The Importance of Human Rights

In this episode, Jabu is joined by Loago, Tlotliso and Leah, three Grade 7 students from Nova Pioneer Ormonde, to dive into the history of Human Rights Day in South Africa, its connection to the Sharpeville Massacre, and why it remains significant today. They discuss the fundamental role of human

In this episode, Jabu is joined by Loago, Tlotliso and Leah, three Grade 7 students from Nova Pioneer Ormonde, to dive into the history of Human Rights Day in South Africa, its connection to the Sharpeville Massacre, and why it remains significant today. They discuss the fundamental role of human rights in society, the key rights protected by South Africa’s Constitution, and how we can ensure they are respected in our daily lives.

 

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Robotics Team Brings Home the Silver for Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior

We are proud to announce that Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior’s incredible robotics team qualified for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Nationals and brought home a prestigious Silver Certificate! This achievement highlights our students’ passion for innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving, setting a powerful example of what can be accomplished with dedication

We are proud to announce that Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior’s incredible robotics team qualified for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Nationals and brought home a prestigious Silver Certificate! This achievement highlights our students’ passion for innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving, setting a powerful example of what can be accomplished with dedication and collaboration.

A Remarkable Opportunity

For our students, competing in the WRO was a dream come true. The journey to the Nationals was not only a test of their technical skills but also a deeply rewarding experience that allowed them to explore their creativity and critical thinking abilities. Bokamoso Hlapane, one of the key members of the team, reflected on what this opportunity meant:

“It has been such a great honour to be part of the robotics competitions. It was an opportunity that not many had, so I am very grateful for the opportunity we had, and I am glad that we didn’t let it go to waste. I am also grateful for making our school proud. I am proud of the team.”

Bokamoso’s gratitude speaks to the heart of what this competition represents—a chance for students to step out of the classroom and take on real-world challenges with innovation and determination.

Teamwork and Determination

The Nationals brought together the best robotics teams from around the country, all eager to compete at the highest level. It wasn’t an easy task, but Unathi Jiyane, another standout team member, shared how their team’s strong sense of collaboration and resilience helped them succeed:

“We faced tough competition, but through teamwork and determination, we pulled through.”

The competition was fierce, with teams tackling new challenges on an unfamiliar game mat, pushing everyone to think on their feet. The dynamic nature of the Nationals required students to strategize quickly, adapt to changes, and come up with the best possible solutions under pressure.

A Test of Creativity and Problem-Solving

At its core, the WRO is designed to sharpen creativity and problem-solving skills—two essential qualities for the innovators of tomorrow. Competing at the Nationals introduced the Nova Pioneer team to a new game mat, meaning they had to adapt their strategies and approach the challenge with fresh ideas. Reflecting on this aspect of the competition, Zamantima Thela said:

“The national final had the best of the best teams competing from around the country. All the teams worked really hard. The WRO competitions encourage young people to sharpen their creativity and problem-solving skills. That’s the big idea. Unlike the provincial level where we knew where elements would be, the national finals presented the teams with a new game mat. The teams had to work strategically to get as many points as possible. It was interesting seeing the different approaches that the teams took to solve the problem.”

The students’ ability to adapt and innovate under these circumstances was key to their success. Seeing the different ways in which teams approached the same problem added an extra layer of learning and growth for everyone involved.

Inspiration and Team Spirit

For their coach, teacher and mentor, Zamantima Thela, it was a proud moment to watch the team thrive under pressure and enjoy the competition. The energy, teamwork, and sheer enjoyment they brought to the national finals were evident:

“My team, Unathi and Bokamoso, worked very well as a team. I could see how much fun they were having in the national finals. They were so inspired by their own work. Nova Pioneer definitely will be back next year. We are looking forward to seeing how well we do in the other competitions.”

Zamantima’s excitement for the future reflects the enthusiasm that the entire Nova Pioneer community feels about the next steps for our robotics team.

