at how you became Picassos overnight. This activity allows your child to see your free-spirit, fun side; a side that shows that you’re not only their parent, but you can also be their friend. Who knows: you could create the 21st century Mona Lisa. Skits and Stunts Lights, camera, action! Costumes, mom acting silly, dad mimicking mom after taking a dose of helium and a whole lot of laughter; this is the memory that can be created with your child with this activity. Skits and stunts allow your child to build their self-esteem and gives them the confidence to be themselves in the world. Give your child & teen the holiday of a lifetime! Sugar Bay is an American-style camp offering over 100 activities, 24-hr supervision & professionally trained staff. Covid compliant. Call 032 485 3778 or email here [email protected].

March 9, 2021

6 EASY WAYS TO ACE THE SCHOOL YEAR

Settling in to the new school year and a classroom-ready mindset isn’t always easy. Beyond the excitement of physically going back to school full time (after the 2020 restrictions), new classes and even new friends, children and parents alike can get easily overwhelmed by the changes the new school year brings. Here are six tips that will help your family make this year the best school year yet! Stick to a Routine Children benefit from having a steady routine. Setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time will ensure that your children are getting enough sleep. If they don’t, concentration and academic performance will suffer. Likewise, having a well-balanced breakfast each morning will ensure that the day starts off on a positive note. If your children spend a lot of time getting their uniforms out of the cupboard and preparing their school bags in the morning, add these activities to their night-time routine. Create a Distraction Free Study Area Completing homework at the same time each day will help create strong study habits. Establish a location in your home where your children will study and do homework throughout the year. Choose a location where you can keep an eye on them, but still minimize distractions like TV, phone and electronics. Support Homework Independence Once your children are able to read directions on their own, encourage them to complete their homework assignments by themselves. They may continue to ask for help primarily because they enjoy the parental attention, not because they truly need assistance. Support their independence by encouraging them to work through the problems on their own. When your children do their homework without a reminder, acknowledge their independence to reinforce the positive habit. Think Long-Term Children who set long-term goals often have increased motivation in school. Setting long-term goals with your children can help connect the relevancy of their daily activities with the future. It is also never too early to develop time management skills. Using time wisely by completing homework and chores efficiently allows children to have more time for fun activities. Have a Positive Learning Attitude Attitudes are infectious and an integral component to success. Parents who have a positive attitude towards learning and school can excite children with their enthusiasm. Show interest in your children’s studies by asking questions, which can help foster motivation and a positive learning attitude. Remember to reinforce a positive, growth mindset. Children who understand that hard-work is more important than natural intelligence are more likely succeed. Connect with the Teacher Parents who plan an active role in their children’s education make a huge difference in their success. Building a relationship with your children’s teachers can help you understand how your children are doing at school and how you can help your children at home. Try to meet with your children’s teachers at the beginning of the school year and set the expectation of working together as a team. Developing a strong, positive partnership with your children’s teachers can help the school year go more smoothly for you and your children. This article is from the KUMON NORTH AMERICA website: https://www.kumon.com/resources/6-easy-ways-to-ace-the-school-year/

February 26, 2021

Working around last year’s academic challenges or failures

Failing a year, or even just a subject, can be quite devastating for learner and parent alike. In this situation, many parents tend to experience guilt and blame themselves, wondering if they did enough to help their child. Other times, many parents experience deep disappointment in their child, sometimes even anger. And likewise, many learners are often disappointed in or angry at themselves. Regardless of what you and your child feel, it’s important to remember that repeating a subject or a grade isn’t the end of the world. Here’s how to go about repeating a subject or grade: Do damage control The first step is to sit down with your child and have an open and honest discussion about what both of you are feeling. While it may be difficult in the moment, it’s crucial to stay calm and non-judgmental. If you open this discussion by talking about how disappointed you are, the conversation is not going to be a productive one, and will probably cause an already bad situation to devolve further. The last thing you want is feelings of shame to grow. Instead, use this time to make a safe space where both you and your child can discuss your feelings about their failure so that both of you can feel ready to move forward with a mutual understanding. Read more: How to foster resilience in children Identify the problem(s) Teachers, tutors, and other education specialists will tell you that failing a subject or grade doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a steady series of small failures, and these failures don’t come out of the blue. Before you and your child can tackle repeating a subject or grade, you need to find out why they failed in the first place. While the list of possible reasons for failure is almost endless, most reasons can be reduced to a lack of understanding, a lack of motivation, or a personal/mental health issue. Lack of understanding: the most obvious reason for academic failure is that learners simply do not understand the lesson material and are thus reluctant to do the necessary practice or studying needed for passing the work. Perhaps the work is too hard, and your child didn’t feel comfortable asking for assistance. Read more: How do I choose a tutor for my child? Lack of motivation: many learners fail simply because they are not motivated to do the work needed to pass. This is a tricky one because apart from some learners simply just not enjoying learning and doing schoolwork; there is a whole host of reasons why learners might not feel motivated to study, which can include other reasons for failure discussed here. Personal/mental health issues: sometimes, learners fail because of issues outside of the lesson material. If learners are struggling with problems like anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression, this is likely to have a negative impact on their schoolwork if left untreated. Have a game plan Once you’ve identified the contributing factors to your child’s failures, you and your child will need to work in tandem to create a concrete strategy for repeating the subject or year successfully. If your child’s difficulty was understanding the work, it might be a good idea to use the services of a tutor. If a learner’s problem is more motivational/personal, it might be prudent to see a psychologist or counsellor to help your child work through their barriers to success. If you suspect your child’s issue might be mental-health related, seek out the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. Learners’ grades often improve dramatically when they are treated for psychiatric problems that result in their previous failure. If you can work through your child’s issues without external help, sit down with them and draw up the approach both of you will follow to prevent future failure. Here are some tips on how to ensure success: Be proactive: if you see your child’s grades dropping again, call a time-out and discuss what’s going on (again, in a calm and judgement-free space) before marks become an issue again. Make your expectations clear and set defined, workable goals, as well as ways in which to achieve them. Read more: Helping your child set goals for the new year On a more pragmatic level, be sure to structure your learning day and ensure that your child has dedicated homework and study time. Stress the importance of organisation. Read more: 10 tips for home education success Remind your child that if they are struggling, they can ask for help at any time – there is no shame in asking for help! Drive home the notion that no one can do everything by themselves, and they shouldn’t feel embarrassed for requesting assistance. f a learner’s problem is motivation, find ways to motivate your child to complete tasks. Often, reward systems are a good way of having learners take responsibility for their learning. Everyone is different, so make sure the way you motivate your child works for them. Read more: How to reward your kids the right way

February 26, 2021

33% of gamers in South Africa hide how much they game from their parents

A third (33%) of gamers in South Africa are ashamed of how much they game and hide it from their parents. This is according to global research1 by Kaspersky and was discussed in a recent Mum’s Got Game live panel. This research1, commissioned by Kaspersky and conducted by Savanta in November last year, looks at gaming in 2020 across 17 countries and 5,031 respondents, and considers what dynamics between gamers and their parents have changed and what can be done to break down barriers and stigmas. According to the gamers surveyed, this gaming shame is due to archaic stigmas2 that remain around it, such as “bad for your health” (55%) or “rotting your brain” (56%). The biggest disappointment for gamers is that while parents appreciate many of the positives – creativity (55%), social skills (33%), problem solving (50%) – they are less able to engage with them about their passion, mainly because gameplay and the social elements of gaming are so different to the likes of movies and music. In fact, half (54%) believe that if their parents “got” gaming, their relationship overall would be better. Andrew Winton, Vice President of Marketing at Kaspersky, said,“Gaming has provided huge support to many people this past year; offering solace, relief and friendship in difficult times. But for many families, the negative perceptions of gaming can be very counter-productive in enabling open dialogue and building relationships. We hope that the wise words from these mums will help others start to have better and more positive conversations between gamers and parents.” To read the full report visit our blog.

