In our fast and ever-changing world, it is important that children learn a few key skills from a young age, most of which should be taught at school level. A student’s ability to become successful in the real-world (and face the daily challenges presented in the workplace) weighs heavily on their ability to problem-solve and to think “outside the box”.

It is to be expected that there will be myths and misconceptions surrounding the Cambridge curriculum, given it’s not widely taught in the majority of South African schools. The majority of the myths and misconceptions are baseless. 

Formed by the UK’s University of Cambridge more than 150 years ago, Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of international education programmes to over 8 million candidates in 160 countries. 

Nova Pioneer school network holds itself to very high standards, and it has been our objective since conception to lead, innovate, and always grow. The Cambridge curriculum has been specifically selected to set up Nova Pioneer students for success. We have highlighted five common misconceptions and hope to provide some clarity.

MYTH: Cambridge curriculum qualifications are not recognised by SA universities

Fact: The Universities of South Africa (USAf) matriculation board has standardised its acceptance of international qualifications including those issued by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). All South African universities have established their minimum entry requirements for students holding a CAIE qualification and fully accept them. Students from Cambridge who pass the AS or A level exams with a bachelor’s degree can apply to USAf for a matric equivalence, and students who pass the AS level exams with the equivalent of an NSC or diploma can do the same with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Both processes are simple and instant. Many of our Nova Pioneer alumni are already enrolled in South Africa universities and are thriving, this alone dispels this erroneous misconception.(Cambridge A Level qualifications are also recognised and valued by all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities in the US, all UK universities, as well as those in Australia, Canada, Germany and beyond.)

MYTH: The Cambridge curriculum is overly difficult

Fact: Nova Pioneer was founded with the mission to offer high-quality education, at accessible fees and the Cambridge curriculum is not only rigorous but internationally-recognised, giving our students an advantage over most. Through our teaching and learning methods all students accepted in our schools have the opportunity to thrive with the Cambridge curriculum. The end point of (AS and A level) is explicitly to prepare our students for tertiary education, they are required to engage in depth with the skills and content of each subject they choose. We impart and cultivate a mindset and attitude that allows the student to engage course material independently, inside and outside the classroom. The Cambridge curriculum emphasises understanding and application of knowledge rather than rote memorisation of facts in order to pass exams. Although rigorous and demanding, Cambridge is NOT overly difficult. 

MYTH: It will be easier for my child to get higher symbols with the national CAPS curriculum

Fact: This is yet another misconception directly linked to the notion that Cambridge is overly difficult. Let us establish the fundamental purposes of both CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) and Cambridge: CAPS provides a general school exit requirement which allows a student to go to university, vocational training or join the workforce – this curriculum is more prone to provide the minimum, in this respect. Students are tested on their ability to retain and recapitulate information and students which may not adequately prepare them for tertiary education or life beyond school. In 2019 only 22% of CAPS students were able to complete degrees in the allotted time. However, Cambridge AS and A Levels are specifically designed to prepare students for the rigours of a university education. Fewer subjects are studied at A-Level, which means a more concentrated approach. Deep knowledge of focused subjects as well as conceptual understanding is fostered, encouraging students to develop higher-order problem solving and thinking skills. Much of the content covered is at first year university level, and consistent feedback from our alumni is that they are certainly at an advantage to their CAPS counterparts because they have covered most of the content and can cope with the academic demands of tertiary schooling.

MYTH: There are not enough Cambridge-qualified teachers in South Africa and therefore the curriculum will not be delivered to the benefit of my child

Fact: There is no teacher qualified to teach the Cambridge curriculum but a teacher with experience teaching the Cambridge curriculum. At Nova Pioneer we require our teachers to be fully qualified (with a Bachelors of Education) and SACE (South African Council for Educators) registered, our apprentices should be currently studying towards their degree or PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education). The rigorous and demanding nature of Cambridge requires our teachers to be experts in the subjects that they teach. More often than not, our teachers in AS and A level will have a postgraduate qualification in the subject that they teach. In order for our teachers to teach the curriculum to its fullest potential we offer extra support through Cambridge run courses that assist in innovation and thorough methods of teaching and assessing in the Cambridge system. Teacher retention is a priority, as this helps us retain and grow the “Cambridge Knowledge” that we have accumulated over the years. The curriculum is student-centred and enquiry-based and our teachers fully practise these fundamentals – with the help of our Deans of Instruction we authentically embed this approach within our teacher cohort through regular professional development opportunities. Cambridge representatives offer us regular assessments to ensure we are delivering the curriculum and assessments to required standards.