Looking to the Future

This year’s success is just the beginning for Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior. Our students have shown that they are capable of competing with the best, and they’ve gained valuable experience that will carry them into future competitions and beyond. With their creativity, determination, and passion for robotics, we’re confident that they will continue to push boundaries and innovate.

We couldn’t be prouder of the Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior Robotics Team for bringing home the Silver Certificate at the WRO Nationals. Their achievement is a reflection of the Nova Pioneer spirit—one of continuous learning, problem-solving, and collaboration.

As we look ahead to next year’s competitions, we are excited to see how far our students will go. Nova Pioneer is committed to fostering the skills and talents of our learners, and we know that with their drive and passion, the future is incredibly bright.

Congratulations once again to Bokamoso, Unathi, and the entire team! You have made your school proud and set the stage for even greater success. We can’t wait to see what you achieve next!

Nova Pioneer North Riding Welcomes New School Leader: Prathna Ramchunder

We are excited to announce that Nova Pioneer North Riding has appointed a new school leader, Prathna Ramchunder, as Head of School. With a deep passion for education and an impressive journey of leadership, Prathna brings a wealth of experience and dedication to fostering student success. We take a moment

We are excited to announce that Nova Pioneer North Riding has appointed a new school leader, Prathna Ramchunder, as Head of School. With a deep passion for education and an impressive journey of leadership, Prathna brings a wealth of experience and dedication to fostering student success. We take a moment to get to know her inspiring journey.

A Passion for Teaching from the Start

Prathna’s story begins in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, where she grew up in a family of four, including her younger brother. From a young age, her dream was clear—to become a teacher. This passion never wavered throughout her schooling years, and after matriculating, she pursued her BA in Psychology, followed by a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.

Her teaching career began in Durban, where she had the opportunity to develop and refine her skills at a school that provided a rich learning environment. After gaining experience, she applied for teaching positions in both Durban and Johannesburg, eventually landing a role at a Johannesburg-based organisation. During her four years there, Prathna’s talent for leadership became evident, and in 2019, she was promoted to Assistant Principal.

Joining the Nova Pioneer Family

In 2020, Prathna’s leadership journey took a new turn when she joined Nova Pioneer North Riding as the Associate Dean of Instruction. Reflecting on her time at Nova Pioneer, she shares how the school’s focus on coaching, development, and creating meaningful challenges helped her grow at an accelerated pace.

“In my time at Nova Pioneer, I was learning and growing at an accelerated rate due to the coaching, development, and challenging situations I faced,” says Prathna.

Her dedication and commitment to fostering a positive and dynamic learning environment quickly led to her promotion in 2023 to Dean of Instruction.

A New Chapter as Head of School

This year, Prathna’s journey reached an exciting milestone. After an extensive interview process among many strong candidates, she was selected to become the Head of School at Nova Pioneer North Riding in September 2024. Prathna’s vision for the school is one rooted in creating opportunities for growth, nurturing a culture of excellence, and empowering students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

We are incredibly proud to have Prathna Ramchunder at the helm of Nova Pioneer North Riding and are confident that under her leadership, our students and community will continue to thrive.

Let’s all welcome Prathna as she leads us into this exciting new chapter!

Nova Pioneer Boksburg Welcomes New School Leader: Dr Robyn Thompson

Nova Pioneer Boksburg is thrilled to announce the appointment of our new school leader, whose dedication to education spans over three decades. With a remarkable career marked by academic excellence, a love for teaching, and a strong commitment to student success, our new leader Dr Robyn Thompson is set to

Nova Pioneer Boksburg is thrilled to announce the appointment of our new school leader, whose dedication to education spans over three decades. With a remarkable career marked by academic excellence, a love for teaching, and a strong commitment to student success, our new leader Dr Robyn Thompson is set to guide Nova Pioneer Boksburg into an exciting new chapter.