February 24, 2021

GRADE 12 RESULTS: DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS IF YOU DIDN’T PERFORM AT YOUR BEST

As the Department of Basic Education prepares to release the Matric results of 2020 next week, many young people are nervously awaiting results, either knowing that they didn’t perform to the best of their ability, or with no idea of what to expect and what they would do if they didn’t do well. It is however important to know that there are various options available if things didn’t go as planned, and not worry about what came before, but rather focus on what actions can be taken going forward, an education expert says. “At the beginning of each year, we set ourselves goals and enthusiastically make New Year’s resolutions. For a significant number of young people, this also means embarking on a new adventure, transitioning from the structured life of school to the exciting world of adulthood,” says Dr Jacques Mostert, Academic Manager for ADvTECH’s Abbotts College. “This rite of passage usually goes along with making plans for further education and training. But what happens if things don’t go according to plan, and instead of going on to further study, you are faced with the reality that your Matric results were not good enough to start out on this new journey just yet?” Mostert says the enthusiasm of looking towards a future filled with potential and promise can sometimes be dampened by Grade 12 results that are not as good as what were expected. “Usually this results in a reshuffling of plans, a rush to come up with Plan B, or desperate calls to schools to enquire about re-marks or a second attempt to writing the exam. But these aren’t always the best approaches available and settling for second best need not be the way forward.” Before making instant decisions about what to do if things didn’t go as planned, there are a few things that parents and young adults must consider, says Mostert: Embracing the power of “yet”; making a mind-set change from feeling helpless towards taking control, and embracing a growth mindset geared towards the future. Embrace the power of “yet” Dwelling on the past, and constantly going over the ‘what ifs’, can be debilitating, says Mostert. “Notwithstanding the cliché of letting the past remain in the past, for a young adult with high expectations experiencing disappointment, letting bygones be bygones isn’t that easy. Accepting that a goal may not have been reached yet, and embracing the power of possibility, young people can develop a resilience that will inevitably become paramount in their personal and professional development.” From hopeless to taking back control The anxiety that goes hand in hand with making life-altering decisions without considering all the options is a considerable contributing factor of a sense of helplessness both parents and young adults experience, notes Mostert. “Deciding to change course and settle for less should not be an option. We tend to believe that in the modern world of the fourth industrial revolution and omnipresent social media, there exists a set timeline to reach arbitrary milestones. The reality is that there is no set end date for reaching any goal. Young people should look past peer pressure, and take action to get back on track towards fulfilling their goals.” Developing a growth mindset Mostert says that no matter how attractive moving out of the house, embracing independence and forging a new future may seem, there are two inevitabilities of life, other than paying tax, every young adult must face. The first is that change is ubiquitous and the second is that getting better never stops. Learning, especially in an ever-shrinking global market, never stops. “Disruption isn’t always as negative as we may think at first. Taking a moment to consider all the options available and considering an alternative that at first did not look like an option often allows a person to embark on a pathway towards success.” Mostert says apart from the usual avenues of rewrites and remarks young people might consider when receiving less than stellar results, they also have the option of redoing Matric or even just improving their subjects, to ensure they can still pursue their dreams, albeit a little bit later than initially planned. “At Abbotts College High School, students can enrol part-time to upgrade their subjects, for instance. This approach provides students the chance to increase their marks and that enables them to meet their tertiary Admission Point Score (APS) in order to be accepted to study in the field of their dreams.” He says while many students may not be keen to return to a school setting, institutions such as Abbotts College provide a different kind of environment which is more in line with a college campus, because the focus is on academic improvement, not rules and uniforms. “We believe that every student is able to develop and achieve academic success, wherever it is that they start from. Improving subjects or redoing Matric in an environment that treats you like a young adult while still following a structured and organised routine, enables students to put the disappointment behind them and become increasingly independent as they manage themselves and their learning. “Last year was an exceptionally difficult one for the Class of 2020, and for those whose results are not yet in a space which allows them to pursue their vision, our message is clear. If you take a little extra time now to invest in starting from a solid foundation, this temporary hurdle will soon be forgotten, as you embark on the path that you intended a few months down the line.”’

February 19, 2021

Book your school for a tour at Sugar Bay in 2021

Sugar Bay is the number one holiday destination for children and teens in South Africa. Based on the American Summer Camp model, Sugar Bay stands out head and shoulders above every other South African camp. Our school tours are tailor-made to balance educational study and fun activities, ensuring that learning is done in an interesting and memorable way. Send us your curriculum and our team of creative and academic managers will tailor-make a program just for your school. “From the time we arrived until the time we left, I noticed that this place has such great customer service, we were well taken care of and the staff were really friendly and helpful. Our accommodation was brilliant and it’s been good from when we got here. We would recommend Sugar bay to every school, because it really helped with the kids bonding and getting to know each other”. – Crawford College, Sandton We have luxurious accommodation for both teachers and students. We can cater for up to 200 learners. Teachers stay in their own luxurious 3-star teacher lodge, separate from the students, complete with mini bar, DStv and heated pool. Teachers can chill out on their own private deck, take a stroll on the beach, cruise on the lagoon or join in on the fun camp activities while our professional staff takes care of everything. Students are treated not only to all the great activities we have to offer, but to luxury en-suite stilted log cabins nestled in the tree tops. Our camp counselors are specifically trained and experienced in the growth and developmental needs of the different age groups, as well as Emergency First Aid & CPR. We also have our own qualified lifeguards who accompany the children to the beach, lagoon, and swimming pool. Their first priority is the care, supervision and happiness of every child; and they form an integral part of the Sugar Bay experience. They are also actively involved in teaching activities and ensuring that every child is helped and encouraged to reach their full potential, whatever their capability level. Our 1:5 staff to child ratio is the highest in the country, and 24-hour supervision ensures that the campers are kept extra safe while having the time of their lives. There is something for everyone at Sugar Bay. Our broad selection of activities caters to all interests, hobbies, and current trends. With a full range of the latest equipment and experienced instructors, the choices are continually being innovated. Children may choose to learn anything from stand-up paddle boarding to BMXing, or skateboarding to crafts. Sugar Bay is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences of any young student’s life. Children will discover and transform themselves in a safe and fun-filled environment. They will always take something home with them: a new hobby, a new skill, and memories that will stay with them forever. Sugar Bay’s extensive range of over 100 activities makes us the number one choice for Africa’s top schools. Free choice of these activities encourage children to be independent, exercise their decision-making skills, and reach their highest level of potential, whatever their level of ability. “The American International School of Johannesburg has been bringing students to Sugar Bay Camp in Zinkwazi Beach, KZN for our annual Classroom Without Walls (CWW) week for over a dozen years. I have been the organiser on the school’s end for the past 8 years. From the start Sugar Bay has always been the highlight of the grade eights’ year. A greatly anticipated event that marks the closing of their final middle school year. In a phrase, Sugar Bay Camp is a fantastic educational opportunity that I would unconditionally recommend for kids of all ages”. – American International School Johannesburg Some schools that have attended school tours at Sugar Bay: Crawford Schools, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, American International School of Cape Town and Johannesburg, Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg, Ashton International College, Cornwall Hill College, Laerskool Constantia Park, Durban Girls High, Cambridge Academy, Redhill School and SAHETI School. We would love to host your school at Sugar Bay. Please contact us for more information or to book your next school tour: 032 485 3778 | [email protected] | Visit www.sugarbay.co.za for more information.

February 18, 2021

VIDEO COMMUNICATION CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO OF TEACHING 

Video communication is now more than ever challenging the status quo of teaching. The value of eLearning or video communication is being recognized by more and more organizations since it can produce significant results, including improved performance and productivity by learners. Using video conferencing for education has made classrooms walls invisible, allowing students to have the entire world as their learning resource.

February 17, 2021

Teen Suicide Prevention during COVID19 – Talk, Listen & Connect

Teen Suicide Prevention Week (14 – 21 February 2021) highlights awareness especially around teen Depression. As the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened across the globe and increased stressors for many, the mental health of children and teens has been affected to a large extent. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 – 19 year olds (WHO, 2020). The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is focusing on creating awareness for Teen Depression and Suicide, as South African teens are at a particularly high risk as the mental health impact of COVID-19 has been immense. South African teens (OUTare especially at riskas they) navigate a new world of online learning or delayed learning, social isolation, loss, grief and trauma, with increased anxiety and depression. Psychiatrist and SADAG Board Chairperson, Dr Frans Korb, says “There is a myth that depression or suicide doesn’t affect teens or children, in fact it is very real and affects more young people than we know, with teens being a particular high risk for suicide. Depression is the leading cause of suicide, it doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic background.” SADAG has seen an increase in the number of calls to the Suicide Helplines, and we encourage parents, teachers and family members to know the warning signs of depression and to reach out for help as soon as possible. Now more than ever, parents need to connect and engage with their children – ask questions, listen carefully to understand, get to know what is happening in their teens lives and what they are feeling and thinking,connecting to help if you pick up any warning signs for depression or suicide before it is too late – it could save a life. There is still a lot of stigma and fear around suicide, and many parents and teachers are afraid that if they talk about suicide to teens that it would cause them to take their life. SADAG’s Operations Director, Cassey Chambers explains, “Research shows that talking about suicide with a young person DOES NOT cause them to have thoughts of suicide or kill themselves. But NOT talking about it can lead to thoughts of suicide turning into action. Talking about suicide and depression create an opportunity to discuss feelings and thoughts that might have otherwise remain hidden. Most teens who are thinking about suicide are often honest and relieved when asked direct questions about their suicide thoughts or feelings.” But informing and empowering parents and teachers on how to have these conversations with teens is the first step to preventing teen suicide. SADAG will be hosting 2 free online CONNECT Webinars – one for Teachers (24 February, 3:30pm) and for Parents (25 February, 1pm) with experts to unpack how to identify warning signs of teen depression and suicide at home and in the classroom, self-help tips to deal with depression, how to talk about suicide with a teen, developing a suicide safety plan, and how to connect to help. Visit www.sadag.org for more details about these free Connect Webinars and RSVP for your free seat today. Miss SA will be using her Instagram platform to focus on Teen Depression for #MindfulMondays on Monday the 15th February at 7pm. SADAG will also be hosting an online #FacebookFriday expert Q&A on Friday the 19th February at 1pm-2pm and again at 7pm-8pm answering all your questions on teen depression, suicide prevention and how to get help LIVE on @TheSADAG. “Even if you notice 1 warning sign, don’t wait or leave it. Talk today, listen and connect to help – it could save a life,” says SADAG’s, Cassey Chambers. Possible Warning Signs of suicide include: Talking about suicide or death – could be writing or drawing about death and dying, or posting pictures, quotes, or messages on social media Writing or sending goodbye letters or messages or posting goodbye messages on social media Saying things like “Everyone would be better off if I was dead” or “I wish I wasn’t here anymore” or “I don’t want to be here anymore” Giving away prized possessions Signs of depression such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal, drastic change in their appetite and sleep, and loss of interest in usual activities Increased alcohol and/or other drug use Behavioural changes and taking excessive risks SADAG runs the country’s only Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567) which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, sms 31393 and a counsellor will call back or you can visit the online toolkit for teen suicide prevention on www.sadag.org. There is always help!

