At Nova Pioneer, we believe that a strong foundation in reading and phonics is essential for students to become confident, lifelong learners. Our comprehensive approach ensures that students not only learn to read but also develop a deep understanding of language that will serve them throughout their academic journey and beyond.

What is Guided Reading?

Guided reading is a cornerstone of our literacy instruction. This small-group instructional approach allows teachers to support each reader’s development by engaging them with texts that are appropriately challenging. During guided reading sessions, students read a text selected at their instructional level, and the teacher provides targeted instruction to help them build strategic reading skills. These sessions are crucial for developing the “in-the-head” networks of strategies that enable students to process increasingly complex texts. Through guided reading, students engage with every aspect of the reading process, which empowers them to apply these skills across all areas of learning.

Our Guided Reading Programme: Reading A-Z

At Nova Pioneer, our Guided Reading Programme utilises the Reading A-Z platform, which offers an extensive library of over a thousand texts across 29 reading levels. This programme ensures that our students in Grades R-5 receive weekly guided reading instruction tailored to their individual needs. The diverse range of texts includes multiple genres and covers a variety of school subjects, making reading both educational and engaging.

Reading A-Z also provides resources to support foundational reading skills, vocabulary, grammar, and writing, ensuring that students are well-rounded in their literacy development. This differentiated approach allows teachers to meet students where they are, providing the right level of challenge to help them progress confidently.

Blended Support: RAZ-Kids

To further support reading development, all Nova Pioneer students in Grades R-5 have access to RAZ-Kids. This award-winning platform offers a vast collection of leveled eBooks that students can access both during school hours and at home. With hundreds of eBooks available at 29 different reading levels, RAZ-Kids makes it easy for students to find content that matches their reading ability. This blended approach encourages continuous practice and reinforces the skills learned during guided reading sessions.

Phonics and Grammar Instruction: Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar

Phonics and grammar are critical components of our literacy instruction. We use the Jolly Phonics programme, a fun and multi-sensory method that teaches children to read and write from an early age. Instead of focusing on the alphabet, Jolly Phonics emphasises the 42 letter sounds that serve as the building blocks for decoding the English language. Students learn to blend these sounds to read words and to segment them when writing. 

The Jolly Phonics programme covers five key skills that are essential for mastering phonics:

1. Learning the letter sounds
2. Learning letter formation
3. Blending sounds for reading
4. Segmenting sounds for spelling
5. Recognising tricky words

As students progress, they are introduced to alternative spellings and continue to build on their phonics foundation with Jolly Grammar. This programme extends phonics instruction to include spelling, grammar, and punctuation concepts, all taught in a systematic and multi-sensory way. Through Jolly Grammar, students learn age-appropriate definitions and gradually build on them each year, deepening their understanding of how language works. This knowledge enables them to write clearly and expressively, laying the groundwork for effective communication.

At Nova Pioneer, our approach to reading and phonics is designed to build confident, capable readers and writers. By combining guided reading, differentiated resources, and comprehensive phonics instruction, we equip our students with the tools they need to succeed in all areas of learning. We are committed to nurturing a love of reading and providing the foundation for lifelong literacy success.

 

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 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!

We are committed to delivering an education that goes beyond traditional teaching methods. Our innovative approach integrates learning centres within the classroom, creating dynamic and interactive environments that cater to the diverse learning needs of our students. Let’s delve into how these learning centres revolutionise the classroom experience and foster a holistic educational journey.

The Concept of Learning Centres

Learning centres are dedicated areas within the classroom where students can engage in specific activities designed to enhance their understanding and skills. These centres focus on different subjects or skills, providing hands-on and experiential learning opportunities that cater to various learning styles. By incorporating learning centres, Nova Pioneer ensures that each student can explore subjects in depth, at their own pace, and in a manner that resonates with them. 

Benefits of Learning Centres

Personalised Learning: Learning centres allow students to engage with content that meets their individual needs and interests. This personalised approach helps students grasp concepts more effectively and fosters a joy for learning.

Active Engagement: By participating in interactive activities, students are actively involved in their learning process. This engagement increases retention and understanding of the material.

Collaboration and Social Skills: Learning centres often involve group activities that encourage collaboration. Students develop essential social skills such as communication, teamwork, and empathy.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Each centre is designed to challenge students to think critically and solve problems. These skills are crucial for success in the 21st century.

Implementing Learning Centres in the Classroom

At Nova Pioneer, the integration of learning centres is a seamless process. Teachers carefully design and organise these centres to align with the curriculum and learning objectives. Here’s how they are implemented:

Structured Schedule: Class time is organised to include dedicated periods for learning centre activities. This structure ensures that all students have the opportunity to engage with each centre.

