Impaq

Split Grade 10, 11, or 12 subjects over two years to ease pressure and protect learning standards

When more than 300,000 Grade 10 learners repeat a year, it’s not just a statistic — it points to how many young people are struggling to manage the workload. News24 recently reported that 303,236 public-school learners who were in Grade 10 in 2024, repeated the year in 2025, about 27% of the Grade 10 population across the country. Grade 10 has long been a pressure point, but repetition at this level highlights how quickly learning gaps can deepen in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase. By the time learners reach Grades 10–12, the pace is faster, the content load is heavier, and falling behind can feel difficult to recover from, especially when learners are also navigating adolescence, home pressures, transport time, and limited access to quiet study space. At the same time, South Africa continues to grapple with retention challenges in Grades 10–12, where dropout pressure is often highest. At Impaq, we see a growing number of families asking a different question: instead of “How do we survive Grade 10?”, they ask “How do we create a path where my child can actually master the work?” That shift matters because the goal in the FET phase isn’t speed. It’s completion with understanding. An option more families should know about One practical way to reduce pressure in Grades 10, 11, and 12 is to spread a grade over two years — not by “doing less”, but by pacing learning more intentionally. In a typical approach, a learner splits the subject load across two academic years: This approach gives learners time to build momentum and creates space for targeted support where they need it most (often maths, physical sciences, accounting, or language comprehension). It also reduces the constant “all subjects, all the time” pressure that can overwhelm learners who are already behind. This strategy isn’t only relevant for learners who are struggling academically or managing health-related challenges. It also makes practical sense for high-performing learners whose lives don’t fit the timetable of a conventional full-time school day — particularly those competing in sport at provincial, national, or international level. When training schedules, travel, tournaments, recovery time, and performance demands take priority, the issue is often not ability, but time and energy. A two-year-per-grade structure allows these learners to split subjects, protect focused study time, and keep their academic progress steady, without feeling forced to choose between sport and academics. “Grade 10 is the point where the academic workload and the emotional load collide. A two-year plan gives learners room to breathe while they rebuild the foundations they need for the final stretch,” said Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director at Optimi Schooling, of which Impaq is a registered trademark. Reducing pressure without lowering standards Extending a grade over two years changes the shape of the learning journey — not the destination. Learners still work toward the same curriculum outcomes, but with a structure that supports mastery. This is made possible through Impaq’s association with the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), which administers National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams for homeschooling and distance-learning candidates and is accredited by Umalusi. In the online and homeschooling environment, pacing can also unlock a simple but powerful advantage: learners can study in their own space, with a daily rhythm that suits their household, with fewer classroom distractions and less social pressure. For many teenagers, that stability can help learning feel manageable again. “The message to families is simple: if your child needs more time, that doesn’t mean they’re failing — it means we need to match the plan to the learner. A two-year approach can be the difference between dropping out or finishing strong,” Schoonwinkel concluded. Next steps for your FET phase learner If a learner is struggling in Grade 10, 11 or 12, or feels anxious about what’s coming next, the first step is to shift the conversation from “Will they cope?” to “What pace will help them succeed?” In many cases, a structured two-year plan with subject splitting, consistent support, and a calmer study environment can help learners approach the FET phase with more confidence and a clearer plan. And importantly, it’s not about taking the easy road. It’s about taking the road that leads to completion.

February 19, 2026
Curro Online

Future-Ready Education Starts Now: Why Grades 7 and 8 at Curro Online Are a Smart Move for 2026

