Wingu Academy

From Focus to Freedom: How Wingu’s Student Success Advisors Guide You Through Exams — and Beyond

At Wingu Academy, we believe that every learner’s journey is unique, and that success comes from more than just good grades. It’s about confidence, growth, balance, and knowing when to work hard… and when to breathe. That’s where our Student Success Advisors (SSAs) step in. Who Are the Student Success Advisors? SSAs are your academic guides at Wingu Academy. They support learners through all stages of the academic year, but especially during high-pressure periods like exam season. Their role is to help you stay: Whether it’s navigating Cambridge or CAPS curricula, SSAs know the systems, the pressure points, and the solutions that work best for online and hybrid learners. Staying Focused During Exams Exams are a marathon, not a sprint — and Wingu Academy teaches you how to train for success. Here are some SSA-recommended strategies: Wingu’s personalised learning environment is designed to help you stay on track without burnout — and approach each exam with clarity and confidence. What Now? Post-Exam July Tips So, the exams are over — what’s next? This part of the term is just as important. July offers a golden window to reflect, recharge, and reset before the next academic phase. Here’s what our SSAs recommend: The Wingu Difference Our Student Success Advisors are not just academic coaches — they’re partners in your journey. They believe in progress, not pressure. In structure, not stress. And in empowering learners to develop not only as students, but as thinkers, leaders, and self-driven individuals. Exams are one part of the story. What you do next — that’s where the real growth happens.

Parenting Hub

School Readiness: What Skills Really Matter?

Starting school is a big milestone for children and parents alike. Beyond learning ABCs and 123s, school readiness involves a broad range of skills that help children adapt, learn, and thrive in their new environment. Understanding which skills matter most can help parents and caregivers better prepare their little ones for this important transition. Here’s a guide to the essential skills for school readiness. 1. Social and Emotional Skills Being able to interact positively with peers and adults, manage emotions, and follow routines is critical. These skills help children adjust to the school environment and build friendships. 2. Communication and Language Skills Strong vocabulary, the ability to express needs, and listening skills are key to learning and participating in class activities. 3. Basic Cognitive Skills Early literacy and numeracy concepts like recognising letters, numbers, shapes, and patterns lay the groundwork for academic success. 4. Fine and Gross Motor Skills Skills such as holding a pencil, using scissors, running, and jumping support classroom tasks and play. 5. Independence and Self-Care Being able to manage personal needs like dressing, toileting, and eating helps children feel confident and ready for school routines. Tips to Support School Readiness Final Thought: School readiness is about more than academics; it’s about nurturing the whole child. Focusing on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills will help your child step into school feeling prepared and confident. 📚 Sources:

Parenting Hub

Parenting Styles: What’s Yours and Why It Matters

Parenting is one of the most important and challenging roles we undertake. How we guide, discipline, and support our children can have a lasting impact on their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and success. Psychologists have identified several common parenting styles, each with its own effects. Understanding your style can help you reflect on your approach and make adjustments that benefit your family. Here’s a breakdown of the main parenting styles and why they matter. 1. Authoritative Parenting This style combines warmth and structure. Parents set clear rules but are also responsive and supportive. Children raised by authoritative parents tend to develop strong social skills, confidence, and self-discipline. 2. Authoritarian Parenting Characterised by strict rules and high expectations with less warmth or flexibility. This approach may lead to obedient children, but sometimes at the cost of self-esteem and independence. 3. Permissive Parenting Permissive parents are warm and accepting but set few boundaries or rules. While this creates a nurturing environment, it can sometimes result in children struggling with self-control and authority. 4. Uninvolved Parenting Also called neglectful parenting, this style involves low responsiveness and few demands. It can negatively affect a child’s emotional development and attachment. Why It Matters Your parenting style influences your child’s emotional health, behaviour, academic success, and relationships. Being aware of your approach helps you create a balanced environment where children feel loved yet guided. Tips for Positive Parenting Final Thought: No parenting style is perfect, and every family is unique. Understanding your style empowers you to nurture your child’s potential while building a strong, trusting relationship. 📚 Sources:

Twinkl

Helping Your Child Overcome Maths Anxiety: A Magical Story to Make Numbers Less Scary