Clear Instructions and Expectations: Each centre has clear instructions and expectations. Students know what they need to accomplish, which fosters independence and responsibility.

Teacher Facilitation: Teachers play a crucial role in facilitating learning centres. They guide students, provide support, and ensure that each student is engaged and challenged.

Assessment and Feedback: Continuous assessment and feedback are integral to the learning centre model. Teachers monitor student progress and provide feedback to help students improve and succeed.

The integration of learning centres in the classroom at Nova Pioneer represents a shift towards a more personalised, engaging, and holistic education. By providing diverse and interactive learning environments, we ensure that each student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our commitment to innovation and excellence prepares students to be the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

At Nova Pioneer, our commitment to providing a holistic education goes beyond the standard curriculum. Our hallmark programmes are designed to nurture well-rounded future leaders by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. These programmes aim to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to excel in a rapidly changing world. Here, we explore some of the key hallmark programmes that make Nova Pioneer a unique and transformative learning environment.

Innovation and Leadership 

One of the cornerstones of our hallmark programmes is the Innovation and Leadership Programme. This initiative encourages students to think creatively and develop entrepreneurial skills from a young age. Through hands-on projects and real-world problem-solving, students learn to identify opportunities, create innovative solutions, and bring their ideas to life. This programme not only builds entrepreneurial and leadership acumen but also instills a mindset of resilience and adaptability. Leadership is an essential skill for future success, and at Nova Pioneer, we prioritise leadership development across all grade levels. Our Leadership Development Programme provides students with opportunities to take on leadership roles, participate in leadership workshops, and engage in community service projects. Through these experiences, students learn to lead with integrity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility, preparing them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

At Nova Pioneer, we understand the importance of nurturing not just academic abilities but also emotional intelligence and well-being. Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programme focuses on helping students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy. Through structured activities and guided discussions, students learn to navigate their emotions, build positive relationships, and develop resilience. This holistic approach ensures that our students are well-prepared to face the challenges of life with confidence and emotional strength.

Post – School Success (PSS)

The PSS program at Nova Pioneer facilitates a student’s exploration and understanding of themselves as they envision their lives and impact beyond graduation. We do this by leveraging the different stakeholders in a student’s ecosystem and supporting a shared vision and plan of success beyond Nova Pioneer. The Post-School Success (PSS) programme empowers students to take charge of their post-school exploration and planning and helps students cultivate multiple opportunities to pursue after graduation, including but not limited to university pathways.

At Nova Pioneer, our hallmark programmes are designed to go beyond the standard curriculum and nurture well-rounded future leaders. By focusing on innovation, leadership, social-emotional learning and post-school success, we provide our students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in all aspects of life. These programmes embody our commitment to developing confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Join us at Nova Pioneer, where we are shaping the leaders of tomorrow through a holistic and transformative educational experience.

 

Today’s entry is mostly aimed at parents in South Africa who might be concerned after reading some doom and gloom reports about very disappointing Cambridge AS results at some schools:

 

Source: https://theunsjan.blogspot.com/2024/01/should-you-opt-for-cambridge-curriculum.html

Meet our Post School Success Manager 

Dean Mazhawidza, a Career Development Strategist with expertise in Career Psychology within educational and sporting contexts, underscores the pivotal role of career guidance in schools. With eight years of experience in Cape Town, collaborating with institutions such as Star College, Reddam House, German Schools, Habibia and Windsor High School, Dean’s commitment to enhancing career readiness extends to partnerships with Progressive Principal Association Schools, Stellenbosch University and the University of the Western Cape, focusing on initiatives aimed at lower socio-economic backgrounds. His current doctoral pursuit at Stellenbosch University delves into elevating career maturity among Grade 10 learners across diverse socio-economic backgrounds in the Western Cape, South Africa, signifying a critical endeavour to address social justice within the education sector. Presently serving as the Post School Success (PSS) Manager at Nova Pioneer Schools in South Africa, Dean elucidates the significance of PSS in preparing learners for post-secondary endeavours, fostering self-awareness, and equipping them with the requisite skills for navigating an ever-evolving professional landscape.

Understanding Post-School Success (PSS)

Post School Success (PSS) stands as a cornerstone within Nova Pioneer Schools, dedicated to guiding learners towards successful transitions beyond secondary education. Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving world of work, PSS endeavours to equip students with comprehensive insights into their career pathways, abilities, and the skills essential for navigating contemporary professional environments. Integral to PSS is fostering self-awareness encompassing personality traits, talents, and passions, thereby facilitating a holistic understanding of oneself within broader societal contexts.