February 16, 2021

Opportune time to prioritise online learning as primary method of education in South Africa

Distance Educator, Brainline, says the postponement of the reopening of schools should signify the importance to prioritise online learning as the primary method of learning in the country. This follows an announcement by the Basic Education Department that schools will now only open on 15 February, two weeks later than the initial opening date due to fears over the rising Covid-19 infections in the country. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje, says thousands of learners may suffer an academic set back due to a loss of precious educational time. ‘Hundreds of thousands of learners were affected by the long school closures last year. The fact that the reopening of schools has been pushed back another two weeks again translates into valuable academic time being lost. It is important that the Department of Basic Education and relevant stakeholders urgently look at ways to minimize the impact of the current status quo, starting with setting up reliable e-learning platforms,’ she says. Cronje has welcomed suggestions that the Department is looking at opening online schools to reduce pressure on school admissions. Earlier this week Gauteng’s Director-General of Education, Mathanzima Mweli, said the department was working with provinces and private education providers to come up with regulations and policies that they can follow to open online public schools. Cronje says now is the opportune time for basic education authorities to look at restructuring the current traditional school system by phasing in e-learning elements. ‘South Africans are familiar with a more traditional classroom set-up but now is the time to evolve. E-learning and also mobile learning should be viewed as an additional learning resource that can assist in accessing learning tools. President Cyril Ramaphosa in a recent State of the Nation Address said that government wanted to provide learners with a tablet to access e-learning platforms. He also indicated that government was working with network operators to reduce the cost of data. This drive should be on government’s radar more than ever before.’ However, Cronje admits that the quality of e-learning will be dependent on the learner’s access. She says it is expected that online learning and even home education will see another growth spike in the year to come. ‘Home education in South Africa has experienced significant growth over the last few years. At the end of 2018, there were an estimated 100,000 home education learners in the country. Several factors have driven the growth of home education as an alternative option, ranging from increasingly sophisticated distance e-learning technology to an ever-growing network of tutors. Because it’s based on individual needs, home education can provide a safe space for children who may have found the traditional schooling environment challenging. Nowadays it is also a safe and secure environment for parents amid fears of Covid-19,’ says Cronje. As a fully functional online school, Brainline has not been affected by the 2020 school closures and virtual classes will resume on 25 January as planned. Cronje says Brainline is also accommodating learners who were affected by reduced curriculums in 2020. ‘Due to the school closures, many schools had decided to reduce their curriculum, therefore resulting in some students not having completed important aspects of the work. We have consequently decided to offer online catch-up classes for our senior learners to ensure they are up to date with the work and that they can join the rest of their peers when classes start on the 25th.’ Brainline is IEB recognised. Learners who are enrolled with us to complete their final examinations and who fulfil the requirements for this qualification will receive their National Senior Certificate (NSC), as issued by Umalusi.

February 9, 2021

What to do when your teen wants to start dating

The prospect of your child wanting to date is a little unnerving – what if they get hurt, are manipulated, get in over their head, or have their heart broken? Yet as uncomfortable or scary as it may feel, dating is a normal, healthy, and necessary part of any young adult’s emotional development. In fact, romantic relationships are a major developmental milestone. Too young to start dating? While some teens will want to start dating early, others will have no interest in romantic relationships until their late teens. Both scenarios are perfectly normal and healthy. Experts agree that there isn’t a ‘right age’ to start having relationships – every teen is different, and every family will have different views and beliefs about dating. On average, however: Children might start to show more independence from family and more interest in friends between the ages of nine and eleven years. From ten to fourteen years, they might want to spend more time in mixed-gender groups. They might meet up with someone special among friends, and then gradually spend more time with that person alone. Romantic relationships can become central to social life between the ages of fifteen and nineteen. Read more: The history of Valentine’s Day Having the Talk It is important to talk to your teen about various dating topics, including personal values, expectations, and peer pressure. While these conversations may initially revolve around treating other people with kindness and respect, it may also raise issues about sex and intimacy. When it does, be open with your teen about your beliefs around sexual activity and, in turn, listen to theirs. Give your teen permission to express their views, ask questions, define what feels safe and comfortable for them in terms of dating. If your child knows that you are there to listen without judging, they are more likely to come to you with questions and concerns down the road. Rules of engagement Your job is to keep your teen safe while helping them build the skills they need to navigate healthy relationships. Here are some suggested rules you might want to establish for your child once they start dating: Get to know anyone your teen wants to date. Make it clear you need to know the details of who your teen will be with, where they will be going, and who will be there. Set a clear curfew. If your teen is going to a date’s home, find out who will be there. Have a conversation with the date’s parents to talk about their rules and your expectations. Discuss the dangers of technology. Many teens talk online, which can create a false sense of intimacy. Remind them that people they have chatted with but have never met are strangers. Teens are also often tempted to comply with a date’s request to send nude photos. Warn them of the consequences – they can end up hurt, shamed, and embarrassed. Read more: Practical tips on how to keep your kids safe online While it is essential to set clear rules once your teen starts dating, aim to offer your child at least a little bit of privacy. Here you will need to consider your values, your teen’s maturity level and the specific situation (as well as your instincts). Dealing with break-ups Dating helps teens build vital life skills – independence, communication, caring, selflessness, and intimacy – and promotes emotional growth. Just like starting any new phase of life, dating can be both exciting and scary! Teens will need to put themselves out there by expressing romantic interest in someone else, risking rejection, and figuring out what exactly dating means. They often have unrealistic expectations – reality can never match the relationships in movies or books – which means that they can easily become disillusioned. Of course, break-ups and broken hearts are part of teenage relationships. However, this too is essential to their development, particularly in terms of learning how to cope with difficult decisions and disappointments. Whether your teen suffers heartbreak or inflicts it, they might need a shoulder to cry on and a willing ear. Also read: How to help a child manage depression Providing guidance As with any other relationship, romantic relationships can bring many emotional ups and downs for your child. Keep in mind that your input and reaction as parent during this stage can have a lasting impact on their future relationships (romantic and otherwise), their lifestyle choices, and the adult they eventually become. Remember, the more open and supportive you are, the better. After all, if something does go wrong, you will want your child to know that you love them, no matter what. By Danielle Barfoot

February 5, 2021

Home Education is a valid and trusted alternative for your child’s education, through Brainline

Many leaners are being swallowed by the current school system. They are suffering due to the pressures of a full workload and failure to receive sufficient individual attention, resulting in them not being able to reach their full potential. There is also a lot of pressure on learners to take part and excel in extracurricular activities, of which the options may be limited to the offerings by the school. . At the same time, parents are confronted with the constant fear over the safety of their child in a school environment and the possibility of bullying.

February 4, 2021

Let your child Fly… through stories

Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has been bringing a special story to children to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) for the past eight years. In the first year (2013), the campaign reached 13 000 children and in 2021, the goal is to read aloud to 3 million children in a single day. Nal’ibali celebrates WRAD on Wednesday 3 February in 2021, to draw attention to the importance of reading aloud to children in their mother tongue. The NGO commissions a brand-new story – best suited for reading aloud to primary school children – and translates it into all 11 official SA languages. This is an ongoing campaign to urge parents, teachers and caregivers to read aloud to the children in their lives. The announcement that schools will be opening two weeks later than anticipated means that learners will lose more schooling days in 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic meant learners lost valuable schooling time in 2020, and the importance of reading has become even more relevant, especially for primary school children. The 2021 story and author This year’s story is Fly, everyone fly! by Sihle Nontshokweni, the best-selling children’s author of Wanda (published in 2019). She says sharing stories with children can help them become resilient and brave in real-world situations. ‘The beauty of stories is their immersive nature, they allow children to enter a world in which they believe. In that sacred world, they can find the language and tools they need to deal with the pressures of the external world.’ Nontshokweni will be giving a special reading of the story, live on Nal’ibali’s Facebook page (@nalibaliSA) at 1.00 pm on the day. Caregivers and their children are invited to join the digital read-aloud not only to hear the story, but to engage with the author and each other too. Another champion of reading, Christina Nomdo, the Western Cape Children’s Commissioner, will also be giving a virtual reading of the story on the campaign’s page. The commissioner will be specifically highlighting the power of stories to set children up for success in school and life. The power of stories, at home, at school and in the community Reading underpins all school learning and children who read regularly perform better in the classroom, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances. Stories can be shared anytime, anywhere so, wherever children and caregivers find themselves on Wednesday, 3 February, Nal’ibali is encouraging them to start or maintain a reading routine. This simple habit can be an invaluable investment in their futures. Reading to babies and 3-6-year olds Many caregivers do not realise the benefit of reading and sharing stories with children this young, but it is the children who were read to when they were very little who perform better in school, as they will have better developed their memories, vocabularies and comprehension skills. Typically, Nal’ibali’s WRAD drive focuses on primary school children but this year, following the recent crisis in the early childhood development (ECD) sector, the Centre for Early Childhood Development and PRAESA (the Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa) have come on board to help open up the day to preschool children and their caregivers as well. “2020 saw the extended closure of ECDs during the national lockdown. The result of this is that many of these facilities have had to permanently shut their doors, leaving scores of young children bereft of early learning opportunities, meals and safety,” explains Eric Atmore, Director of the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Extraordinary Associate Professor in the Education Policy Studies Department at Stellenbosch University. To help ensure these children are also able to benefit from the simple power of stories and join in the nationwide celebration, PRAESA has developed a short guide for caregivers on how to share Nal’ibali’s official WRAD story with children aged 3-6. The guide is available to download from the campaign’s website in seven official languages. Nal’ibali is therefore inviting caregivers everywhere to read its story aloud to children of all ages, whether they find themselves at home, in the classroom or in the community. Members of the public wishing to get involved can visit www.nalibali.org or WhatsApp ‘WRAD’ to 060 044 2254 to make their pledge and gain free access the official story and PRAESA’s guide to sharing the story with preschool children. They are also encouraged to share pictures of their read-aloud sessions online using the hashtag #MyWRAD2021.