‘The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ Malcolm X’s words strike home for parents and guardians – here in South Africa and further afield – who want to give their children a meaningful advantage in a world where careers, technology and expectations are constantly shifting. Even though Grades 7 and 8 may feel early to worry about employability, these are the years where foundational skills and confidence take shape. With additional space now open for 2026 in Grades 7 and 8, Curro Online is making room for more families looking for credible, structured, future-ready schooling that delivers real value. At a time when households everywhere are watching their budgets carefully, our model is designed to give you measurable return on your educational investment. Academic Quality You Can Trust Curro Online follows an enhanced CAPS curriculum grounded in rigorous teaching and supported by the IEB’s respected assessment approach. South African parents understand the strong reputation of these standards, while our international families appreciate their structure, reliability and global relevance. These foundations position learners for success in a world where critical skills shortages continue to grow across multiple countries. Among the most in-demand fields today are: These capabilities start forming long before Grade 12. They’re nurtured in environments that encourage critical thinking, creativity, communication and digital competence – core strengths at Curro Online. Turning Screen Time into a Strength Let’s be honest: today’s young teens spend hours on their phones. They scroll, watch, experiment and – more than ever – create! Instead of resisting this reality, Curro Online turns it into opportunity. Content creation is now a global industry, generating primary income for millions. The skills behind it (storytelling, editing, digital design, branding, strategic thinking) are relevant in marketing, business, entrepreneurship and entertainment worldwide. Because our school environment is technology-rich, learners naturally become strong digital citizens. They learn to navigate online platforms, communicate professionally, think critically and harness creativity responsibly. What often looks like ‘just screen time’ becomes a powerful collection of future-ready skills. Why Families Choose – and Stay With – Curro Online Parents who remain loyal to Curro Online do so because they see genuine growth: calmer children, more focused routines, stronger academics and noticeably improved confidence. For many, online learning removes classroom pressures and distractions, allowing children to thrive without compromising quality. We also understand that one of the biggest concerns – especially for Grades 7 and 8 parents – is social interaction. That’s why we’ve expanded our social ecosystem for both our South African and global learners. Our learners benefit from: These opportunities help children form authentic friendships proving that connection extends far beyond the screen. Curro Online: Key Facts Choosing Curro Online means: We’re a Smart Investment Curro Online blends academic excellence, digital mastery, emotional support and future-focused learning into an offering that prepares learners for the world they are stepping into – whether that future unfolds in South Africa or anywhere across the globe. Enrol Now for 2026! With space open in Grades 7 and 8 for 2026, now is the perfect moment to explore whether Curro Online is the right fit for your family. Join us for one of our upcoming information sessions to see firsthand why more families are choosing a future-ready path for their children. RSVP today. Curro Online: Information Sessions (2) – Fill out form

February 18, 2026
Wingu Academy

Online Schooling in 2026: How Wingu Academy Is Shaping the Future of Education

By 2026, online schooling is no longer viewed as a temporary solution or a response to crisis. It has matured into a mainstream, highly effective educational pathway — and at Wingu Academy Online School, this future is already a reality. What was once considered “alternative” has become a preferred choice for families seeking academic credibility, personalised learning, and a secure, future-focused environment. Wingu Academy stands at the forefront of this evolution, redefining what quality education looks like in a digital-first world. From Emergency Option to Established Choice Online education has undergone a fundamental shift. In 2026, families are no longer turning to online schools out of necessity alone, but out of confidence. At Wingu Academy, online learning is: For many South African families facing overcrowded classrooms, placement challenges, and rising school fees, Wingu Academy offers a stable, trusted alternative that delivers consistency without compromise. Technology That Enhances Learning — Not Replaces Teachers Innovation at Wingu Academy is purposeful. Rather than using technology for novelty, it is integrated to support real teaching and real learning. By 2026, online schools like Wingu Academy are embracing: Crucially, these tools enhance the work of qualified human teachers, not replace them. Live, teacher-led classes remain at the heart of the Wingu experience. Preparing Learners for a 21st-Century World Traditional schooling models often struggle to adapt to the skills demanded by today’s world. Online schools, when designed correctly, are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap. At Wingu Academy, learning goes beyond content delivery. Wingulians develop: These competencies are woven into daily learning, preparing learners not only for exams, but for life beyond school. Data-Driven, Learner-Centred Education Modern online education relies on intelligent use of data to support learners effectively. At Wingu Academy, integrated systems allow educators to track progress, identify support needs early, and adapt teaching accordingly. This unified approach: Data is used not to label learners, but to support them more precisely and personally. Accessibility, Inclusion and Flexibility One of the defining strengths of online schooling in 2026 is increased accessibility. Wingu Academy’s mobile-friendly platform, flexible structures, and recorded lesson access allow families from diverse backgrounds to participate meaningfully in quality education. Learning at Wingu Academy offers: This model creates space for learners to thrive academically and emotionally. A Strong Regulatory and Accreditation Framework As online education has grown, so too has regulation. In South Africa, frameworks such as the Virtual Schools Framework provide essential oversight, ensuring quality, credibility, and accountability. Wingu Academy operates within these structures, offering: Families can trust that learning at Wingu Academy leads to real outcomes, including recognised qualifications and future study opportunities. Meeting South Africa’s Education Challenges Head-On School placement shortages, rising fees, and limited access to quality education continue to affect families across South Africa. In response, online schools like Wingu Academy have stepped in with immediate, scalable solutions. Wingu Academy provides: This responsiveness has positioned Wingu Academy as a reliable educational partner, not just a school. Holistic Education for Modern Learners Education in 2026 is about more than academics. At Wingu Academy, holistic development is central to the learner experience. Through structured support, wellness initiatives, and strong teacher-learner relationships, Wingulians are nurtured as confident, capable individuals in a connected world. The Future Is Already Here Online schooling in 2026 represents a solidified, sophisticated, and essential part of the global education landscape. At Wingu Academy Online School, this future is not theoretical — it is lived every day. Innovative. Internationally recognised. Human-led. Future-focused. This is the Wingu Way.