The Rationale for PSS

Within Nova Pioneer Schools, PSS assumes a paramount role in nurturing innovative leadership qualities among students. By empowering learners to discern and explore areas of personal interest, PSS serves as a catalyst for igniting their aspirations towards effecting meaningful societal change. This process of self-discovery not only initiates students’ leadership journeys but also lays the foundation for informed decision-making, essential for shaping their desired career trajectories. Consequently, PSS serves as the genesis of career guidance development, offering students the clarity and direction necessary to navigate their professional pursuits effectively.

Benefits of PSS Implementation

Despite its often-overlooked status, PSS holds immense potential value for students, educational institutions, and the broader South African economy. In a landscape characterized by alarmingly high youth unemployment rates, estimated at 68%, the significance of PSS in mitigating such challenges becomes glaringly evident. By fostering career maturity, confidence, and self-efficacy among learners, PSS not only enhances their employability but also cultivates a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability. Armed with a robust understanding of their abilities and aspirations, students emerge as resilient individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of the professional realm, thus contributing to the economic and social fabric of the nation.

Implementation Strategies of PSS

At Nova Pioneer Schools, PSS implementation begins at Grade 9 with rigorous self-evaluation, wherein students introspectively identify their strengths, subject choices, interests, and potential career avenues. Dean and his team have developed a comprehensive career intervention program, encompassing five key facets of career maturity: Self-information, decision-making, Career Information, integration of Self-information and Career Information, and Career Planning. Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative assessments, students embark on a journey of self-discovery, culminating in the creation of their personalized PSS files detailing three career choices. This student-centric approach not only empowers learners to take ownership of their career development but also facilitates engagement with industry professionals and university representatives, thereby enriching their understanding of various career pathways. Moreover, students are encouraged to set meaningful goals, consolidating their journey towards career readiness. By the end of their journey, learners leave with a better understanding of their career path and prepared for their journey after school. 

At Nova Pioneer, we believe in embracing linguistic diversity as a cornerstone of holistic education. With a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds represented within our community, we recognise the significance of offering a variety of languages to our students. 

 

The Power of Native Language

 

At Nova Pioneer, we understand that language is more than a subject—it’s a gateway to cultural heritage and self-expression. By offering Setswana, Isizulu, and Afrikaans as additional subjects, we empower our students to connect with their roots and express themselves confidently in their mother tongues. The Power of Native Language lies in its ability to foster a strong sense of identity and belonging among our students.

 

Fostering Confidence and Inclusivity

 

Our dedicated language teachers play a pivotal role in helping students rediscover their confidence through native language instruction. Learning their mother tongue not only enhances comprehension but also fosters a sense of pride and inclusivity. It creates a safe space where students feel valued and respected, paving the way for them to explore other languages with ease. By bridging linguistic gaps, we cultivate classrooms that celebrate diversity and promote meaningful engagement.

 

At Nova Pioneer, language is not just a subject; it’s a bridge that connects us to our past, empowers us in the present, and prepares us for the future. By offering a diverse array of languages and fostering a supportive learning environment, we empower our students to become confident communicators, proud custodians of their cultural heritage, and compassionate global citizens. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of linguistic diversity and harness the power of language to build a more inclusive and interconnected world.

Over the past few days, a lot has been published about the Cambridge AS pass rate at some independent schools offering the Cambridge curriculum. While I am in no position to comment on the dynamics internal to those schools, I am concerned about the apparent misunderstandings around the nature of the Cambridge curriculum that may have been perpetuated in those articles.

As more and more parents are looking for alternatives for their children’s schooling, we have seen a surge in the popularity of the Cambridge curriculum. Many new, smaller, private institutions (and some bigger ones), are attempting to capitalise on this trend. Quite often, none of the parties involved will have a full understanding of the actual progression pathway to a University school exit with this qualification.

 

Is there a “matric equivalent” in the Cambridge curriculum? The short answer is, no. Here is why:

 

The Cambridge Curriculum is designed as a 13-year programme. At Secondary school level, there are three main exit examinations: IGCSE which is their version of a General Academic Literacy band, followed by AS and then A-levels. The confusion arises from the separation of AS and A-levels. 

Exiting school after doing AS (especially if that AS is offered over just one year), is very challenging. The difference between IGCSE and AS is significant. Remember that AS and A-levels are seen as University Preparation courses. The workload and difficulty levels do not increase in a linear fashion from IGCSE to AS. In our experience, (and this is borne out by international data), students who achieved a “B” for a subject at IGCSE, can expect to achieve a “C” or even a “D” at AS level. Students who then proceed to A-levels, tend to perform far better at the A-levels than they did with just AS.