February 2, 2021

Waiting for matric results: focus on what you CAN control

As South Africa entered the new year, it quickly became clear that 2021 would not represent a return to the normal we knew before the pandemic, and that the country, like the rest of the world, would continue living with ongoing uncertainties for at least the near future. Following arguably the most tumultuous year a Matric class had to face in recent history, the Matric Class of 2020 now await their results, with many still not having a clear idea about what their future in general, or this year in particular will hold. “The one thing that these Matrics can do now, is to focus on those things that are within their control, rather than take a wait and see approach,” says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. He says there are still many unknowns about the coming year, and the only constant one can bargain on during these times is change. “However, waiting things out until normal returns one day is not an option. The world continues despite the challenges we continue to face, and there are things you can do to continue on your personal and professional journey to ensure you are not left behind,” he says. Kriel says one of the most important things 2020’s Matrics can do in the coming weeks, until results are released on February 23 (as currently scheduled) is to review their plans for the year and ensure that they will be able to continue on their chosen path regardless of any new and unforeseen circumstances that may arise to throw a spanner in the works. “So, if you have signed up to study somewhere, you can use these coming weeks to make sure that your institution will be able to continue seamlessly in the event of, for instance, another hard lockdown. The way to determine this is to ask an institution about their readiness and ability to quickly adapt their offering to a hybrid or online model,” he says. “Additionally, you should not just take an institution’s word for it, but also speak to students who experienced last year’s response. You need to ask questions to determine whether students last year were able to continue their learning journey seamlessly, whether they got the support they needed to do so effectively, and whether the learning was adapted in such a way that they continued to be engaged,” says Kriel. Kriel says that on-campus education is the preferred and most effective way to learn for many young people and it has strong advantages in terms of outcomes. So, if you want the campus experience don’t give up on that aim now – look for an in-contact institution that can move between online and face-to-face as circumstances change. For some students, distance education is a great alternative, but it is not right for everyone – it is a mistake to think that in current times it is a direct swop for contact. If contact is what you want, make sure your institution can move between the two so you can have the benefit of contact with lecturers and classmates in person when the pandemic allows. Kriel adds that those Matrics from the Class of 2020 who have not yet decided on their plans for the year, and are waiting for results before making a move, should seriously consider approaching an institution to talk through their options rather than leaving it too late. “Our world has changed forever and is becoming more and more competitive all the time, with technology constantly developing and giving rise to new and exciting career paths. Instead of waiting for your results and attempting to get clarity thereafter, use this time to contact respected registered and accredited institutions that have shown themselves to be up to the task during 2020, and speak to a student advisor about your options.” It also makes sense to ensure that your computer skills – including old-fashioned typing skills – are up to the task ahead of you. Anything you can do to make the transition easier will be very worth it in the long run, he says. “There is much that is outside all of our control right now. But there is still much that is within our control, and by focusing on what they can make happen instead of the many uncertainties that prevail, the Class of 2020 can continue to build on the resilience they displayed last year, and ensure the best possible outcomes for themselves in the face of any new or existing challenges we will face in the future.”

February 1, 2021

How to register your child for home schooling 

Home Education Provider, Brainline, has reassured parents who are considering home schooling as an option not to be deterred by the process of registering for home education. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje, says the process is not as daunting as it might seem. ‘Many parents who would like to opt for home education or e-learning are deterred by the notion of having to apply for exemption to have their children home schooled. This is, however, not such a complicated process. Parents who would like to home school their children only need to apply to the head of the Provincial Education Department,’ she says. The application can be made electronically, and parents need to submit the following documentation: Parent/s certified ID copy In case of foreign nationals certified copies of passport /study permit/work permit/Asylum document is required Last copy of school report (if the child was in school before, but if the child is only starting school now you must attach an immunisation card) Weekly timetable which includes contact time per day Breakdown of terms per year (196 days per year) Learning programme Certified copy of child’s birth certificate ‘The application process might take up to 30 days to be processed but learners are allowed to continue home schooling during this period. There is also no cost involved in registering your child,’ Cronje explains. Cronje says to home school learners parents need to ensure that they adhere to a number of requirements including that the lessons offered to the learners fall within the scope of the compulsory phases of education. (https://www.education.gov.za/Programmes/HomeEducation.aspx) ‘This is the foundation phase for Grade 1-3, the intermediate phase for Gr4-6 or the senior phase for Gr7-9. There is also a list of records that the parents need to keep as portfolio of evidence which include amongst others, record of attendance, portfolio of work, portfolio of the educational support given to the child, evidence of the continuous assessment of the child’s work, evidence of the assessment and or examination at the end of each year, and evidence at the end of Grade 3,6 and 9, that shows whether your child has achieved the outcomes for these grades.’ Cronje says when learners enrol with home education providers such as Brainline, these requirements are already adhered to within the annual curriculum. Brainline is IEB recognised, which means that learners follow the South African National Curriculum (similar to the curriculum offered in South African schools) resulting in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) upon successful completion of their matric exams.

January 27, 2021

SACAP’S HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS HELPS BRIDGE PANDEMIC DISRUPTION

As we move into the second year of life upended by the global pandemic, SA’s school leavers are weighing their limited options. While some will forge onto their chosen tertiary education path, others may be set back by not achieving a bachelor’s pass or be uncertain about what they want to study. Travelling and gaining world experience before you make up your mind is off the cards for the time being, and probably for most of 2021. The challenge for these school leavers is how to make the best of these tough circumstances. There’s currently an increasing focus on short programmes offered by tertiary institutions. The best of these are typically one-year programmes offering an accredited Higher Certificate qualification that can improve a student’s readiness for tertiary education, make up for a Matric without a bachelor’s pass and enhance critical skills for success not only in their studies to come, but in their future work lives. Dr Jaclyn Lotter, SACAP’s (The South African College of Applied Psychology) Academic Dean, points out that parents and young people are anxious that 2021 ‘doesn’t go to waste’ as the education sector continues to grapple with how to master continuity during the pandemic. “After the disruptions of last year, which certainly did result in some SA school leavers underperforming, through no fault of their own, there’s a strong urge to move forward this year and overcome the disadvantage of the pandemic,” she says. “There will be close scrutiny of options such as Higher Certificate programmes to not just keep students busy, but to ensure that they have a meaningful education experience that helps them leapfrog over the pandemic years.” In line with its focus on Social Sciences education, SACAP offers a popular Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills. The one-year, nine-module programme, which is available online or on-campus (subject to COVID-19 restrictions), offers practical, work-related skills training set in an Applied Psychology framework that is relevant to students anticipating careers across all sectors. While it’s a notable gateway into the Social Sciences field, the application of interpersonal skills is equally critical in business, academia, education, medical, tech, science, government and non-government fields. As Dr Lotter puts it: “There isn’t an industry in which having a better understanding of human behaviour or the ability to communicate more effectively with others isn’t useful.” Is the Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills right for you? If you passed matric without exemption in 2021 You may have set your heart on studying for a degree but matric didn’t turn out how you hoped it would. You’re not alone. The pandemic wreaked havoc on the education system last year, and the Matrics faced the toughest challenges of any generation since World War 2. “Graduating from SACAP’s Higher Certificate this year can not only help you get back on track, but set you off with some important advantages,” says Dr Lotter. “You will not only meet the minimum entrance requirements for degree studies around the country, but you will lay the foundations for good academic literacy, setting you up for success in your further studies. You will also gain critical skills if you rather decide to enter the workforce in 2022. If you don’t feel sure you will be able to succeed at university Many school leavers might not feel confident with their ability to cope at a university level given the very disruptive matric year they experienced. Engaging in the Higher Certificate will give you this year to build confidence and empower you to continue your journey into higher education. If you wanted a gap year and really don’t want to start long-term tertiary studies instead Dreams of a gap year, especially for those who planned on travelling for self-exploration, are very compelling and hard to let go. It’s not easy to just set this aside and dive into tertiary education when you believe you need time and experience before committing to a study/career path. “The Higher Certificate is a one-year programme that introduces students to psychology and the Social Sciences,” says Dr Lotter. “It gives students a taste for the field of study without a long-term commitment and provides them with a registered qualification and practical skills at the end. Along with SACAP’s student-centred approach, it is also a voyage of self-discovery enabling greater awareness and understanding in relation to others as well as a deeper relationship with self”. If you’re interested in Social Sciences but not ready for degree studies The Higher Certificate is a gateway to further studies in Social Sciences, and some credits can even be carried over to SACAP’s Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences degrees when majoring in Psychology and Counselling, Business Management or Human Resource Management. If you need to improve your communications and interactions with others “The Higher Certificate is a great qualification for anyone who wants to develop their communication skills and improve their ability to interact and work with others,” says Dr Lotter. “There are key features of this qualification that offer invaluable knowledge and insight to graduates, including communication skills, counselling skills, academic literacy , as well as insight into human behaviour and better understanding of human diversity. Together these areas of focus lay the foundation for better understanding and insight into how people think and behave on an individual level as well as within society at large. The Higher Certificate develops relevant, useful and practical skills that are both transferrable and invaluable for a graduate’s personal and working life, as well as future studies they may choose to pursue.” Webinar: What you can do with a Higher Certificate Pass Not getting a matric exemption may be disappointing, but it is definitely not the end of the road. Join Dr Jaclyn Lotter, Claire Chester and Praneetha Jugdeo in a live webinar where they will discuss the many advantages that SACAP’s Higher Certificate in Counselling and Communication Skills has to offer matrics. This vocational programme is an excellent bridge to wherever students want to go next. It