MYTH: Cambridge schools in South Africa lack support in delivering the curriculum

Fact: Nova Pioneer is a fully accredited Cambridge school and has immediate and full access to a range of support services from Cambridge: these include but are not limited to teaching resources, assessment and staff training facilities. The exam officers in each campus have a direct line to Cambridge in the United Kingdom; and our active partnership with the Cambridge office in South Africa ensures we receive support with training, queries around USAf criteria, conference and meeting attendance. We have created small support communities with other Cambridge schools in the Gauteng area. Nova Pioneer has high schools in Ormonde, Midrand and Ruimsig.

We constantly urge parents to think carefully about the curriculum and the school their children attend, which is why we are always prepared to have in-depth conversations with prospective and current parents and students.

For more information, reach out to our admissions team at admissions.sa@novapioneer.com. 

Many elements can impact a student’s ability to succeed after completing secondary school. We want to ensure that students perform well academically and that they feel supported and prepared to succeed beyond Nova Pioneer. To that effect, we introduced a Post School Success (PSS) Team at all our Secondary Schools with the aim of equipping students with practical tools for preparation in life after school.

The PSS team, together with each school’s Leadership Team, has designed a unique programme with the purpose of facilitating each student’s exploration and understanding of themselves with a focus on post-secondary opportunities available to them. The PSS programme is led by a team who collectively have extensive experience in helping African students gain access to tertiary education with financial aid and helping them develop the life and pre-professional skills necessary to take advantage of post-school opportunities. Post School Success programming begins in Grade 10, to ensure that each student has ample time to thoughtfully consider their next steps and take full advantage of the resources available through the Nova Pioneer network.

Exploring the option to study further 

The most common pathway after high school is enrolling in a university or college. The PSS Team helps students considering this option to answer questions that they may have about the application process, what educational programmes are available, and which will best prepare them to achieve their goals. The PSS Team also supports students by alerting them to pre-university academic enrichment opportunities and helping them complete applications, as well as supporting them to prepare for the standardised testing required for their pathway of choice.

Pursuing other Paths

While pursuing a tertiary degree is the best route for some, university is not the only pathway to success for Nova Pioneer students. Some may want a break from academics before they continue with full-time study, and for some high school graduates, pursuing work experience instead of attending college is the best way forward. There are several reasons why students may consider pursuing other options, which include practical training or work and/or taking a “gap year” to engage with the community through volunteering or to develop new skills that will stand them in good stead for the future. The PSS Team supports students in understanding their options and what benefits and challenges each may come with, including taking a “gap year”.

Partnering with Parents

The PSS Team is there to guide students toward making the best decision for them, their families, and their future. The programme also leverages different stakeholders within a Nova Pioneer student’s ecosystem in order to help them identify and pursue the opportunities that are the best fit for their goals post graduation. In essence, our PSS Team aims to empower students to take charge of their future in a supportive environment, which includes the partnership of both parents and school.

Guests: Jeanne Sere Mgendi & Menzi Nkambule

On the debut episode of the Novaneer Podcast, University of Nairobi BCom student Jeanne Sere Mgendi talks Tabasamu –  a Kenyan social enterprise that she founded which collects and upcycles ankara waste to create consumer products. Later on the podcast, Menzi Nkambule – University of Pretoria Investment Management student and Sunbird Investment Group Director – makes the case for a common currency across Africa and shares how he sees Sunbird Investment Group enhancing the future economic prospects of African countries.

To listen in, click here

Want to become a Novaneer? Apply to Nova Pioneer now by visiting www.novapioneer.com. Remember to select “Nova Pioneer Podcast” on the “How did you hear about us” section of the online application.

Your contribution to and feedback of the podcast is invaluable. Email your thoughts, comments, questions and voice recordings to novaneerpod@gmail.com.

To support Tabasamu, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/tabasamu.ke/

Produced by Jabu Mtwa. Theme music, mixing and sound design by Hazy.

At Nova Pioneer, we understand the significance and impact of high-quality pre-primary education. We are thrilled to share some exciting news regarding our Tots (2 turning 3) to Grade 1 offering at Nova Pioneer. 

In response to the needs and expectations of Novaneers in our community –  namely, affordable and quality pre-primary care and education, we have introduced some positive changes to our younger grades –  we have reviewed our pricing and offering and, from 2023, we will be bringing you the same quality Pre-Primary and Grade 1 education at more affordable and accessible prices.

What Changes? What is Added?