She has dedicated her life to fostering a love for learning and ensuring academic excellence. Her journey in education began at the Johannesburg College of Education, now the University of Witwatersrand School of Education, where she graduated in 1993. Since then, she has continually sought to deepen her understanding of education, completing a Bachelor of Education with Honours, followed by a Master’s in Education.

In March 2020, she achieved a significant milestone by earning a PhD from the University of Cape Town’s School of Education. Her doctoral research, titled “Teaching Intra-Active Comprehension with Picturebooks in a Grade Three South African Classroom”, explores the dynamic relationships between the classroom environment, time practices, and students’ bodily actions in shaping literacy teaching and learning. This research underscores her innovative approach to education, rooted in understanding the holistic ways children interact with their learning environment.

Throughout her extensive career, she has worked in both private and public schools, gaining invaluable experience across a wide range of educational settings. From teaching in the Foundation Phase to working with higher grade levels, she has developed a deep understanding of the diverse developmental stages and needs of students. This wide-ranging experience enriches her approach to supporting student growth at every level.

In 2020, she joined Nova Pioneer as the Associate Dean of Instruction at the Boksburg campus. In this role, she has made a profound impact on the lives of students and worked closely with educators to uphold the highest standards of teaching and learning. Her primary goal has always been to create a nurturing environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and experiences the joy of learning.

“I believe that when students feel valued and supported, they are more likely to engage deeply with their studies and to achieve their full potential,” shared Thompson. “This commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment is at the heart of her leadership philosophy.”

Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she is deeply committed to partnering with parents, teachers, and the broader community. She believes in setting high expectations not only for students’ academic achievements but also for their personal growth and development. By cultivating a culture of excellence and mutual respect, her aim is to empower students to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

One quote that resonates deeply with her is by Albert Einstein: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” This philosophy reflects her belief that education should not only impart knowledge but also inspire creativity and a lifelong love for learning. 

She is driven by a deep care for our students and a strong commitment to their success. She is eager to continue fostering an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By working together with parents, teachers, and the community, we are confident that Nova Pioneer Boksburg will continue to provide students with the tools they need to achieve their dreams and become future leaders.

We are incredibly excited to welcome such an accomplished and passionate leader. With her extensive experience, deep love for education, and unwavering commitment to student success, Nova Pioneer Boksburg is set to flourish under her leadership.

Let’s all give a warm welcome to Dr Robyn Thompson as we look forward to a bright future filled with growth, learning, and success!

Exploration Day: Unleashing Curiosity Through Science, Art, and Technology

At Nova Pioneer, we believe in creating learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom boundaries. One of our signature initiatives, Exploration Day, is a testament to this philosophy. Designed as a theme-based investigation space, Exploration Day encourages our students to delve into their interests through the interconnected lenses of science,

At Nova Pioneer, we believe in creating learning experiences that go beyond traditional classroom boundaries. One of our signature initiatives, Exploration Day, is a testament to this philosophy. Designed as a theme-based investigation space, Exploration Day encourages our students to delve into their interests through the interconnected lenses of science, art, and technology.

What is Exploration Day?

Exploration Day is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to deepen the learning already happening in our classrooms. Each Exploration Day theme runs for half a term, culminating in student-led exhibitions that showcase their work, investigations, and achievements. These exhibitions are a celebration of the hard work and creativity our students pour into their projects, providing them with a platform to share their insights with peers, teachers, and the broader school community.

A Holistic Learning Experience

During Exploration Day, students engage in a 3-part rotation across Science, Technology, and Art. Each activity is thoughtfully designed to align with the Cambridge curriculum, ensuring that the exploration is both enriching and academically rigorous.

  • Science: Activities are directly tied to the Cambridge Science curriculum, allowing students to explore scientific concepts hands-on. For example, in Grade 3, students might investigate the properties of light, shadows, and materials—learning about transparency, translucency, and opacity.
  • Art: The Art component draws from the Cambridge Art and Design curriculum, encouraging students to express their creativity while developing critical artistic skills. In the same Grade 3 unit, students might explore shapes, spaces, and patterns through various printmaking techniques, inspired by architecture and the environment around them.
  • Technology: Technology activities incorporate the Cambridge Digital Literacy curriculum and even LEGO Spike Robotics. As students progress, they also begin instruction with Code4Kids, building a foundation in coding and digital literacy that is essential for the future.