January 22, 2021

Coping with stress while waiting for your matric exam results

You’ve written your final paper and now the long wait for the results begins. This is true for thousands of learners, especially the Class of 2020 who have finished their final exams on 15 December. Whilst most matriculates are celebrating the end of more than a decade of studying, others are nervous, anxious or afraid whilst waiting in anticipation for their final Matric Results to be released in January. Home Education Provider, Brainline, says many students struggle with the idea of disappointing their family and friends. ‘At this point you have done everything possible to ensure success; all the late night study sessions, extra classes and missed social events have to be worth the sacrifice. However, there’s about a month to get through before you know whether you’ve made the grade and those weeks can be even more stressful than the entire year that preceded it,’ says Liezel Bruwer, Brainline Mentor Bruwer says the build-up to the results can prove too much for many. ‘So many matriculants are worried about low results, a missed distinction or not getting enough points to further their studies. Newspapers are gearing up to publish all the matric results nationwide and all eyes are on the matrics, which makes the process very overwhelming and creates a lot of anticipation waiting for the dreaded unknown results,’ Bruwer explains. Bruwer has a number of tips for both students and parents during these coming weeks leading up to receiving the final results: For students: Over the next few weeks, try to occupy your time by catching up on lost sleep, exercise, eat well, take up a new hobby or a holiday job, get ready for the festive season, have fun and think about your future options. Remember that success looks different for everyone. It does not need to mean all ‘A’s’. If you are working towards a goal for yourself, you are on the right path. Talk about your fears and feelings with your parents or trusted advisor. The most important thing is to remain calm. Once you have received your report, take a deep breath, and don’t let a bad grade or two hold you back. If you did not receive the report you wanted, it may feel like the end of the world, however, it is important to remember that some of the world’s most successful people experienced setbacks. For parents: There are many ways to cope after receiving the results, parents need to be there for their children before and after exam result. Offer support and make an effort to show them that it is not the end and that there is so much that can be done after a bad result, missed distinction or points too low for University exemption. As a parent, one needs to validate a child on the importance of trying again, or striving to do better. We can only learn from our downfalls. Stay calm Plan the discussion Sit down together as a family, without distractions. Let your child share their thoughts, comments and worries Help to rephrase complaints and end up with more positive outlook ‘It is also important that student and parent work together to set goals, identify areas to focus on and to track future progress. Learners must also know that failing matric isn’t the end of the road. They can apply for remarking, write supplementary exams or redo matric via a college,’ Bruwer says.

January 13, 2021

Raising Kids With 21st Century Skills

Going to camp is more than just an adventure away from home. Camp is an investment in your child’s character, personal growth, skill sets, and future. In our time of rapid development of artificial intelligence and a booming digital world, it has become of utmost importance to teach and implement 21st-century skills in our children. The outcome of putting 21st-century skills into practice results in key competencies that are preparation for workforce training programs, careers, and socializing, just to name a few. With the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, our next generation is will be well equipped for the new age of flying cars. When children come to Sugar Bay, we want them to leave with a greater sense of personal efficiency, a broader outlook on life, and skills to succeed in the world. Here are some of the 21st-century skills we practice at Sugar Bay. Critical thinking Creativity Communication Social skills Flexibility Productivity Accountability With these skills, kids should be conditioned to constant learning and approach life as self-sufficient human beings. Let’s take a look at the benefits of practicing some of our 21st-century skills. Relating to others Children need to grow into social beings. When they relate to others, they have the capacity to form and maintain relationships resulting in them building a foundation of how they function in society. It is a key component in being mentally healthy and having a positive sense of wellbeing. As the old adage goes: the quality of your relationships determines the quality of your life. Flexibility The world is capable of changing at a moment’s notice, more so in different careers and industries. Proving that flexibility is important as nothing is guaranteed. Children need to gradually learn how to maneuver through the change that will be constant throughout their lives. Or know how to react to it at the very least. With this skill, your child will have adaptive qualities they need to keep up in the ever-changing world. Critical thinking This skill empowers children to see different concepts in a different light, leading to innovation and growth. From their academia to baking a birthday cake, critical thinking is essential to improvement. It’s the mechanism that weeds out problems and finds solutions, assisting kids to ‘figure things out for themselves’ without a teacher or parent. What 21st-century skill is your child developing? Visit our website to view our upcoming themed holiday camps. Wondering what our holiday camps are all about? Visit our YouTube channel to view our playlists that feature all our highlights.

January 5, 2021

Considering a gap year? Here’s a quick guide on what you need to know

The popularity of gap year programs has been on a steady rise in South Africa, and it’s not only popular with graduates any longer, but professionals are also leveraging the power of these ‘sabbaticals’ as well. Whether you’re planning on taking on an Au Pair job in the UK or a TEFL program in Asia, the opportunities for living and working abroad are virtually endless. In this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at the benefits of taking a gap year, the disadvantages that may come from taking a year off, and finally, discuss what you should be focusing on during your gap year experience. What are the benefits of taking a gap year? According to the American Gap Association, taking a gap year can be beneficial to your career. When you take some time off to re-centre yourself, you’re better able to concentrate on your interests and hobbies, which also helps boost that inspirational mindset you’ll need to develop your career in the long run. Because you’re not just loafing around – but actually working – during your gap year, you’ll get to add some valuable experience to your CV, which might boost your chances of getting employed once you get back home. According to US Gap’s data and statistics, students that take a gap year before they enter the workforce gain a lot of valuable life experience, something which their non-gap counterparts might not have. Since they spend most of their time travelling during their gap year, students tend to mature much faster, find their independence, and learn responsibility much sooner in life when compared to students that enter the workforce straight after graduating. If you’re considering the idea of taking a gap year, you’ll probably find that you’ll be developing new skills at a fast-paced rate since you’ll be challenged on a daily basis while working and living abroad. Not only does a gap year provide you with the opportunity to meet new friends, but it also helps connect you with others, boosting your networking skills. What are the drawbacks of taking a gap year? Obviously, one of the first and most noteworthy disadvantages of gap years is that they are often accompanied by homesickness. Missing your loved ones back home is one of the most significant drawbacks of the gap year experience, and for some, taking a full year off from their studies or their careers can seem like yet another massive risk. Gap years aren’t exactly the best option for individuals that prefer more structured routines. What to do with your gap year? A lot of students (and professionals) that consider gap years aren’t sure about where they need to start looking for gap year jobs. The good news is that there are plenty of great opportunities out there; you just need to find one that meets your personal needs and interests. You could try teaching English in Asia, or perhaps the idea of becoming an Au Pair in Italy or America sounds more appealing to you. Maybe you’re a world traveller who prefers the finer things in life, in which case a job onboard a luxury yacht might be your ideal fit. Australia is where you should be looking to find a job if you feel up for the challenge of an agricultural career, but if the Outback isn’t your ideal scene; you might also want to consider the USA or New Zealand for farming jobs. Are you considering the idea of going into the hospitality industry after your gap year? Why not take up a gap-year job in the USA or Mauritius, which are well-known for their impeccable offerings across their hospitality sectors. This post should have cleared up any fog that might have been clouding your mind as far as gap years go. Now that you know the basics of taking a gap year, all that’s left for you to do is to find an opportunity that matches your preferences and then, it’s time to embark on a working holiday you’ll never forget!

December 23, 2020

Plunge into the adventure of a lifetime!