Why is there the misconception that AS “equates” matric? It stems, in part, from the Universities South Africa  (USAF) entry requirements to University for students doing the Cambridge Curriculum. There are three different combinations of subjects for students to gain University entry, which stretches across IGCSE, AS and A-levels. This is why schools who offer the full Cambridge curriculum cannot report on a “Matric pass rate”. There isn’t a single pathway or a single year that counts as “matric”. Instead Cambridge offers students multiple pathways to tertiary studies from IGCSE through A-levels, and which they can change over the course of their studies to suit their evolving interests and marks. And this does not even include the pass requirements set by SAQA for a Diploma pass or simple exit pass.

 

As an illustration, I will only compare two:

 

A University pass can consist of passing four AS subjects with a minimum of a D symbol plus one (or two) IGCSE subjects with a C minimum. Or, it can also be three A-level (Year 13) subjects with an E minimum plus one IGCSE with a C. And so on.

The option to exit after Grade 12 with a one-year AS is by far the most challenging. We also had to learn this through hard experience. Students and parents who embark on the Cambridge journey should really see it as a 13-year pathway to full A-levels, with the option to exit after Grade 12 with AS being a possible bonus – which a number of students do achieve. This might not sit comfortably with many students who are used to the South African 12-year pathway, but the benefits are real. Students are far better prepared for success at University and they are much more competitive when applying to Universities both locally and abroad. However, students need to be guided by experts to make the best possible decisions about the appropriate pathways available to them.

 

A question that might also be asked is: Why is this trending right now? Cambridge has been around for a while?

 

Many of the schools that offered the Cambridge curriculum in the past, only offered it as an extension programme for their academically stronger pupils. Most of these schools only report on their final A-level results, not AS. The academic screening of students before being granted admission at these schools is very rigorous.

What is happening now is that there are more and more inclusive schools, offering the curriculum to a broader range of students. Offering this challenging programme to a broader range of abilities does present a challenge for which these schools must be well-prepared.

It is the duty of schools and parents to develop a deep understanding of what is really required by this demanding – but ultimately rewarding – curriculum. When taught, managed, and structured properly, it can provide wonderful opportunities to many more students than what was previously assumed.

 

Celebrating academic distinction at Nova Pioneer with commendable performances in their Cambridge A-Level, AS-Level and IGCSE examinations.

 

Nova Pioneer Schools, a pan-African independent school group that builds and operates world-class, affordable schools, offering students grades from preschool through to senior school, with established campuses in South Africa and Kenya, proudly announces the noteworthy achievements of their students in the Cambridge A-Level, AS-Level and IGCSE examinations. 

The school network offers Cambridge, an internationally accredited curriculum, where students can write their A-Level, AS-Level and IGCSE examinations, across their Ormonde, Midrand and West High Schools. The noteworthy performance of these learners is a testament to the innovation-driven education provided by Nova Pioneer, which is dedicated to developing future leaders and Innovators for the African Century.

 

Student Spotlight

 

Top performing A-Levels student, Isabel Enechi, who is set to study Dentistry in the European Union, exemplifies the high calibre of Nova Pioneer’s students. “I am particularly proud of my classmates who successfully completed the year – it was collectively one of our most difficult years, and witnessing the resilience and determination within our cohort has been a great source of inspiration.”

Enechi credits her achievements to the school’s ethos. “My school has played a crucial role in my journey by instilling in us culture principles like ‘Joy of Learning’ and ‘Always Growing’. The push for ongoing learning and growth has fueled my interest in Health Sciences and my passion for Dentistry”, she adds.

Nova Pioneer’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in the accomplishments of its AS Level scholars. Arjun Thulsie, recipient of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Dux Scholar Award and future UP Actuarial Science student, is testament to the resilient spirit and academic prowess fostered at Nova Pioneer. “Looking back I am the most proud of having the opportunity to give back some good results to the Nova Pioneer Ormonde community, it’s a shared victory.”

In moments of hardship, Nova Pioneer’s supportive community has been pivotal. “When times were uncertain and life was really happening to my family and I, Nova Pioneer gracefully offered a helping hand. I will be eternally grateful to everyone at Nova Pioneer for embracing my pursuit of knowledge. Since day one, Nova Pioneer has academically supported and cheered me on through the world’s best teachers!”, shares Thulsie, emphasising the school’s nurturing environment.

Fellow classmates, Kewell Moodley, who secured the top position globally for Cambridge International IGCSE Business Studies in 2022, and Ungowakho Madolo, were both recently accepted for a Biomedical Engineering degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. 