1. A significant reduction in the tuition for Tots – Grade 1 (up to 20% tuition reduction in 2023*)
2. More flexibility for families (especially those who work!): A ‘regular dismissal’ day or full day option for our Tots, Grade 000 and 00 students. (Regular dismissal times will vary slightly from school to school).
3. For our Tots, Grade 000 and 00 families, a full day added-value option: Includes free aftercare at NovaCare, with a meal, snack and beverage provided.  

Excited? Share the love!

At Nova Pioneer, we know how important it is to build community. Who better to help us do this than our very own parents? As an existing Nova Pioneer parent, you could qualify for a referral discount (R3500 off your tuition for a period of one year) when you refer a parent and they successfully enrol their child at any of our Nova Pioneer campuses. 

Want to know more? 

We’d love to chat with you and share more about this exciting change to our offering. Reach out to admissions.sa@novapioneer.com for more information.

*Terms and conditions apply

“It is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and of future generations.”Christine Gregoire 

Take a look at where we are now, and how far we’ve come; 46 years ago today, a new chapter was written for the youth of South Africa, Africa, and the world. Tsietsi Teboho Mashinini gave a speech on June 13, 1976, that would change the course of history and the educational landscape.

Mashinini, a selfless leader, inspired over 20 000 Soweto youngsters to take action to change a system that viewed them as second-class citizens, an education system that taught them that they were only good as servants and labourers.

They said we are physicians, lawyers, teachers, business people, pilots, and scientists – the world and everything in it belongs to us.

Legacy

The young leaders of 1976 left us a lasting legacy, one of servant leadership – as we say at Nova Pioneer,  “great leaders always put others before themselves and engage their community with humility and generosity. We see leadership as a way of improving the world, not simply promoting ourselves.”

The Nova Pioneer teaching journey is designed to create a spirit of service beyond self-interest, to recognise that you are an important part of the world, and that substantial change begins with you.

Gratitude

Gratitude is an important part of humility, and we salute all of the young leaders of 1976 for being role models in this area. We are because you are, and we are shaping leaders and innovators for an African century because you showed us it was possible. Nova Pioneer honours you for sacrificing your lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have today. We are building schools across Sub-Saharan Africa and bringing together brilliant minds from around the world. 

Let us use this Youth day to reflect on the strides we have made, the work we have laying ahead and remember to keep investing in the youth because it is with them that the future lies.

Nova Pioneer Schools salute the youth of 1976. Like a mirror we never lose our ability to reflect, no matter how many times we are broken – we will continue to press forward, motivated by the spirit of positive pan-Africanism.

To listen in, click here

A common question we get from students is “What is the difference between IEB, CAPS and Cambridge?”

One of the reasons that drew me to Nova Pioneer five years ago, apart from the desire to be a member of a team of educational pioneers in South Africa, was the opportunity to teach within the Cambridge system. And five years down the line, I do not regret that decision. What an intellectually and personally rewarding journey it has been for me, and will continue to be. The Cambridge curriculum is still quite an unfamiliar system in the South African context. Many prospective parents have heard about it, but are still not fully aware of how it works and the benefits thereof as an educational experience. At parent evenings and open days some of the most commonly asked questions are, ¨What are A levels, and why should my child consider taking them?¨ 

A Levels (Advanced Level) refers to the final two years of the Cambridge curriculum. The two-year course consists of two ´sub-phases´, AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A2. These two sub-phases combine to equate to a full A Level. At the end of each of these sub-phases students write examinations externally set and marked by Cambridge. In the South African system, the AS Level is considered the equivalent of the South African matric, and students may apply to university locally and exit school after this point if they have achieved the minimum of four AS level subject passes (D symbol and above), including English, combined with one IGCSE pass (C symbol and above). This IGCSE pass should be in their second language. Alright, now that we have dealt with the technicalities, the question arises again. If my child can exit school at the end of their AS year (Grade 12), why should they stay on and achieve a full A level qualification at the end of Grade 13? 

There are a few reasons why we encourage parents to strongly consider full A Levels for their children. The first is that it is a well-respected international qualification and students who wish to study abroad will invariably be at an advantage in terms of university acceptance at all the world´s top tertiary institutions. Top South African universities as well have formalised their acceptance criteria for A Level candidates and these students are highly sought after locally as well. Full A Levels also provides another bite at the cherry for students who may not have achieved the university entry requirements in their AS exams. By improving their results in a 13th year, they almost always end up with a very strong university entrance qualification. 