February 18, 2026
Impaq

Homeschooling in SA: Keeping learning steady amid school placement delays

South Africa’s school placement scramble is influencing the choices families make about how their children learn. For many, the uncertainty runs deep into the first term – particularly in the early grades where classroom capacity is stretched and late placements can disrupt the steady routines young children need. As provincial education departments work to place learners, parents are left balancing practical realities with what matters most: keeping their children learning, settled, and confident. For some families, homeschooling is no longer a “last resort”. It has become a deliberate, parent-led option that offers continuity when mainstream placement is delayed, or when a child needs a calmer, more supported start to their school journey.  As South Africa’s largest homeschooling provider, Impaq supports parents with structured lesson plans, the Optimi Learning Portal (OLP), and a full ecosystem of resources designed to guide learning at home – without parents having to “figure it out” alone. “Parents are doing their best in an uncertain placement environment, and what children need in the early years is stability, encouragement and consistent learning routines,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, Managing Director at Optimi Schooling, of which Impaq is a registered trademark. “The Foundation Phase is where children build their relationship with learning. When that is nurtured in a supportive environment, it can have a lasting impact on confidence and readiness for the years ahead.” The early grades, from Grades R to 3, are widely recognised as the building blocks for literacy, numeracy, and emotional development. These are also the years when confidence can be shaped quickly. A learning environment that feels rushed or inconsistent may affect how a child sees themselves as a learner.  Homeschooling, when structured properly and supported with quality materials, can create space for children to learn at their own pace, ask questions freely, and strengthen the basics without the pressure of feeling “left behind.” Impaq’s lesson plans help parents follow a clear weekly rhythm, ensuring children cover what they need to while maintaining a steady routine at home. The Optimi Learning portal (OLP) provides guided learning resources and tools that support understanding and practice. For many parents, especially those juggling work and household responsibilities, the value is not just the content, but knowing what to do next: what to teach, when to teach it, and how to track progress. “Homeschooling doesn’t mean parents must become teachers overnight,” Schoonwinkel explains. “It means families need a trusted partner that provides a curriculum-aligned plan, resources that make learning practical, and support that helps parents stay consistent, because that is what builds confidence in young children.” That confidence shows up in everyday moments: a child reading aloud without fear of making mistakes, completing a task independently, or trying again when something feels difficult. In the Foundation Phase, those “small wins” matter. They shape resilience, curiosity, and willingness to participate – traits that carry into later learning, whether a learner continues homeschooling long-term or transitions back into a classroom setting once placements stabilise. Families considering homeschooling should ensure they choose a credible provider and understand the legal and administrative requirements for home education in South Africa. Parents should also be realistic about what they can commit to daily, and select a programme that offers guidance, structure, and accessible support. For younger learners, homeschooling works best when learning is consistent and age-appropriate – incorporating play-based activities, movement, reading practice, and short, focused lessons rather than long periods of screen time or a rigid “classroom at home” routine. As placement challenges continue to affect parts of the country, the conversation is shifting from “What do we do now?” to “What learning environment will help my child thrive?”  “Placement delays are a reality in many communities, but a child’s learning and confidence don’t have to be put on pause,” Schoonwinkel says. “The Foundation Phase is where children learn to trust themselves as learners – and with the right structure, support, and consistency at home, parents can protect that momentum and give their child a strong, steady start, regardless of what’s happening in the wider system.”