Many children feel worried or fearful when it’s time for maths. For some, numbers feel confusing; for others, it’s the fear of getting the answer “wrong” that makes them want to avoid maths altogether. This is called maths anxiety, and it’s far more common than you might think. The good news? With gentle support — and a little creativity — parents can help children build confidence and see maths in a whole new light. Why Do Some Children Fear Maths? Maths anxiety can start early. A child might struggle with basic sums, feel pressured to finish work quickly, or compare themselves to classmates who seem to “get it” faster. Over time, this can lead to frustration and avoidance — which only makes it harder to keep up. How Parents Can Help 💡 Talk openly: Let your child know it’s okay to feel nervous about maths — but remind them that they’re not alone and that everyone learns at their own pace. 💡 Celebrate small wins: Praise effort, not just correct answers. Solving one problem after struggling is a big achievement! 💡 Make maths fun and safe: Use games, puzzles, or everyday tasks like cooking or shopping to show how maths pops up in real life. The goal is to practise in small, low-pressure ways. 💡 Read stories that build confidence: A wonderful way to gently address maths anxiety is through stories children can relate to — like Twinkl’s magical eBook, The Unicorn Who Was Afraid of Maths. A Story That Makes Maths Feel Less Scary If your child has ever felt afraid of numbers, they might see themselves in the little unicorn from this charming eBook.  In The Unicorn Who Was Afraid of Maths, children join a magical unicorn on a journey to face its fear of numbers. With colourful illustrations and an encouraging storyline, this book helps children understand that it’s normal to feel unsure — and that they can overcome it with courage and practice. Reading this story together is a lovely way to open up conversations about your child’s own worries. Try reading it before a maths lesson or during story time at home. Ask gentle questions like, “Have you ever felt like the little unicorn?” or “What do you think helped the unicorn feel braver?” This simple story can make a big difference, helping your child see maths as something they can tackle, not something to fear. Combine Stories with Fun Practice Once your child feels a little more confident, you can help them keep building their skills in a fun way. Apps like the Twinkl Maths App are designed by teachers to turn tricky maths practice into quick, playful games. Whether they’re working on times tables or adding and subtracting, children often don’t even realise they’re learning — they’re too busy having fun! Where to Find the Unicorn eBook The Unicorn Who Was Afraid of Maths is available to download and print with a Twinkl membership. It’s prep-free for teachers and perfect for parents too. Simply log in, click Download Now, and enjoy story time with your child at home or on the go. Final Thought With your encouragement, small steps, and a sprinkle of magic, your child can face their maths fears head-on and start to see themselves as someone who can do maths, one brave step at a time. 🌟 Ready to help your child feel braver with numbers?Download The Unicorn Who Was Afraid of Maths today and let the magic begin.

Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

 Don’t let Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) bring the blues this winter

As the colder months settle in, many of us brace ourselves for more than just runny noses and shorter days. You may have noticed a heaviness that creeps in that feels like a dip in mood, energy and motivation. While it’s easy to brush off as the ‘winter blues,’ this slump could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern most commonly triggered during winter. ‘Mental health is a key component of your overall wellness, yet it’s often neglected, especially during busy, high-pressure periods,’ says Dr Themba Hadebe, Bonitas Clinical Executive. ‘Recognising the signs of SAD early is essential, because the sooner you acknowledge it, the sooner you can take steps to manage it.’ What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? SAD is more than feeling ‘a bit off’ when the sun disappears behind grey skies. It’s a clinically recognised form of depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure, which can disrupt your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), affect serotonin and melatonin levels, and ultimately throw off your mood and sleep patterns. Symptoms of SAD often include persistent low mood or sadness, fatigue or lack of energy even after sleeping, difficulty concentrating, cravings for carbs or weight gain, and withdrawal from social interaction. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s not just ‘in your head’. SAD affects many South Africans each year, and yet often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. How to lighten the load If winter tends to weigh on your mental health, there are a few strategies that may help. First, try to get more sunlight. As simple as it sounds, making time for natural light, even on cold or cloudy days, can significantly boost your mood. Sit near a sunny window, go for a midday walk, or consider using light therapy lamps that mimic sunlight and support your body’s internal clock. Moving your body can also make a noticeable difference, since exercise is one of the most effective natural mood-boosters. You don’t need a full gym session either. Even a 15-minute stretch, dance break, or walk around the block can help to lift your energy and shift your mindset. What you eat matters too. While it’s tempting to dive headfirst into comfort food, try to balance your meals with options rich in omega-3s, like salmon or walnuts, as well as vitamin D and whole grains. Research shows that low levels of vitamin D, which naturally drop during winter, are closely linked to symptoms of depression. And, perhaps most importantly, talk to someone. Whether it’s a psychologist, a trusted friend or a support group, opening up about how you’re feeling is a powerful first step. ‘For those with medical aid, be sure to check what mental health benefits are available to you through your plan,’ adds Hadebe. ‘Bonitas members, for instance, have access to mental health support, including a wellness questionnaire, consultations with registered professionals and wellness programmes designed to support emotional wellbeing all year round.’ Bonitas covers psychology consultations as part of its comprehensive care benefits, and its wellness programmes offer digital resources and support tools to help you manage mental health year-round. You’re not alone We tend to prioritise physical health, but our mental health is just as critical. SAD is often overlooked, but it can significantly impact your quality of life if left unaddressed. And, if you or someone you love is feeling persistently low this winter, don’t wait it out. Take it seriously, speak to a professional, and explore your options. ‘Mental wellness isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for overall wellbeing,’ says Hadebe.

Parenting Hub

Raising Resilient Kids in an Uncertain World

Today’s world presents children with unique challenges—rapid change, global events, and constant information can be overwhelming. Resilience, the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, is a crucial skill for kids to thrive. Raising resilient children doesn’t mean protecting them from difficulties but equipping them with tools to face life’s uncertainties confidently. Here’s how parents can foster resilience in their children. 1. Encourage Problem-Solving Skills Allow children to face age-appropriate challenges and guide them to find solutions rather than immediately stepping in. This builds confidence and independence. 2. Promote Emotional Awareness Teach kids to identify and express their feelings. Validating emotions helps children cope better and develop empathy. 3. Model Resilience Yourself Children learn by example. Show how you handle stress, setbacks, and change with calmness and positivity. 4. Build Strong Connections A supportive network of family, friends, and mentors provides a safety net during tough times. 5. Foster a Growth Mindset Praise effort over innate ability and frame mistakes as learning opportunities to help children persevere. 6. Establish Routines and Stability Consistent routines create a sense of security, helping kids feel grounded amid uncertainty. Final Thought: Raising resilient kids equips them with the strength to navigate life’s twists and turns. With love, guidance, and patience, parents can nurture a generation ready to face the future with courage and hope. 📚 Sources:

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