Is your child finished with school and not sure what is next? Don’t settle for traditional academics, take your child’s learning to the next level. Our programs are open to over 17-year-olds, high school graduates, gap year students, university students and graduates, or anyone taking a breather between careers. Men and women. No prior experience necessary. No fitness level necessary. Under the guidance of professional mentors, your child will gain a new perspective on life and learn how to create a future filled with excitement, adventure and purpose. Our programs include several internationally recognised certifications. Some of the certifications we offer: EFR First Aid Qualification, Surf Lifesaving Qualification, SAMSA Skipper Qualification and PADI Scuba Qualification. It’s going to cover all the stuff you wish you were taught in school but never were. Visit www.sugarbay.world for more information. Are you confident in towing a skier? Could you install your own washing machine? Have you ever welded a braai stand? Repaired your own surfboard? Or wired a light fitting? More than 95% of people contract other people to do these tasks. Our 11 month Gap Year Odyssey program and 3-month MasterClass program will teach you all these skills and hundreds more through hands-on workshops. These essential skills will be invaluable for the rest of your life. You will be left with confidence in your ability to make a plan and not have to rely on someone else. Join us for one of the following programs starting January 2021: Gap Year Odyssey – 11 Months Expand your career development through hands-on experience in a range of different fields, all in one practical program. The Gap Year Odyssey is our flagship program and runs for 11 months. The program incorporates the foundation training from the MasterClass adding a wealth of additional information and practical experience. Get Fit. Get Sweaty. Be Challenged. Work hard. Play harder. This wilderness year will be like no other. Leave the academy with certifications, networking contacts, and a better idea as to what you want to do in life. Exclusively to the Gap Year Odyssey program, you will receive R10 000 seed capital after completion of the course to help you kickstart your career. During term breaks, you will have the option to earn money working as a counselor at Sugar Bay. You are also free to use these off times to travel and explore the beautiful and culturally rich South Africa. The shorter MasterClass can be extended into the Gap Year Odyssey program for an in-depth and enriching global gap year. Some of the certifications we offer: EFR First Aid Qualification, Surf Lifesaving Qualification, SAMSA Skipper Qualification and PADI Scuba Qualification. MasterClass – 3 Months A condensed version of our flagship program, Gap Year Odessey. Expand your career development through hands-on experience in a range of different fields, all in one practical program. Under the guidance of professional mentors, you will gain a new perspective on life and learn how to create a future filled with excitement, adventure, and purpose. This course serves as a solid platform for future success, both personally and professionally. Travel, explore, and go on the ultimate adventure. It is freeing and exhilarating, and at the end of your journey, your most important discoveries may be about yourself and how to interact with the world around you. Indigo Warrior Course – 1 Week The Indigo Warrior Course (previously known as our CIT course) is a unique certification program specifically designed for teenagers who want to spend one-week learning new life skills and challenging themselves. They need to be mentally mature, physically capable and personally committed to completing the 7-day course and examinations. This is a one-week course that is currently scheduled to run four times a year, one per holiday season. If the participant shows exceptional promise during the Indigo Warrior Course they may be invited to attend the Counselor Teacher Training Course in that subsequent week. Visit www.sugarbay.worldor email us [email protected] for more information.

December 15, 2020

GIVE THE GIFT OF STORIES THIS FESTIVE SEASON WITH NAL’IBALI

“Reading and sharing stories with children is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them. Not only does it help to develop children’s literacy skills, but it also fires up those parts of the brain concerned with imagination, emotion and movement. Ultimately, it helps to create the neural circuits that enable sophisticated thinking and reasoning, helping children to do well at school.” – Yandiswa Xhakaza, Nal’ibali CEO. This festive season, Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has teamed up with CNA stores to bring the much-loved children stories they are well-known for to the retail market in a limited-edition box set. This exciting set features four volumes, each containing five stories like Sisanda’s Gift by Gcina Mhlophe and The Farmer and his Family by Shasha Seakamela. It will be available in all 11 official languages of South Africa for the low price of R90,95 per set in select CNA stores from December. Nal’ibali believes in the power of stories to not only entertain but to stir up dreams and hope for children. Every child deserves the chance to have regular access to inspiring stories. When children are regularly exposed to great and well-told stories in languages they understand, they are motivated to learn to read and write themselves. And children who regularly read for pleasure perform better in the classroom, across all subjects, regardless of their socio-economic standing. Unfortunately, many children miss out on this opportunity to fall in love with books and reading. Inaccessibility, affordability and availability of books and stories are the key barriers. Nal’ibali strives to overcome these through the provision of free stories on wide-reaching platforms like radio and its popular bilingual newspaper supplement which it distributes to its network of reading club and literacy partners nationwide and the public through its partnership with popular newspapers. This partnership with CNA stores will enable Nal’ibali to continue providing access to free stories for fun reading, as all the proceeds from the purchases will go back into the organisation to create more much-needed multilingual children’s stories. “We are inviting caregivers to support us on this venture by giving the gift of stories this festive season, through purchasing the limited-edition box set. On the one hand, families will be able to enjoy affordable stories from well-sourced South African authors and illustrators. While at the same time children across the country will have the opportunity to access free stories through the money raised from the proceeds,” says Yandiswa Xhakaza, Nal’ibali CEO. For more information about the Nal’ibali campaign and its limited-edition book boxset, or to see a list of participating CNA stores, visit www.nalibali.org.

December 11, 2020

Tips for keeping kids’ skin healthy and happy this summer

For little ones, summer spells loads of fun outdoors, but it also means being exposed to the sun’s harmful rays and other negative factors that warmer weather welcomes. We’ve come up with a few ways you can keep your little humans safe and healthy this summer: Load up on child-friendly sunscreen Apply a child appropriate sunscreen generously all over his/her body and remember to re-apply every two hours as well as after hopping out of the pool. For babies younger than six months, you can dab a tiny bit onto exposed skin. Look for sunscreens with a UVA symbol on the packaging, like Nunuki Lello’s Protecting SPF30 Sunscreen that specially formulated for young skin and endorsed by CANSA. Get into the right gear Did you know that melanin (the pigment in our skin that gives us our unique colour and helps to protect us from the sun) only starts to develop in our skin from the age of six months? Wide-brim hats that shade the face and the back of their necks, swimsuits and light shirts with long sleeves, and long pants or leggings. Choose light cotton fabrics to avoid overheating and perspiration that could cause heat rashes. Keep the mozzies and miggies at bay The sun isn’t the only bad guy to worry about, as insects also come out to play more when the weather gets a little warmer. Apply a thick layer of insect repellent cream to your little one’s skin in the daytime, and more to exposed areas at bedtime. Maxi’s Mosquito & Bug Repellent from the Nunuki range has a special blend of citronella oil and lemongrass that will help keep mosquitoes and other bugs away, as well as avocado and grape seed oil for soft, moisturised skin. If your little one does get bitten, here are some remedies to reduce swelling and itching: Place a washcloth with ice blocks inside of it on the bite for 10-15 minutes. Apply used green tea bags from the fridge and dab it over the bite (coldness soothes, and green tea has natural healing effect on insect bites). Slice a lemon and rub on the affected area. Dissolve a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in water to make a paste and apply to affected areas (the alkaline neutralises the pH levels of the affected area and helps in relieving itchiness. Leave it on for 10-20 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water. Keep your little one’s skin healthy and bite-free by keeping these tips in mind as we head into the summer holidays. Find out more about the Nunuki range of skincare products specially designed for babies and children, which are all dermatologically tested and approved, CANSA endorsed, and Proudly South African, at www.nunuki.co.za.

December 7, 2020

goIT CHALLENGES SCHOOLS TO SOLVE WORLD PROBLEMS

South African learners, especially those attending under-resourced schools have precious little opportunity to engage with 21st Century tech learning. While their counterparts in many other countries are engaged with coding and robotics from primary school years, South Africa is still currently battling with launching a curriculum. In essence, this lack means that a generation of our children haven’t had the chance to develop the skills most needed by our changing 4IR world. However, learners from twelve schools in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces entered the country’s first goIT Challenge to come up with app ideas that could change the world for the better. A technology awareness programme of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the goIT Challenge has been designed to inspire the workforce of the future. Over more than a decade, the TCS goIT challenge has been rolled out in North and South America, Asia, Australia, the UK and Europe. Partnering with STEM education specialist, Sakhikamva Foundation, TCS brought the innovative 21st Century learning programme to South Africa. 393 learners, from nine high schools and three primary schools engaged in the programme which involved teams coming up with ideas for apps that can help solve real-life problems. Set in the context of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the learners, who are from disadvantaged communities, grappled with the question of how science and technology could help to solve challenges that have real impacts on their lives. The TCS goIT Challenge, ran from October into November, culminating in a virtual judging event which took place last week. The winning high school team was made up of Grade 9 – 11 learners from Goodwood College in Cape Town. The team of four took top honours with their app called ‘Tech-U-cation’, under the SDG theme of Quality Education. Their app provides free textbooks, mathematics tutorials and career advice for those not sure which paths they’d like to pursue after school. A team of four Grade 7 learners, from De Wavaren Primary in Ruyterwacht, won first place in the Primary School category, with their app called ‘Baunk It’. As part of the SDG theme of No Poverty, they created an app to help provide shelter to those in need, either who are about to be evicted from their homes or to assist the homeless. Anyone in need of a place to stay, can register on the app and Baunk It will provide shelter options, relevant to the user’s GPS location. Nikhil Dabhole, HR Head of TCS South Africa says, “As an IT service provider, the goIT Challenge is close to our hearts. It’s an opportunity for these schools, which traditionally have had few resources to build 4IR skills, to get their learners, educators, parents and their community at large involved in an exciting, relatable and relevant tech education programme. The goIT Challenge will strengthen their communities today, by empowering their own digital innovators of tomorrow.” Past goIT Challenges have resulted in the development of remarkable apps by students who see the challenges in their communities and grapple with how situations can be improved. Examples include a helping hands location app that connects vulnerable people such as seniors to young people who can help them with shopping and chores; and a sustainable living app that enables a community to buy and sell more responsibly, rating the carbon footprints, ethical production values and resource use of a wide range of products. This was an opportunity for South African learners to unleash their creativity and ingenuity in the country’s first TCS goIT Challenge. Twelve teams of learners got to present their app ideas to a team of judges, who choose the top three in each category.The challenge included four in-depth training sessions and ongoing mentoring, which led up to a shark-tank-style entrepreneurial pitch event which was held via ZOOM. As they progressed through the programme, learners developed prototypes of their ideas on paper and used the MIT App Inventor in a hands-on experience of how science, technology, engineering and mathematics intersect with our daily lives. Founder of Sakhikamva Foundation, Fatima Jakoet says, “Children and young people are all natural-born scientists, full of curiosity and problem-solving abilities. All they need is the chance; knowledge and resources to come up with world-changing solutions. We are delighted that TCS has brought the goIT Challenge to South Africa, and we are thrilled to partner with them to launch the first programme in the schools where we work with fantastic educators and principals dedicated to 4IR learning. If we want our South African communities to achieve the milestones of sustainable living, we must engage our school children now in the development goals, and let them be change agents while they are building their 21st Century skills.”