February 18, 2026
Dalza

Your Child’s First Support Team: A Simple Guide for Newly Diagnosed Families

This article is adapted, with permission, from content originally published by Tamra and Jules, co-founders of Neuroverse (Neuroverse.co.za), two South African mums building a supportive neurodivergent community. A new diagnosis rarely arrives quietly. It comes with a stack of leaflets, a handful of referrals, well-meaning advice from every direction. And a growing sense that you’re suddenly responsible for coordinating an entire team, while still being a parent. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this guide will help you make sense of who’s who on your child’s support team, when to involve them, and (just as importantly) how to keep everyone aligned, so you don’t become the permanent go-between. Start with what’s most pressing (hint: it’s not everything) When your child is newly diagnosed, it can feel like you need to do everything at once. You don’t. A gentler rule of thumb: You can build the team gradually. Progress comes from doing the right next thing. Who’s Who on Your Child’s Support Team Developmental Paediatrician A medical doctor specialising in child development. When to see them: If you’re looking for a developmental assessment or diagnostic clarity for conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, or developmental delays. What to expect: A holistic assessment drawing on medical history, observations, and often input from teachers and therapists. Their role: Diagnosis, guidance, care coordination, and referrals. They may prescribe medication and recommend follow-ups. Occupational Therapist (OT) Supports sensory processing, motor skills, and daily functioning. When to see them: If your child struggles with sensory overload, regulation, handwriting, coordination, or everyday tasks. What to expect: Play-based assessments and weekly sessions tailored to your child’s sensory profile. Their role: Practical strategies, sensory diets, and home or school adaptations. Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) Supports communication, language, and social interaction. When to see them: For delayed speech, language comprehension challenges, social communication differences, or articulation issues. What to expect: Assessment of expressive and receptive language, followed by individualised therapy. Their role: Building communication skills and helping teachers and parents support language across settings. Educational Psychologist Focuses on learning, emotions, and school functioning. When to see them: If your child is struggling academically, emotionally, or socially at school, or needs learning accommodations. What to expect: Formal assessments (e.g. cognitive and educational testing) and ongoing therapeutic support. Their role: School recommendations, accommodation reports, and collaboration with educators. Child / Paediatric Psychiatrist A medical specialist in child mental health. When to see them: For diagnosis or treatment of ADHD, autism, anxiety, mood disorders, sleep difficulties, or when medication is being considered. What to expect: Detailed developmental history, assessments, and ongoing reviews. Their role: Medication management and coordination with therapists and schools. Paediatric Neurologist Specialist in the brain and nervous system. When to see them: For seizures, significant developmental delays, neurological symptoms, or diagnostic clarification. What to expect: Medical investigations such as EEGs or scans, alongside assessments. Their role: Rule-outs, diagnosis, and medical treatment where needed. Psychologist / Play Therapist Supports emotional wellbeing and regulation. When to see them: For anxiety, trauma, behavioural challenges, or emotional processing.What to expect:Play-based or talk therapy, often weekly. Their role: Helping children develop coping skills and emotional insight, in partnership with parents and teachers. Dietitian Supports nutrition and feeding challenges. When to see them: For restrictive eating, ARFID, allergies, weight concerns, or special diets. What to expect: Dietary assessments and personalised plans. Their role: Practical nutrition strategies that support growth and regulation. The part no one prepares you for: coordination Here’s the piece parents often find hardest: keeping everyone in the loop. Teachers ask for updates. Therapists want feedback. Doctors need reports. And suddenly, you’re translating, forwarding, summarising, and trying not to forget anything important. You are not meant to hold this alone. Simple micro-routines help: Dalza is an award-winning app that exists for exactly this reason: to give parents one secure place to keep and share their child’s information, notes, and reports, so the team sees the same picture, and you can step out of the middle. Every practitioner brings something valuable. But progress for your child doesn’t come from collecting specialists; it comes from the collaboration between them. When home, school, and clinicians can see the same evolving picture, support becomes more consistent, decisions become clearer, and you get to return to your most important role: being your child’s parent. You don’t have to do this all at once. And you don’t have to do it alone. Dalza is free for 30 days, so you can try it out risk-free. To get started today, simply add your name and email here. 