Grade 3 Exploration Day: Light, Shadow, and Space

To illustrate the richness of Exploration Day, let’s take a closer look at a specific unit from Grade 3, titled Light, Shadow, and Space. This unit is an excellent example of how we integrate Science, Art, and Technology into a cohesive learning experience.

  • Science: Students start by exploring the properties of light and shadows. They learn why shadows form, how they change, and what affects their size. Understanding the concepts of transparency, translucency, and opacity is crucial before delving into shadow formation. This scientific exploration lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of how light interacts with different materials.
  • Art: In the Art rotation, students use their newfound knowledge of light and space to inspire their creative work. They explore the shapes and spaces in their surroundings, from architecture to garden design, and experiment with printmaking techniques like block printing and collography. The focus here is on the creative process, encouraging students to document their ideas, experiments, and evaluations in their visual journals.
  • Technology: The Technology rotation introduces students to safe digital research. They learn about browsers, websites, and search engines, developing the skills to find and assess information online. The concept of a digital footprint is also introduced, helping students understand the importance of responsible internet use.

Why Exploration Day Matters

Exploration Day is more than just a fun activity; it’s a vital part of how we nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in our students. By integrating Science, Art, and Technology into a single learning experience, we provide our students with the tools they need to explore their interests and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

At Nova Pioneer, we’re not just preparing our students for the next test—we’re preparing them for the future, one Exploration Day at a time.

 

Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior Excels at World Robotic Competition

Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior is celebrating a remarkable achievement by its students, Bokamoso Hlapane and Unathi Jiyane, who have excelled at the prestigious World Robotic Competition hosted by Hands on Tech in North Riding. The duo, who have become the pride of their school, placed fourth in the competition, showcasing

Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior is celebrating a remarkable achievement by its students, Bokamoso Hlapane and Unathi Jiyane, who have excelled at the prestigious World Robotic Competition hosted by Hands on Tech in North Riding. The duo, who have become the pride of their school, placed fourth in the competition, showcasing their exceptional skills in robotics.

Their outstanding performance has not only brought honour to Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior but has also earned them a coveted spot in the national robotics competition, which will be held in September. This upcoming event will see Bokamoso and Unathi compete against the top teams from across the country, a challenge they are ready to embrace with enthusiasm and determination.

Bokamoso expressed her excitement about the opportunity to participate in the WRO National Competition, highlighting the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving success. “This great achievement has shown us that being dedicated to your work does pay off, and sometimes you have to dream extremely big and put in the work to achieve great results,” added Hlapane. 

Their robotics teacher, Zamantima Thela, couldn’t hide her pride and excitement for her students’ success. She praised Bokamoso and Unathi, describing them as her “dream team,” strong in both programming and building. “I’m so thrilled that we will be competing in the nationals. I think I’m so privileged to have the dream team; strong in programming and strong in building. I’m so proud of my little roboticists, and I can’t wait to see what they do next,” said Thela.

This achievement is a testament to Nova Pioneer’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence among its learners. The school has always encouraged its students to pursue their passions and reach for the stars, and Bokamoso and Unathi’s success is a shining example of what can be accomplished with the right support and determination.

As they prepare for the national competition, the entire Nova Pioneer community stands behind them, confident that they will continue to make their school proud. Bokamoso, Unathi, and their team have already proven that they have what it takes to excel on the world stage, and there is no doubt that they will give their best at the nationals.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow Bokamoso and Unathi’s journey to the WRO National Competition. We are excited to see what these talented young minds will achieve next!