The A Level qualification is also explicitly designed to prepare students for university study. The heavy emphasis placed on the skills of application, analysis and evaluation of knowledge means students are far better prepared for the academic rigours of university. A 2019 South African study showed that only 22% of South African students managed to complete a three year bachelor degree in the three year time period. Within the South African context there are many reasons for this. However, a key one is that generally, the South African schooling system leaves many students academically ill-prepared for the intellectual rigours of university. At Nova Pioneer part of the way we measure success is defined by our graduate’s ability to complete their university courses in the stipulated time. This is a major factor in why we chose to partner with Cambridge in providing affordable access to a curriculum specifically designed to heighten chances of success at tertiary level. The ability to inculcate critical thinking skills and an advanced level of academic literacy in our graduates will not only stand them in good stead at university, but also in the world of work after university graduation. Another important attribute developed in students within the Cambridge system is the ability to work independently. This is fundamental to success particularly in the A Level phase. Great habits learnt here carry through to university and strengthen the academic ´muscle´ needed to achieve success. The feedback I receive from former Nova Pioneer students is how much further ahead they are at university in their skills, content knowledge and academic maturity than their peers from CAPS or IEB schools. 

And finally, we tend to focus so much on the benefits of Cambridge as a pathway to academic and career success, and neglect the intrinsic benefits thereof, or the opportunity A Levels provides our students to be better, more informed human beings through study for the love of knowledge. The opportunity to focus in depth on three to four disciplines a student is passionate about is an opportunity not afforded to many students in the South African schooling system. The chance to really experience the joy of in depth intellectual fulfilment at an earlier point in their academic career is, I feel, a great privilege. This final reason is an important one, particularly for those students who have not yet decided what they want to study at university. A Levels therefore provides an opportunity for an intellectually stimulating ´gap´ year. 

The Cambridge curriculum has been designed as a thirteen year programme and so our message to prospective parents and students is that, to achieve full benefit from this rigorous and rewarding programme, the option of completing the full A Level qualification should always be one to consider when applying for study at Nova Pioneer. 

You may have some concerns about relocating your child mid-year. At Nova Pioneer, we work with our parents to ensure we provide support to students who join mid-year. Our teachers are equipped to support students in catching up on the Curriculum, and the learning model allows teachers to identify areas in which additional focus is required, ensuring a smooth transition for your child. Our teachers support mid-year joiners by ensuring the following:

• Adjusting from one curriculum to another may seem daunting, however our teachers put a lot of work into equipping students who start mid-year with the tools to thrive. Initially an assessment is done to understand the student’s baseline math and english level. Teachers then conduct weekly CFU’s (Check for Understanding) and based on these checks, the teacher is able to assess whether academic support interventions need to be taken. 
• While ensuring that your child is able to adjust to the academic rigour of our curriculum and model, it is equally important that they receive psycho-social support with the big adjustment. Various methods are used to ensure that the student adjusts well to their environment, teachers, peers and becoming a Novaneer. 
• Students are quickly introduced to the Nova Pioneer culture which largely assists with the social adjustment. This ranges from understanding what the 6 culture principles are, to giving snaps or shine for their own and peer achievements. 
• Both new and existing families are supported through instructional evenings, aimed at equipping parents with knowledge to support their Novaneer’s journey in becoming a leader and innovator

Below are some tips on how parents can make the mid-year transition less disruptive.

Communicate the decision for the move

Talk with your child about moving schools well in advance, if possible. Take time to discuss each concern and allow your child to express themselves and their feelings about changing schools. This will help parents understand their child’s feelings and fears about changing schools. This can also give us insight into how we can best support them. Also ask them what they are looking forward to the most about going to a new school and talk to your child about what to expect at the new school.

Come meet our team

We always advise parents to visit the campus before the child starts classes and ensure they stay engaged with the school and teachers to find out how the child is settling in. Also, feel free to ask for more information on our psychosocial support services in case your child may need additional or professional support to adjust with the change. 

Come prepared

Make sure that your child has the correct school stationery and uniform, as well as sports clothes. Also, organise your child’s transportation to commute to and from school. Parents need to remember that children are most concerned about fitting in at school, and having the basics covered can help them integrate better into their new school environment. 

Encourage building community

Get your child involved in extracurricular activities that interest them, to help them make new friends and for them to be part of the school community. Also encourage your child to try a new activity to help them grow and expand their scope of activities at school.

Stay connected to old friends

Remember to make space for your child to reconnect and maintain communication with former school friends. It’s good for your child to not feel like they have lost or neglected their old friends, it will also comfort them to be able to keep memories of their previous school and to stay in contact with the friends that they have left behind.