December 4, 2020

Start 2021 Smart with Smart Nutrition and a Great Education

Stand a chance to win a year’s worth of school fees FUTURELIFE®, in partnership with Pick n Pay Smart Shopper, are thrilled to launch their Start Smart Campaign, an opportunity for one lucky child to win a year worth of school fees for 2021. “FUTURELIFE® was built on the vision to improve the lives of South African families through Smart Nutrition, and this exciting initiative is merely an extension of that commitment so that we can help future leaders start smart,” says Mark Bunn, FUTURELIFE®’s Managing Director. He adds that education is key to unlocking future success, “Education empowers our youth with the knowledge, skills and values they need to build a better society, and it all starts with the foundation built during pre-, primary- and high-school. Much like Smart Nutrition, which also is fundamental for good health and development during the early years.” How Start Smart will work: 1. Buy any 2 FUTURELIFE® bread and/or FUTURELIFE® cereal bars at any Pick n Pay across South Africa between 16 November 2020 – 10 January 2021 and swipe your Smart Shopper card. 2. You will then automatically be entered into a draw to stand a chance to win school fees for your child in 2021. 3. Winner will be drawn within four weeks of the competition closure date and will be contacted directly. FUTURELIFE® has been using and leveraging the knowledge, expertise and experience, of a multi-disciplinary team of science and nutritional experts for over 13 years. This together with a proprietary manufacturing process, and a unique combination of essential nutrients and ingredients, in a specially formulated recipe, is of nutritionally superior smart food products. “Our vision all those years ago has made a real impact. We have witnessed how far a little can go and appreciate how even the smallest action can make a huge difference. So, purchase your two participating products today and help your child to start 2021 smart with Smart Nutrition and a great education!” Bunn concludes. Buy any two of the following participating products: Futurelife High Protein Low GI Brown Bread Futurelife High Protein Honey and Oats Bread Futurelife High Protein Ancient Grains Brown Bread Futurelife High Protein Bar 50 g Futurelife High Protein Lite Bar 40g Futurelife High Energy Bar 40g Futurelife High Protein Crunch Bar 40g Futurelife Granola Bar 40g Products are available from all leading Pick n Pay Retail Outlets. For more information on the Start Smart Campaign, please go to www.futurelife.co.za or https://www.pnp.co.za/campaign/win-with-futurelife

December 4, 2020

Three R’s to focus on during summer

(Almost) everyone is familiar with the three R’s of education: reading, ‘riting (writing), and ‘rithmetic (arithmetic). As an undoubtedly challenging year comes to an end; it’s time for home education parents to shift the focus to three different R’s – reflecting, reimagining, and relaxing. Reflect This year presented previously unimaginable challenges to families everywhere. Whether you are an experienced home educator or whether you chose homeschooling as a result of the pandemic, now is the time to reflect objectively on the 2020 academic year. Reflection allows you to contemplate the events of the past year to gain a new perspective on them. Thinking specifically about how you and your children managed homeschooling this year will allow you the advantage of becoming more strategic and intentional when preparing for 2021. If you plan to continue homeschooling your children next year, now is an excellent time to consider which aspects need to be modified and which can be omitted altogether. Of course, reflection also allows you to take stock of everything you have accomplished this year. Considering the unprecedented global events of 2020, you probably ended up with a long list of things you weren’t planning on doing – perhaps home education was one of them. But you rose to the occasion and handled them all. So, congratulate yourself on a job well done! Finally, why not get your children involved? Reflection is a great way to process feelings and share ideas. Have everyone write down some things they learned, what they are grateful for, or ways they have grown this year. This exercise is helpful as your children may have overcome specific obstacles or learned new skills without even realising it. Reimagine Reimagining is about using what you learned this year to review and readjust your approach to home education. After all, one of the benefits of home education is that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution – it can be customised to accommodate your particular situation and tailored to meet your children’s needs. The pandemic has encouraged innovation in many sectors, including education. It has proven that children can and will learn outside the constructs of traditional schooling. As the year winds down, why not use this time to consider your approach to teaching your children? Also read: Parents, here’s how screen time can work in your favour Some of the upsides of home education include: focusing on your children’s different learning styles and strengths, incorporating and leveraging technology, nurturing your children’s natural curiosity and interests, encouraging a love of learning in whatever shape or form, it presents itself. With all of this in mind, how can you do things differently in 2021? Also read: A successful start to your (home) school year! Relax Coping with the pandemic and all its consequences may have left you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and anxious. While there are still some COVID-19-related regulations in place, now is the time for family, friends, and fun! Whether you are off on a family vacation or staying home, the key is to take some time to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit – and to allow the rest of your family to do the same. Use this time to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of life. Have a picnic, read a book, spend all day by the pool or at the beach, go for a hike, have a nap, treat yourself to a massage – the list is endless. Also read: Cool ways to beat summer boredom Taking time to relax and recharge over summer will put you in a better frame of mind to take care of the people who depend on you in the new year – whatever it may hold. By Danielle Barfoot

December 4, 2020

Discovering the delight of different

How do you take the next step when you suddenly discover that something you thought was abnormal is perfect for you? How can you properly evaluate the explosion of schooling options, especially in the online and homeschooling space? These are two of the questions I am going to try and answer for you in this article. I will attempt to give you some guidelines to use when trying to make sense of an education opportunity that you may have thought was only for unconventional families. Still, you may have discovered it seems perfect for your children. Remote learning has taken the limelight and has been a topic of discussion on television, radio, and online media since the Covid pandemic took hold of the world. With schools having to shut down and go online many children (and their parents) have had an experience of homeschooling and online schooling forced on them when they may not have tried to learn this way by choice. There has been a very mixed experience of this. Some children have discovered that online learning meets their needs in ways that traditional education cannot. They can work at their own pace and spend more time on things that they find difficult. They are not faced with constant interruptions caused by having to change from class to class. Children are not distracted by the behaviour of other children or the lack of comfort of the classroom. Children also like to make more choices about what they learn and when they learn it, which means that they are more engaged with their learning. They are also not held back to the pace of the rest of the class when they find the work easy. On the other hand, children can lose focus, be tempted to play games or waste time and can find themselves falling behind without the teacher being able to notice or keep them on track. The concept of ‘Zoom’ fatigue has also become an issue. People working from home and children learning remotely have found the challenge of being in online meetings for protracted periods mentally exhausting. Concentration slips and attention wanders. Teachers have had an immense struggle to keep their students engaged and often have no way of knowing if they are paying attention. Schools that pivoted to an online model during the lockdown made the mistake of trying to run a synchronous timetable. That is, they tried to follow the same schedule they would have if the students had been attending live lessons. Proper online schooling does not work this way. Being an online learner is like homeschooling with one significant difference: The student becomes more and more capable of learning without any adult assistance at home. It is a feature of an excellent online school that we provide a process for children to learn the skills they need to be independent learners. This process includes self-pacing, time management and the ability to schedule their day. It also includes teaching children to work collaboratively with peers in remote locations. No parent should choose online learning for their children without expecting the learning process to be delightfully different. So, with what should you be delighted? The school should engage with your child as an individual and tailor their learning to suit their needs and interest. Your child should be able to advance at a faster rate in areas where they have an aptitude and intense curiosity. They should be able to take their time and work deliberately when they need to. Testing and assessment should also be significantly different from a traditional experience. Online systems offer the opportunity to use machine learning and data analysis to make learning specific to a child’s needs. Online learner management systems should collect data on everything a child is doing and learning and start to offer suggestions for improving their understanding and mastery. There is a story about a father with three young daughters. One is two years old, the second is four, and the oldest is seven. He sits down to tell them a story. “Mapule climbs up the stairs and opens the door; there is the Dragon!” The seven-year-old says, oooh! “Mapule climbs up the stairs and opens the door.” The four-year-old says, oooh! “Mapule climbs up the stairs.” The two-year-old says, oooh! Because climbing up the stairs is wonderful to a two-year-old. As our children grow, they lose their sense of wonder and curiosity. Online schooling executed well, offers children an ongoingly engaging experience. Using, video, games, simulations, discussion platforms and immediate feedback in a way that traditional school models are unable to. It keeps children in the ‘Goldilocks’ zone, where the work they do is neither too easy nor too difficult. When you are deciding if you want to enrol your child with an online school, ask yourself; how often will they start a lesson and say “oooh!” By: Colin Northmore, Principal of Evolve Online School, a brand of ADvTECH, Africa’s largest private education provider. Visit www.evolveonline.co.za