2024 Ruimsig Senior School Fee Rebate

Terms and Conditions: 2024 Rebate for Grade 8 and 9 students at Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School Published on 16 November 2023 Any student enrolled in Grade 8 or Grade 9 at Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School in 2024 will receive a 15% rebate on their tuition.  This is specific

Terms and Conditions: 2024 Rebate for Grade 8 and 9 students at Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School

Published on 16 November 2023

  • Any student enrolled in Grade 8 or Grade 9 at Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School in 2024 will receive a 15% rebate on their tuition. 
  • This is specific to Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School campus (previously known as West Senior School).
  • The rebate is applicable to tuition fees only and does not cover any other expenses such as (but not limited to) non-refundable enrolment fee, uniforms, textbooks, transportation, aftercare or extracurricular activities.
  • The tuition rebate will apply for the 2024 academic year only. Nova Pioneer reserves the right not to extend this rebate into the 2025 academic year.
  • In order to receive the rebate, a student needs to be enrolled during the 2024 year. Should the student join either the Grade 8 or Grade 9 classes during the course of the 2024 year, this 15% tuition rebate will be applied to the prorated tuition for the year.
  • For new students joining Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School, in order to qualify for the rebate, a student’s spot will need to be fully secured (i.e. the full enrolment process needs to be complete – details below).
  • Qualification for this offer is provisional on space availability in the requested grade – spaces are limited – as well as all other admissions requirements being completed in full.
  • Confirmed enrolment at Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School will be subject to all admissions requirements. We draw your attention to the following specific requirements:
    • Space being available in the requested grade
    • An entry assessment completed to establish grade readiness
    • An affordability assessment completed with financial clearance for admission granted. 
    • Payment of the full enrolment fee
  • The rebate will be applied to tuition costs only, equivalent to 15% of the tuition amount billed as per the chosen payment plan associated with the student’s account – namely annual, termly or monthly.
  • Should the student transfer to another Nova Pioneer Senior School during the 2024 academic year, the tuition rebate will fall away.
  • The rebate will not be applied should the student account be in arrears.
  • The rebate is non-transferrable and cannot be substituted for cash or a refund/credit.
  • The rebate is not transferable and can only be applied to the tuition costs for the specified child who is enrolled at Nova Pioneer Ruimsig Senior School in Grade 8 or 9, and not to the tuition costs for a sibling or any other student.
  • Should a student receive a Nova Pioneer bursary, scholarship or hardship financial support in 2024 for a percentage of tuition that is greater than this  15% rebate, then they will not also be eligible for the 15% rebate. Only their bursary/scholarship/hardship support will be applied. 
  • If applicable, sibling discounts and referral discounts will still be applied.
  • Staff members do not qualify for this rebate.

Attend our Open Day and win!

Beats by Dre Open Day Competition Terms and Conditions     The Beats by Dre competition will run from 14 October until 31 October 2023 In order to be eligible for entry into the competition, the following steps need to be completed: Attend Nova Pioneer’s Open Day event on Saturday,

Beats by Dre Open Day Competition Terms and Conditions

 

 

