At Nova Pioneer, we believe preparing students for life after school is just as important as helping them succeed in the classroom. In today’s world, academic excellence alone is no longer enough, students need the skills, exposure, and confidence to thrive in the real world. That’s why Career Readiness is an integral part of our high school experience, and here’s how we do it differently.

 

1. Post-School Success Programme (PSS)

Our Career Readiness approach is anchored in the Post-School Success (PSS) programme. a structured, multi-year experience designed to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their futures. Starting as early as Grade 8, students are guided through a journey of self-discovery, career exploration, and skills development.

 

2. Real-World Exposure

We go beyond theory. Our students gain real-world insights through:

• Career Days and Industry Talks: Students interact with professionals across industries, gaining clarity on career paths they might never have considered.

• Job Shadowing: Opportunities to spend time with working professionals allow students to experience day-to-day realities of specific careers.

• Internships and Holiday Programmes: We connect students with internship opportunities that provide hands-on learning and workplace immersion.

3. University and Application Support

Whether students dream of studying locally or abroad, we provide tailored support to help them make it happen. This includes:

• University research and application guidance

• Personal statement and CV workshops

• Support with scholarship and bursary applications

• Standardised test prep (where relevant)

 

4. Skills That Matter

We develop critical soft skills that employers and universities look for — not just good grades. These include:

• Communication and public speaking

• Collaboration and leadership

• Financial literacy and time management

• Digital literacy, including resume building and online portfolios

5. Student-Led Growth

One of the things that truly sets Nova Pioneer apart is our student-led approach. Our students are encouraged to take ownership of their futures through:

• Leadership roles across campus

• Peer-to-peer career coaching sessions

• Presenting their career research to their peers

• Setting personal and academic goals aligned to their post-school plans

6. Global Exposure, African Relevance

As part of a pan-African network, our students benefit from cross-border connections and global thinking — all while being grounded in a curriculum and culture that values African leadership and innovation.

 

The Nova Pioneer Difference

We don’t just ask our students “What do you want to be?” — we help them discover who they want to become. Through early exposure, personalised guidance, and real-world preparation, our high schoolers are empowered to leave school with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

 

As part of our commitment to fostering a community of shared values, our Parent Referral Programme has been extended to include NP Flex! Every current Nova Pioneer and NP Flex: Holistic Hybrid parent who successfully refers a student to the NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid Programme will receive a discount on their fees.  

Are you a current Nova Pioneer parent?

As an existing Nova Pioneer parent, you could qualify for a referral discount (a once-off R1,500 off your tuition) when you refer a parent to the NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid Programme and they successfully enrol their child.

What does “Successful Enrolment” look like: 

Step 1: Current Nova Pioneer family/ parent talks to a friend and tells them about NP Flex.

Step 2: The prospective parent completes the NP Flex sign up form and in the ‘how did you hear about us’ section, they select ‘referred by a Nova Pioneer parent’ and write the full name of the parent who referred them. We can only identify the family that referred you if they give us your first and last name.

Step 3: The prospective parent and student engages with our team and complete the necessary steps for NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid Programme. 

Step 4: The referral is then flagged to our Finance Team, who will pick up the name from the original sign up, and ensure your account reflects the referral discount once the student has started.

Which parents are eligible for the R1,500 discount? 

• When the parent signs up for NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid via our website, they must state that they were referred to by you (name and surname) when they complete the ‘how did you hear about us’ section.  
• The referred parent needs to successfully enrol in the NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid Programme.
• Referred students cannot have a sibling currently or previously enrolled in either of the NP Flex programmes. 
• The referral discount does not apply to students moving between Nova Pioneer and NP Flex.
• The referral discount is awarded to the youngest child – if you have only one child at Nova Pioneer, that child will receive the discount. 
• You will be entitled to a R1,500 discount per referral. 
• If you are not yet an enrolled parent, you ONLY qualify for this discount once you have confirmation of enrolment.
• The discount is non-transferable and cannot be substituted for cash or a refund.
• The referral discount will not be applied should the student account be in arrears at the point in time that the discount is allocated.
• This discount is awarded per enrolled student that is referred, up to five students (or a maximum tuition discount of R7,500).
• Nova Pioneer / NP Flex staff do not qualify.
• Terms and conditions apply.

 

Are you a current NP Flex: Holistic Hybrid parent? 

As an existing NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid parent, you could qualify for a referral discount (a once-off R750 off your next semester’s fees) when you refer a parent to the NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid Programme and they successfully enrol their child.

What does “Successful Enrolment” look like: 

Step 1: Current NP Flex family/ parent talks to a friend and tells them more about NP Flex programming and benefits.

Step 2: The prospective parent completes the NP Flex sign up form and in the ‘how did you hear about us’ section, they select ‘referred by a NP Flex parent’ and write the full name of the parent who referred them. We can only identify the family that referred you if they give us your first and last name.

Step 3: The prospective parent and student engages with our team and complete the necessary steps for NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid Programme. 