Hurry, available spaces for this year are limited!

Nova Pioneer announced plans to launch a new high schools in 2023. Nova Pioneer Ruimsig High Campus will be based at our North Riding campus for the first two years (thereafter moving to our Ruimsig campus in 2025) and serve Novaneers in Johannesburg West.  The new campus will cater for Grade 8 students in 2023 and subsequently add grades. Nova Pioneer is a private school network that builds and operates world-class, affordable schools, offering students grades from preschool through to high school.

Quality Education Made Accessible to More Families

Co-founder and CEO of Nova Pioneer Chinezi Chijioke said the school group’s expansion plans are guided by their mission to develop a generation of young innovators and leaders who will shape the world.

“Over the past five years, our Nova Pioneer North Riding primary school campus has only catered to students from preschool to Grade 7. However, due to the remarkable success of the campus and growing demand for a high school, we will introduce high school that will serve families in the areas as well as give Novaneers the opportunity to complete their schooling career at Nova Pioneer,” he explained.

“Nova Pioneer seeks to provide consistent excellent 21st century schooling that prepares children to thrive and lead in life beyond school, and is financially accessible – we want to reach as many families as possible. We do this through a combination of the rigorously implemented Cambridge curriculum, a teaching approach that emphasises critical thinking and student voice, and our internally developed leadership, social-emotional wellness, and post-school success programmes.”

Expansion Plans in Detail

The Ruimsig High School will initially be housed at our North Riding campus for the first two years and thereafter will move onto our Ruimsig campus ensuring it can suitably serve all students in the Randburg and Roodepoort areas. Nova Pioneer South Africa now has three high schools and we are currently enrolling for the following grades.

• Nova Pioneer Ormonde: Grade 8 to A-Levels
• Nova Pioneer Midrand: Grade 8 and 9
• Nova Pioneer West (incubated at North Riding): Grade 8

Excellent Cambridge Results

Chief Academic Officer, Rahel Wondwossen said the school group offers quality education grounded in the Cambridge standards, an internationally accredited curriculum that is both locally and globally recognised. Our Nova Pioneer High schools offer grades up to, and including Grade 13, which is optional but a popular choice for many students based on their specific tertiary learning plans and, with time, Nova Pioneer West will offer all grades.

“Cambridge qualifications are internationally recognised, opening doors for Nova Pioneer students to universities in South Africa and worldwide. We are proud to be one of a few South African schools that offer the Cambridge Curriculum and are fully accredited with Cambridge International.”

Nova Pioneer students can write their IGSCE, AS-Level and A-Level examinations. Earlier this year, the school group celebrated their Ormonde High students’ Cambridge A-Level results, with a 100% pass rate and exceeded the national subject pass average. The A-Level year is ostensibly the equivalent of Grade 13 at high school level and provides students a world-recognised exit qualification to widen the scope of their university studies both locally and internationally and, depending on how they performed in their IGCSE and AS levels, gives students the opportunity to improve their options of getting into their preferred course.

Post School Success Team

Nova Pioneer places high value on students’ post-secondary school success. The school believes many elements can impact a student’s ability to succeed after completing high school. “We want to ensure that students perform well academically and ensure that they feel supported and prepared to succeed beyond Nova Pioneer. We recognise that those paths will be as diverse as our students are, reflecting their passions and talents. To that effect, we have a Post-School Success (PSS) programme to provide all students with personalised guidance on exploring post-school options. Our PSS programme is a unique offering available to our senior high students,” said Wondwossen.

Since its introduction in both South Africa and Kenya, Nova Pioneer’s PSS programme has facilitated the admission of students into renowned universities both locally and abroad. Schools for Innovators and Leaders Nova Pioneer believes too many schools focus too narrowly on knowledge memorisation and content accumulation. While Nova Pioneer considers academic mastery and skills to be critically important, it also places focus on a more holistic set of skills aligned with its vision of developing high-character leaders and innovators.

“We focus on developing our students’ character, problem-solving capabilities and interpersonal connection. We call these our ‘3Cs’. We expect our students to excel in exams and attend great universities, but ultimately our success will be measured by our graduates’ lives. By the innovations they develop, companies they launch and lead, art they create, and impact they have on their communities,” said Chijioke.

“Ultimately, we want our students to become shapers of a world they envision, rather than takers of the world they inherit. We are very proud of all our students and wish them well as they transition into the next secondary learning stage of their lives. We look forward to having our students complete their entire schooling career (Grade 000 to Grade 13) at Nova Pioneer and openly welcome students from other schools too.”