December 2, 2020

Sparking student curiosity through real-world experiences

The value of education is centred on making a significant and lasting difference in the way learners are grown, nurtured and prepared for both the present and the future. Sometimes the key to that difference is found in the classroom experience and sometimes it is found elsewhere. For some, this could be on the sports field among teammates, for others, alongside fellow speakers in a combative debating tournament, on the stage, during a particular assembly, in corridor conversations or at break time. While student engagement is most-often teacher facilitated, it is sometimes the special occurrences where children are exposed to people that they admire, are inspired by, or even challenged by that can leave a lasting impression. Great inspiration is often sparked when we are taken out of our comfort zones, and this is exactly why it is so important that students are given opportunities to learn in other ways, through exposure to people other than their teachers. Take TED Talks for example, their platforms exist because they believe in the power of sharing knowledge and ideas to insight creativity and curiosity and ultimately to fuel the fire of the inquisitive to make a better world. Billion-dollar companies like Google are no longer asking for prospective employee degrees, but are rather offering internships and apprenticeships where students can “earn while they learn” and contribute to making a valuable difference by practicing real-world skills. At HeronBridge College, our aim is to expose learners to experts who can fuel their fires, and is why each year we host events like HEARTists and our annual Grade 11 Cook-Off. This year’s HEARTists event saw students upload videos to renowned local and international talent like performer Jonathan Roxmouth, choreographer Bradley Shelver and actor Carl Beukes. The Cook-Off, in collaboration with Hirsch’s the Guvon Academy and the Custom Content Collective requires students to submit entries to top local chefs, the top ten of which are then selected to compete in the finals at the Hirsch’s Home store in Fourways. Local Chefs Leon Koch and Karen Blanche, as well as Margaret Hirsch are among the few experts to have provided unique Masterclass lessons to the students, andrenowned culinary Olympian Chef JP Ziegentaler will be sharing his skills at the final this Saturday. The top three contestants will win prizes to by Hirsch’s and co-sponsors, as well as internationally accredited food and hospitality workshops at the Guvon Academy. An additional Varsity hamper valued at R8,000.00 is also up for grabs to all HeronBridge Grade 11 students, helping them to get started and settled in the next phase of their learning journey. Imparting skills as part of the broader curriculum is invaluable in a well-rounded educational offering. Learning isn’t confined to a classroom, and education isn’t only about being taught in a formal structure. Real-life engagement and a breadth of experience is what augments the bedrock of a first-class academic offering. The HeronBridge Cook-Off is only one example of what needs to be happening more often outside of the classroom, where students are exposed to challenging tasks, real-world presentation techniques, and placed in simulation environments as part of their preparation for future careers.

November 27, 2020

A parent’s role in exam prep: the do’s and don’ts

I think we all agree that this year has been the most challenging yet for our children, especially when it comes to their education. It doesn’t matter what grade they are in; they have lost out on so much including socialising, sports and other fun activities. Learning has also been a whole new experience for them from online classes to an entirely different study schedule. Some children have thrived with the homeschooling experience, but most have found it difficult and stressful (not to mention parents of young children who have been ready to tear their hair out juggling their own work with their children’s). Furthermore, studies have shown that there has been a marked increase in learner’s anxiety and depression levels this year – it’s no surprise! So when it comes to examination preparation, what is the best way to help our children succeed especially if our child is in matric with more pressure and expectation than ever? Here are some do’s and don’ts: Don’t nag Ask any learner what they hate the most about their interaction with their parents during the examination period, and they will probably say the non-stop nagging of their parents to get on with studies. They know what they have to do and are well aware of it – so the nagging just increases pressure and creates more anxiety. Our nagging is because as parents, we are feeling anxious and we feel better when we are nagging. So what is the solution to this unproductive cycle? Firstly, we need to talk to our children and ask them the following questions: How do you feel about the workload? Which subjects do you find easy to understand? Which subject do you find more challenging? The questions should be asked in a curious way; your child should not feel like they are being interrogated. The message your child needs to hear is that you care about how they are dealing with their examination preparation. Also read: Smart study hacks for the exams Do help them reflect Asking your child the questions listed above will also help them to reflect on things they may not have thought about and give them insight into their work preparation. Children like to feel that you are interested in them and what is on their mind. Asking them questions works much better than lecturing them. In this way, we can ask them what help and support we can offer and what would work for them, instead of us putting our needs and anxieties onto our children. Do a reality check Another great way of assessing where our children are at is by doing some reality testing with them. This is especially helpful for a child who is less conscientious or diligent. For example, as my client’s son, who is in Grade 10, said while doing no examination preparation at all: “School is a waste of time and one day I’m going to own my own business and have people work for me”. Reality testing is vital to talk them through the steps needed to own this business one day, starting from school, to university/tech/college, and so on. While they may feel that school is a waste of time, there is no choice in having to do it to get to the next rung on the ladder. An attitudinal change must take place. Don’t wait for motivation One of the other ways that I try to motivate my very demotivated child is by explaining that she is never going to feel like doing the work. So she has to stop waiting for that magical feeling to come as it just leads to further procrastination and ultimately, anxiety. Instead, she needs to make the decision minute by minute and hour by hour that she is going to work, and that’s it. This manages to bring a halt to procrastination, faffing and all the other negative behaviours she indulges in around studying. Do create a conducive study environment Creating a conducive environment for our children to study is also essential. Some students prefer to learn in a quiet room, with a clear desk and all available stationery in sight. Others prefer to sit on the floor with music on, and their notes spread all around (most parent’s idea of chaos). Again, what is important is getting our child’s input as to what works best for them as opposed to dictating what we think is best. Also read: Homeschooling: the importance of having a dedicated study space Do find your child’s most effective study style Asking our children if they know what they need to do for the information to sink in and for them to understand it also helps them to reflect on what is the most effective study style for them. It has been shown that interactive learning is one of the best ways for students to absorb information. This can be achieved by teaching the work to others and pretending to teach it using a whiteboard. As parents, we can set quizzes and questions for our children as this interaction with the work is one of the best ways for them to test their knowledge and understanding. At the end of the day, all they want is our compassion, support and understanding to make their examination preparation experiences as conducive to their learning as possible. by Lorian Phillips

November 20, 2020

Teaching kids how to plan

As parents, we want our children to do well, succeed and be the best they can be. However, one critical question that we often leave out is, do they know the steps needed to accomplish this? I spent a lot of time telling my children to study, and then they would go to their rooms for hours on end and produce something that I consider underwhelming at best. It was only after years of parenting in this no-win mode and assisting my children with their ADHD difficulties that I finally got it. The most important thing that our children need to learn to study is how to plan their work before going about it. This includes many skills including: time management, goal setting, future thinking, prioritising, and organising. Only after these skills are in place can specific study skills be taught. Plan to succeed If children do not have a plan for how to go about their work or how to get started, how will they succeed? Planning can be taught in simple ways from a young age. When our kids are still young, we can start casually introducing the idea of planning by talking about how we would plan leisure activities. For example, if we were going to the beach, ask your child how they would pack the cooler box. It might look something like this: Fruit at the bottom Hotdog buns on top of the fruit Cooldrinks on top The example given above is an example of poor planning. In essence, planning reflects the ability to think logically and sequentially to achieve a goal. Teaching this from early on equips our children for many aspects of life. Seeing as so much of life is about planning effectively, mundane as that may sound. Set realistic goals Planning is the first step in goal setting and becomes more complex as the child gets older, and there are more responsibilities and less time. Your child needs to be equipped with the necessary skills to embark on their work efficiently. These vital skills include: planning, prioritising, organising, and time management. The middle years of primary school, around the time Grade 4 begins, the workload increases, and new subjects are introduced. This is the ideal time to start teaching planning in a more structured way. At this stage, homework is no longer work that has to be completed for the next day, but there may be a test in a few days, a project or speech for the following week and so on, which requires adequate planning. Whatever we are trying to teach our children should ideally be done in a fun way to increase their motivation and get their cooperation. Also read: Encouraging your child to succeed the do’s and don’ts Stay organised Going with your child to the shops to buy a planner or personal organiser that looks appealing to them, or even making one together can be a fun activity to get started. The most important thing when teaching our children planning is not just about writing out what is due but showing them how to create the time to slot the work into the rest of their lives. They need to take the following into account: homework, extracurricular activities, appointments, and social arrangements. Too often I had heard the cry of “I have plenty time” only to find them in tears the day before because they didn’t realise how much work they had to do or how long it would take. Start with the due date Therefore, the first thing to write on the planner is the due date for the task, assignment, or test. Using a brightly coloured marker to draw attention to it is also a good idea. After that, start to work backwards, filling in their daily activities, extracurricular activities and so on. Remember to block out the weekends in which they should not have to do any work if your children are still young. Write in the planner with your children by your side, giving their input to involve them as that is the best way for them to integrate it and show them how to have a realistic view of the time they have vs what they think they have. There is often a mismatch between the two! Plan backwards to move forwards Once the initial planning schedule has been done, which can be summarised by the phrase ‘plan backwards to move forwards’, then similar steps can be done daily. Sit with your child and see what homework they have for the day and decide whether they want to get that out of the way first before doing the work expected in a few days or vice versa. Again, this starts to give them the concept of planning within the day, prioritising and finding out for themselves what works best for them. These are skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their learning journey. Also read: There’s more to life than academic achievement Develop a good work ethic What I have learned is that results truly do not count until Grade 11 BUT what makes a huge difference is our children developing a good work ethic from as early on as possible to carry them through and to make the final few grades as pain-free as possible. Planning is the beginning point of developing that work ethic and the sooner your child gets the concept of it, the better prepared they are for academic success. Who knows, it may help you, as the parent, to be better prepared too! by Lorian Phillips

November 16, 2020

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