February 17, 2026
Parenting Hub

isiZulu Takes Centre Stage as Warner Bros. Discovery’s Kids’ Shows Launch in Local Language

Beloved shows including The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball, Teen Titans Go! and Batwheels debut in isiZulu, supported by new local voices and multilingual greetings across the channels. Watch the Cartoonito Your Way! video here to learn how little viewers can change languages and enjoy their favourite shows in the way that suits them best. Warner Bros. Discovery is strengthening its connection with South African families by introducing isiZulu dubbing for fan‑favourite Cartoon Network and Cartoonito shows, a major step in making its kids’ content more accessible and culturally relevant for the local market. Building on the brands’ existing local productions and on-ground marketing initiatives, the rollout also includes new local channel voice‑overs and multilingual Cartoonito on‑air greetings. Together, these elements celebrate cultural inclusivity, support local talent, and respond to the growing demand for authentic local voices in kids’ entertainment, making Cartoon Network and Cartoonito’s content more accessible and relevant than ever before. These initiatives build on the strong connection Warner Bros. Discovery Kids already enjoys with South African audiences. Cartoon Network has once again been voted the #1 Coolest Kids’ Channel in the Sunday Times GenNext Youth Survey, while Cartoonito ranks as the #1 channel in the DStv Family package. During DStv’s 30th Anniversary Open Window promotion in November, Cartoonito also soared to the #1 kids’ channel across the platform. Cartoon Networkremains one of the strongest and most popular kids’ channels on pay‑TV, available from the DStv Access package upwards¹. With beloved shows such as Teen Titans Go!, Regular Show, Mr Bean and Zig & Sharko, the brands continue to deliver the content kids love — now with an even stronger local touch. Cynthia Gonçalves Afonso, Warner Bros. Discovery Senior Manager, Programming and Presentation, Kids Channels, explains, “By introducing local languages into our kids’ channels, we’re not only making our content more accessible, but also ensuring it stays relevant to the everyday lives of South African families.” Fan-Favourite Shows Dubbed in isiZulu Following the December launch of The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball in isiZulu on Cartoon Network, audiences can now enjoy Batwheels in isiZulu on Cartoonito. More dubbed favourites will roll out throughout the year, including Teen Titans Go!. These shows are being introduced progressively across both channels, giving children the joy of hearing their heroes in their own language. isiZulu is South Africa’s most widely spoken home language, spoken most often at home by 24.4% of the population (15.1 million people) according to the latest national census (Stats SA, 2022). By dubbing flagship shows into isiZulu, Warner Bros. Discovery is directly responding to the growing demand for content in local languages, ensuring that more children feel included in the stories they love. Johannesburg‑based localisation studio EarCandy led the isiZulu dubbing process. Louise Callcott‑Stevens, CEO of EarCandy, says, “Our role was to ensure that the shows were authentically localised, from translation to voice recording, while maintaining the integrity of the original content. By combining linguistic accuracy with cultural nuance, we make sure the dubbed versions look and sound just like the originals.” New Local Channel Voices Cartoon Network and Cartoonito have strengthened their South African identity by appointing Paballo Koza and Siya Ngxambuza as the new official voice‑over artists for the channels. Siya is a Johannesburg‑based voice‑over artist with extensive experience across major South African brands, while Paballo is an award‑nominated actor and children’s TV presenter, bringing a familiar and trusted voice to the channel. As the leading voices behind promos and on‑air branding, they bring local authenticity and flair to the channels’ identities. This initiative is separate from show dubbing and ensures that the channels themselves sound closer to home for African audiences. Cartoon Network and Cartoonito now sound like home, thanks to fresh South African voice-over talent. Everyday Greetings in Kids’ Own Languages Alongside English, Cartoonito’s hosts Nito & his friends now greet viewers in seven additional South African languages: isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, and SiSwati. With a total of eight languages, the channel has introduced more than 100 on‑air greetings and short clips, covering the first language of nearly 90% of South African homes. These everyday moments make the channel feel more familiar and inclusive, while laying the groundwork for future expansion into additional Sub‑Saharan African languages. Watch Nito & friends greet kids in English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Afrikaans, making Cartoonito’s everyday moments more familiar, inclusive and fun for local families. Looking Ahead Warner Bros. Discovery continues to blend global storytelling with meaningful local elements, which helps lay strong foundations for the future of kids’ entertainment in Africa. By expanding language representation in South Africa, Cartoon Network and Cartoonito ensure children see and hear themselves in the stories they love. By reflecting the richness of everyday life across the country, Warner Bros Discovery is future-proofing its content and ensuring its shows remain resonant for the next generation of viewers. Cynthia Gonçalves Afonso concludes: “Language is a powerful connector, and by offering beloved shows in isiZulu and adding multilingual on-air greetings, we’re helping make everyday moments on Cartoon Network and Cartoonito feel more familiar and inclusive. This is an important step in representing the vibrant linguistic landscape of South African homes.”

February 17, 2026
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