Step 4: The referral is then flagged to our Finance Team, who will pick up the name from the original sign up, and ensure your account reflects the referral discount once the student has started.

Which parents are eligible for the R750 discount? 

• When the parent signs up for NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid via our website, they must state that they were referred to by you (name and surname) when they complete the ‘how did you hear about us’ section.  
• The referred parent needs to successfully enrol in the NP Flex 2: Holistic Hybrid Programme.
• Referred students cannot have a sibling currently or previously enrolled in either of the NP Flex programmes. 
• The referral discount does not apply to students moving between Nova Pioneer and NP Flex.
• The referral discount is awarded to the youngest child – if you have only one child at Nova Pioneer, that child will receive the discount. 
• You will be entitled to a R750 discount per referral. 
• If you are not yet enrolled in the NP Flex 2 Programme, you ONLY qualify for this discount once you have confirmation of enrolment.
• The discount is non-transferable and cannot be substituted for cash or a refund.
• The referral discount will not be applied should the student’s account, for any reason, be in arrears at the point in time that the discount is allocated.
• This discount is awarded per enrolled student that is referred, up to five students (or a maximum tuition discount of R3,750).
• Nova Pioneer / NP Flex staff do not qualify.
• Terms and conditions apply.

 

Welcome to the next chapter of learning at Nova Pioneer. For more information click here. 

Nova Pioneer is thrilled to announce the launch of our innovative NP Flex programme in January 2025, designed to provide flexible and robust support to Cambridge International private candidates in the Gauteng region. The NP Flex initiative is the culmination of two major influences over the last four years: the impact of Covid-19 on conventional schooling and our school’s growing role as a Cambridge International examinations centre. This programme is a response to evolving student needs and Nova Pioneer’s commitment to fostering accessible, high-quality academic support.

The Journey to Nova Flex

The Covid-19 pandemic saw a significant shift in the educational landscape, with many students moving away from traditional schooling into homeschooling and online tutoring. As more students entered this alternative learning sphere, a demand arose for an accredited Cambridge examination centre in the south of Johannesburg. Nova Pioneer, as a registered, accredited Cambridge school, saw an opportunity to serve this unique student base by providing access to our exam centre. Over the last four years, we’ve built a loyal client base of private candidates who rely on our facilities for their crucial Cambridge exams. 

However, the journey was not without challenges. We found that many private candidates, especially in Mathematics and the sciences, struggled with the rigorous demands of the Cambridge curriculum. Recognising this gap, we informally extended our services in 2024 to offer additional support sessions to private candidates. The enthusiastic response demonstrated a clear need for a structured support system, and by August 2024, Nova Pioneer CEO, Chinezi Chijioke, decided to formalise these support services into what is now the NP Flex programme.

What is NP Flex?

NP Flex launches in January 2025 with two flexible pathways designed to support diverse learning needs:

1. NP Flex 1: The Enriched Examination Centre

This option is designed for students who study independently but need a reliable Cambridge exam centre with an added range of support services. In NP Flex 1, students retain a high degree of independence in their learning, but they also have access to valuable, optional resources to enhance their exam preparation. From subject-specific advisory services to focused exam prep sessions, students can customise their experience by selecting from an array of support services tailored to their needs. Pricing is set on a per-service basis, allowing students to pick and pay only for what they need.

2. NP Flex 2: The Holistic Hybrid Programme

NP Flex 2 is a full-service hybrid option, providing online students the benefits of campus resources and a Support Coach. This holistic approach offers students flexible access to Nova Pioneer’s Ormonde campus, where they can engage in a variety of school-based opportunities. This includes tutoring sessions, practical lab experiences, subject-focused boot camps, and extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. NP Flex 2 is designed for those who seek a balance between independence and support, combining the best aspects of online learning with the enrichment opportunities of a physical campus.

Why Choose NP Flex?

NP Flex is built on four core principles — Flexibility, Support, Access and Community — to ensure students can thrive in their Cambridge journey. For those studying independently, it offers the structure they need without sacrificing autonomy. For students wanting a deeper connection to a learning community, it offers access to Nova Pioneer’s facilities, staff, and peer networks.

Through NP Flex, Nova Pioneer aims to meet the evolving needs of Cambridge private candidates in the Gauteng area. We believe that students should have access to the support they need to excel academically while also enjoying the benefits of a holistic school environment. As we launch NP Flex in January 2025, we look forward to helping each student achieve their highest potential in an environment that prioritises both flexibility, academic rigour and growth. 

Welcome to the next chapter of learning at Nova Pioneer. For more information click here. 

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.

 

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. 

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. 

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.

 

 

To listen in, click here

 

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.”

 

As an educator, I know that there are a few pivotal moments that students have to face as they navigate their way through High School. I believe that the IGCSE subject selection for Cambridge students may actually be the most defining moment. The subject choice usually takes place in the 9th Grade and it’s an intense scene that plays out at schools across the country every year. 