  • The Beats by Dre competition will run from 14 October until 31 October 2023
  • In order to be eligible for entry into the competition, the following steps need to be completed:
    • Attend Nova Pioneer’s Open Day event on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at any of our campuses, including Ormonde, Paulshof, Ruimsig, Boksburg, Midrand, and North Riding.
    • Your child must be assessed at the Open Day on 14 October 2023.
    • Participants must complete the enrolment process by October 31, 2023.
  • Completing the enrolment process is subject to all admissions requirements. We draw your attention to the following specific requirements:
    • Space being available in the requested grade
    • An entry assessment completed and passed to establish grade readiness
    • An affordability assessment completed with financial clearance for admission granted. 
    • Payment of the full enrolment fee
    • Only participants who have met the criteria mentioned above will be entered into the prize draw.
  • The winner will be selected at random from the pool of eligible entries. The draw will take place after the enrolment fee payment deadline, on a date specified by Nova Pioneer.
  • The winner will be notified via the contact information provided during the Open Day registration process. Nova Pioneer will make reasonable attempts to contact the winner. If the winner cannot be reached within a reasonable period or does not claim the prize, a new winner will be selected.
  • The prize is a set of Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones (Beats by Dre Iconic Collection) – Matte Black. The prize is not exchangeable, transferable or exchangeable for cash. 
  • The winner must collect their prize in person at a Nova Pioneer campus or another location specified by Nova Pioneer. The prize must be collected within a reasonable period as communicated by Nova Pioneer.
  • Nova Pioneer staff do not qualify for entry into this competition.
  • By participating in this campaign, participants agree that their name and likeness may be used by Nova Pioneer for promotional purposes without further compensation.
  • Nova Pioneer respects your privacy and will handle all personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our Privacy Policy.
  • Nova Pioneer reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the campaign, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice.
  • Nova Pioneer and its affiliates, employees, and representatives shall not be responsible or liable for any loss, damage, injury, or any other claim arising from or in connection with the campaign or the use of the prize.
  • Participation in the campaign constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  • This campaign is subject to the laws of South Africa and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

 

 

Nova Pioneer students exceed global benchmarks in their Cambridge A-Levels

Nova Pioneer Schools for Innovators and Leaders, recently celebrated their Ormonde Senior School students’ Cambridge A-Level results, with 83% of Nova Pioneer’s graduating class already achieving University Exemptions. Nova Pioneer students exceeded the global subject pass average in English, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Business and History. Nova Pioneer is a pan-African

Nova Pioneer Schools for Innovators and Leaders, recently celebrated their Ormonde Senior School students’ Cambridge A-Level results, with 83% of Nova Pioneer’s graduating class already achieving University Exemptions. Nova Pioneer students exceeded the global subject pass average in English, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Business and History.

Nova Pioneer is a pan-African independent school group that builds and operates world-class, affordable schools, offering students grades from preschool through to secondary. The school offers Cambridge, an internationally accredited curriculum, where students can write their IGSCE, AS-Level and A-Level examinations.

The A-Level year is ostensibly the equivalent of Grade 13 at a 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.  

Theuns Opperman, the school leader for Nova Pioneer Ormonde Secondary, said that he was proud of students’ results as they, again, did Nova Pioneer’s “Always Growing” culture principle proud.

“It is a pleasure to share in our students’ successes and excitement about their futures and to hear personally from them how attending Nova Pioneer has laid the foundations for  their aspirations. Their exceptional results reflect the tremendous diligence of our students and their tenacity, as well as the unstinting support and inspiration of their teachers,” said Opperman.

“We believe these results demonstrate the value in the completion of an A-Level year for those who wish to apply to the top South African and international tertiary institutions, and also for those students wishing to improve on their previous year’s AS level results.”

 

Academic excellence a priority 

 

Chief of Schools, Rahel Wondwossen said they were proud of the results achieved by their Grade 13 class of 2022. 

“I wish to commend our students and teachers for their commitment and hard work. The results achieved this year are a testament to their hard work and dedication leading up to this point and will underpin their successful progression into the future. Many of our students have now earned the necessary grades to secure places at universities locally or internationally should that be their plan,” said Wondwossen.

“We want to see students leave Nova Pioneer with the best possible academic qualifications for them and a love of learning that will remain with them for life. We are passionate about ensuring excellent outcomes for our pupils in order to improve their life opportunities. Thus, we are exceptionally proud of what the students have achieved,” she said.

 

Student spotlight

 

Top performing student in 2022, Andrew Williamson who will be pursuing his tertiary education at Stellenbosch University says he is excited about the newfound independence he will gain and finding both like-minded people and unlikely friends at university. 

“I’m most proud of the increased effort I have put into my studies this year. It was far more intensive than last year and it allowed me to discover a level of endurance that I didn’t know I had.”