“Not only did our amazing teachers help me significantly, but the culture principle of ‘High Expectations’ stuck with me throughout. The idea that we should always strive to do our best and compete only with our past selves helped me a lot. I can’t forget all the wonderful people at Nova Pioneer who kept me sane,” said Madolo. 

Nova Pioneer’s IGCSE students, who have exceeded expectations with a total of 32 A*, 85 A’s, 198 B’s and 239 C’s, felt a sense of relief and excitement, and concurred that they were ready to tackle the new year head-on.  

With aspirations to pursue a range of careers from Nanotechnology, Thermodynamics, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine and Finance, students are pleased that all the hard work they have put in has paid off. 

When asked about their journey in class, Bhavesh Thulsie from Grade 10 IGCSE said, “Nova Pioneer has helped by providing amazing teachers and a coach who were always available and willing to help and always provided helpful and meaningful feedback.”

Simphiwe William a Grade 10 IGCSE student said, “I am most proud of how I was able to prepare myself mentally, physically, and emotionally for my examinations. The teachers motivate and encourage us. They were always there to assist us with any and all questions we had. Nova really helped us stick to their culture principle of ‘High Expectations’.”

Theuns Opperman, the school leader for Nova Pioneer Ormonde Secondary, said, “Our students have performed exceptionally well and we are proud of all our learners and their individual accomplishments! Nova Pioneer has a record of achieving a 90%-100% pass rate at A-levels and we are happy to report that this has been accomplished once more”.

“In the coming weeks, as data becomes available from Cambridge International, we will be comparing our students’ performance to that of students worldwide and fully expect our students to continue Nova Pioneer’s custom of outperforming global benchmarks,” said Opperman.

“It brings immense joy to partake in the triumphs of our students and the enthusiasm they exude for their future endeavours. Listening firsthand to their stories, it’s clear that Nova Pioneer has constructed a strong base for their dreams. The outcomes they’ve achieved are a testament to our students’ persistent efforts and resolve, augmented by the unwavering encouragement and motivation provided by their educators,” expressed Opperman.

“Innovation in education is at the heart of Nova Pioneer’s curriculum, empowering its students with not only knowledge but also the culture principles essential for leadership and lifelong learning. As Nova Pioneer celebrates these young achievers, it continues to pioneer a path of academic and personal development, setting its students on a trajectory towards becoming the leaders and innovators the world needs,” said Opperman.

 

Cultivating a Foundation for Student Achievement 

 

Cambridge is a flexible curriculum that offers students a number of pathways for exit. At a senior school level, there are three main exit examinations: IGCSE which is Cambridge’s version of a General Academic Literacy band, followed by AS and then A-levels. A-Levels are a recommended 13th year at a high school level and provides students a world-recognised and very highly regarded exit qualification to widen the scope of their university studies both locally and internationally. Depending on how students perform in their IGCSE and AS levels, A-levels improves their exit results and gives students the opportunity to improve their options of getting into their preferred course.  

Nova Pioneer works closely with each student and their families, often as early as Grade 8, to create an individual pathway. Families are consulted throughout their time at Nova Pioneer Ormonde to ensure clarity and understanding of the recommended exit pathway. 

As a school network, Nova Pioneer also does extensive predictive work and is happy to report that their AS and A-level students performed in line with or better than expected, whilst their students writing IGCSE outperformed all expectations. Many of their AS students have opted to stay with the school for A-levels to ensure an even more competitive set of results. 

 

Ready to Excel Beyond the Classroom 

 

Departing Nova Pioneer students who have completed their A-Levels, leave feeling confident as they know what they want to pursue beyond school. Chief of Schools, Rahel 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. Nova Pioneer’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership training is rooted in their vision to empower generations of innovators who will drive progress across the continent. The PSS Team’s strategy is particularly integral, as it guides students in their exploration of career and higher education options, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge for life after school.

Wondwossen added, “By focusing on the unique strengths and interests of each student, Nova Pioneer fosters a community of forward-thinking leaders. The nurturing of such talent is essential to their mission of influencing the socio economic landscape of Africa, which requires a cadre of creative and adaptable leaders.”

“In addition to academic excellence, the school pledges continued engagement with its alumni, underscoring the importance of a supportive network in cultivating long-term success. The resilience and adaptability instilled in students are the qualities envisioned by Nova Pioneer to resonate through their alumni’s future initiatives and leadership roles, expressed Wondwossen.

As Nova Pioneer celebrates these achievements, it strengthens its resolve to inspire and support students to shape a promising horizon for Africa.