 

Not always an easy choice

While we, as educators, may see subject selection as a practical and quite technical process, parents usually feel an enormous amount of anxiety at this point in their child’s school career. Because, while some students may have a clearer sense of self and career path at 15 and have done their research around what decisions they need to take at this point, it is important to note that it’s also normal for most 15-year olds to get caught off guard.

 

Keeping the dream alive vs facing the reality

At Nova Pioneer, there is a selection of teachers who act as advisors assigned to help students with their choice. Getting the students to fill out the selection form is the easy part. The hard part is ensuring they help students make a choice that will best benefit them. 

During this time, advisors have to walk a tightrope as they are faced with having to negotiate an often fraught space that exists between what the child may want versus what their parents want for them versus what the reality of the situation may be. Many-a-times we also find that there may be a conflict in the dreams and desires of the students and what their parents see as a practical way forward for them. 

 

Take these things into consideration

Students approach me to discuss their subject selection quite often and sometimes during these times, I experience what feels like a wrestling match between my head and my heart. Imagine a scenario where a student reveals they want to study medicine post-secondary school however, their performance (historical and current) doesn’t or may not meet the requirements needed to enter this field? 

 

There is so much to take into consideration entering these conversations. My intention is to always ensure students don’t leave demotivated and discouraged. Thus, I always try and keep two thoughts in the back of my mind:

1. Basil, tread carefully for dreams are precious to the dreamer; and  
2. Try your best to encourage students to have more than one because dreams can be so fragile. 

 

Guidance sometimes looks like redirection

There may come a time when you have to encourage a student to look at another career path especially when they are sold on another? As an advisor and educator, you have to consider the subject choice package a student may choose and the kind of results they would have to enter their desired field. You also have to consider where their strengths and weaknesses may lie.

For example, while a student may want to study medicine, as their teacher you may know that their strengths lie in creative writing, content production and they embrace the free thought of the arts or humanities. You have to think about how you can subtly probe the depth of their passion for medicine and try to understand why they have chosen that particular field. It is your responsibility, however, to help redirect students without killing their passions so that they feel empowered to win and set up for success.

 

Help students understand their options

Even when we know a student may do better in another field, with another subject package, we cannot deny them their choice. We also understand that every child deserves to go after their dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem to us. In the instance a student is determined to take a particular route, despite their performance, we then have the responsibility to advise them on (1) what it would take to win;  (2) what obstacles lie ahead and (3) what safety nets exist should things not work out. The beauty of the Cambridge system is that it has safety nets built into its curriculum – these nets can be triggered by the student, parents or the teacher should the need arise.

 

On your mark, ready, go!

Following the subject selection process, it is our responsibility to watch the student embark on their journey to a matric exemption. Every step of the way is monitored and interrogated, judgement calls made, advice asked for and given, detours and bridges built, and communications sent to the parents. There are occasions where we have had to burn the original map and start the journey anew. There’s no denying that the latter can be a challenge for both the teacher and the student. What a privilege it is to be involved in such a voyage. 

 

How does Cambridge enrich this experience?

In the 10th Grade, students partake in the IGCSE examinations set up by Cambridge. When the IGCSE results come out, we are so incredibly fortunate that most of our students clear this hurdle and can progress to the final stage of their schooling. 

For a few, we have to again embark on tough conversations to strategise and replot the path, and yes, sometimes we have to burn the original map and start all over again. This step, when required, is a vital demonstration of the growth mindset. Burning the map is not a failure. It is the discovery of a new pathway for growth; one where the student often comes to the realisation that their passions and talents lie in a direction completely different to the one they once believed was the only path for them.

 

Parents can help (or hinder) the process

The subject selection process does come with some tension, especially when the chosen path is the desired path of the parent and not the student? This can be a delicate space to navigate when parents and students sit with us and we have to advise on a path that may not be the most favourable to the parents. In those moments, all we can do is (1) lay out our concerns as their educator and advisor, (2) suggest alternatives, (3) try and provide a safe space for the child (normally in a hesitant, fearful whisper) to reveal her dreams and (4) hope that it plants the seed in the mind of the parents as well. These conversations can go either way and whatever the final decision, our role is to construct the timetable and give our students the assurances of academic, and social and emotional support from our team of caring teachers and counsellors.

 

Advising students to keep their options open

There are really hard moments that lie behind the completion of that subject-choice form. However, my advice is to encourage students to keep an open mind and to have more than one dream. This is my key piece of advice to students at subject-choice time is:

“Be nimble, stay aware, and yes… it is okay to change your mind. Don’t ever allow yourself to be trapped like a mouse in a maze. Pursue one dream at a time, but never stop interrogating it, and never stop reflecting on your own progress. Look at the data that you yourself produce every time you write a test or an exam. Look at the data when you peruse AP scores or tertiary course entry requirements. Again, look at the data when you chat with your teacher or a mentor about your progress. Maintain a sharpness in your peripheral vision so that you can pivot, sooner rather than later, if you know deep down that the light of one dream is fading, and the light of another starts to grow with unexpected brilliance.”