When asked about what she is most proud of when looking back on 2022, top performer Sinovuyo Titi says, “If I had to pick just one, I would say I’m proud of my growth on how to adapt in uncomfortable situations. The past year has been a roller coaster academically and mentally and I taught myself that the only way to achieve your goals is to navigate through your challenges with a Novaneer “Solutions First” mindset. In that way, you don’t allow inconvenience to overwhelm you and you learn to overcome it.”

Isabel Enechi, another top performer receiving A’s in English and Maths says, “I think I’ve grown to really understand my psyche, and this has helped me in achieving a lot of goals I set for myself this year.” 

 

 

Prepared to thrive post school

 

Departing Nova Pioneer students who have completed their A-Levels, leave feeling confident as they  know what they want to pursue beyond school. Wondwossen says this was made possible through the support of the Post School Success (PSS) Team and the school’s Psycho-social Support Team.

Wondwossen explains, “We established the PSS Team with the aim of equipping students with practical tools for preparation in life after school. The team supports students in understanding their options and what benefits and challenges each may come with.” 

The PSS team, in collaboration with the psycho-social support team, provides students with personalised assessments and career guidance based on each of their unique talents and skills. They support students in cultivating pathways for success after leaving Nova Pioneer.  For many of our students, that may be university, but others pursue launching businesses amongst other pursuits.  Our PSS program, with the aid of our other support structures, supports students in their self discovery of passion and interest as they lead our communities beyond Nova Pioneer.

Both teams have, and continue to, support all students’ as they explore their options to study further or to pursue other paths.

“Also, it is important to note that the journey of a Nova Pioneer student does not end with their exit examinations – once a Novaneer, always a Novaneer. We look forward to engaging with our Novaneers who will now be part of Nova Pioneer’s active and networked pan-African Alumni community,” she added. 

Nova Pioneer is currently operational in both South Africa and Kenya with the  mission to develop generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century. 

How Student Data Informs Teaching at Nova Pioneer

The expectations we set for our students are based on the data we collect, that also guides us in mapping their educational growth goals.  Our view, is that our students are capable and competent individuals with unique abilities to achieve their goals. Our job is to facilitate the process and

The expectations we set for our students are based on the data we collect, that also guides us in mapping their educational growth goals. 

Our view, is that our students are capable and competent individuals with unique abilities to achieve their goals. Our job is to facilitate the process and assist them in developing a growth mindset.

Teaching and learning at Nova Pioneer is firmly grounded in our culture principles, especially: Always Growing, High Expectations, and Joy of Learning. We continuously seek feedback on our students and the learning process in order to inform our teaching, and in turn enable our students to grow and reach their individual academic potential. The learning environment created by the teachers is pivotal in ensuring that each student meets their individual academic goals. 

Here are some of the methods our teachers use to collect data during teaching and learning: 

  • Questioning during small group and whole class instructions 
  • Observations during centre rotations 
  • Student self-reflections 
  • Reading assessments 
  • Regular checks for understanding 

In addition, we also use more formal assessments such as end of term assessments, Cambridge Progression and Checkpoints, as well as Measure of Academic Progress (MAP). The end of term assessments are written tests used to gauge whether students have mastered concepts covered during a term or year. 

The Cambridge Progression Tests (taken from Grade 3) and Checkpoints (taken in Grade 6) are written tests used to assess knowledge, skills and understanding in English, mathematics, and science. MAP is an international adaptive computer test which measures students’ growth in reading and mathematics, and helps us compare our students’ growth with their peers internationally. Our rotational small group teaching model creates multiple opportunities for students and teachers to provide feedback on the learning process.

We assess our students on a continuous basis, and this provides us with rich data that we use to improve academic performance. The purpose of this data is threefold: 

  1. To understand where our students are currently at and what their current needs are 
  2. To outline where our students need to be 
  3. It helps us develop the path necessary to get them there 

Once this is clearly defined to us, we then continuously revisit and develop these skills using our teaching and learning model. The data we collect is the cornerstone of our teaching and learning, and the individually tailored learning experiences.