At Nova Pioneer, we believe that education should go beyond memorisation and test preparation. We aim to develop curious, critical thinkers who are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the skills to explore, question, and solve real-world problems. That’s why inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a cornerstone of how we teach.

 

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

 

Inquiry-based learning is a student-centered approach where learners are actively involved in constructing their own understanding. Rather than being told what to learn, students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate solutions, and build knowledge through exploration and discovery.

This method doesn’t eliminate structure, instead, it shifts the role of the teacher from the “giver of information” to a facilitator of learning, guiding students through the process of inquiry. Structure is still maintained through clearly defined learning goals, scaffolded tasks, guided feedback, modeling of quality responses, and rubrics that help students stay focused and measure progress while they explore.

 

Why It Matters at Nova Pioneer

 

1. It Encourages Curiosity and Independent Thinking

At the heart of inquiry-based learning is curiosity. Our classrooms are designed to nurture a child’s natural desire to ask “why” and “how.” Students learn to take initiative in their learning, helping them become independent thinkers who are not afraid to explore ideas or challenge assumptions. This confidence to question and think critically lays a foundation for life-long learning engagement, both inside and outside the classroom.

 

2. It Builds Critical Skills for the Future

In a world where the job market is rapidly changing, skills like problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and creativity are more important than ever. Inquiry-based learning creates real opportunities for students to practice and develop these skills — preparing them for future success in any field. Assessment in this model goes beyond traditional tests to include project-based tasks, peer feedback, and reflective practice, all of which mirror real-world application and thinking.

 

3. It Deepens Understanding, Not Just Surface Knowledge

When students explore concepts themselves, they retain and understand them more deeply. Inquiry-based learning transforms knowledge into meaning. Whether it’s through experiments, group discussions, or project-based tasks, students connect learning to their world in meaningful ways. By constructing their understanding, students become active participants in learning, a key factor in long-term retention and conceptual and critical skills mastery

 

4. It Aligns with the Cambridge Curriculum

Nova Pioneer follows the globally respected Cambridge curriculum, which is designed to foster critical thinking, reasoning, and analysis. Inquiry-based learning complements this curriculum by placing emphasis on how students learn, not just what they learn — making lessons more engaging, relevant, and effective. This alignment ensures that our students are not only prepared for assessments, but also equipped with the mindset and skills Cambridge values: independence, flexibility, and analytical thinking

 

5. It Cultivates a Lifelong Love of Learning

When students are actively involved in their learning, they feel empowered. That sense of ownership leads to deeper engagement and a genuine love for learning — something we aim to instil in every Novaneer. (“Novaneer” is what we proudly call our students. Young pioneers who are bold, curious, and ready to shape the future.)

 

How We Bring It to Life

 

At Nova Pioneer, you’ll find inquiry-based learning integrated into everything from science experiments and writing workshops to leadership projects and even sports strategy. Our teachers are trained to create safe, stimulating environments where questions are welcomed, mistakes are seen as learning moments, and discovery is part of everyday school life. For example, Grade 8 students might investigate energy transfer by designing and testing their own insulated containers to keep liquids hot or cold, applying concepts from thermal physics to real-life problem-solving, while Grade 9 learners debate ethical decisions in simulated business scenarios.

We also partner this method with regular feedback and reflection so students can continuously improve and take pride in their growth.

Students are coached and encouraged to track their learning journeys through personal goal-setting, helping them reflect on their growth and build metacognitive awareness.

Nova Pioneer isn’t just a school — it’s a launchpad for young minds.

By placing inquiry-based learning at the core of our education model, we equip students not just to succeed in exams, but to lead, innovate, and shape the future.

Through meaningful learning experiences, we aim to spark curiosity, nurture resilience, and cultivate the confidence to ask better questions, skills that will define tomorrow’s leaders.

October 11th marks the International Day of the Girl Child, a global observance aimed at empowering girls and addressing the unique challenges they face. This day emphasises the importance of equipping girls with the tools, opportunities, and education needed to thrive, particularly in a world that is increasingly driven by technology. However, despite the potential that digital tools offer, a significant digital divide continues to prevent many girls from fully accessing and utilising these technologies.

In response to this challenge, the United Nations Youth Theme Group, in collaboration with various partners, hosted the Digital Youth Tech Expo. This event was specially designed to empower girls by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in the digital age. The expo celebrated young girls’ achievements in technology and aimed to inspire others to explore and innovate in this dynamic space.

At Nova Pioneer Midrand Senior School (NPM S), our Computer Science teacher, Miss Anathi Bili, took the initiative to ensure that our students were part of this meaningful event. She organised a group of girls to attend the expo, where they engaged in various tech-related activities and discussions. The event, which was streamed live on Facebook, saw two of our students win tablets sponsored by MTN by participating in a Q&A session.

One of the winners, Sri Sahasri, a Grade 8 student at NPM S, shared her excitement about the event: “I felt very informed and inspired. I learnt about how women are the future in the tech space and a lot about women empowerment.”

The event not only provided a platform for learning but also fostered a sense of empowerment and encouragement for the girls. Miss Bili, reflecting on the experience, said: “It was an eye-opening experience for our learners. Such events help us foster encouragement and value in our students. Seeing them fully engaged, and two of them winning tablets, made me feel proud about the future of the girl child in the digital world.”

Another winner, Atanga, a Grade 9 student, shared her thoughts on the expo: “What I took away from the whole event was that girls are more than capable of entering the tech industry and conquering space.”

At Nova Pioneer, we continually strive to provide our students with opportunities that align with their future aspirations. Exposing our students to relatable industries such as technology helps them visualise their future careers and builds confidence in their ability to shape the world. This commitment directly supports our mission of developing generations of innovators and leaders who will shape the African Century.

As we celebrate the achievements of our students, we remain dedicated to inspiring and empowering more girls to bridge the digital divide and confidently take their place in the tech world. The future is bright, and the future is female!

 

At Nova Pioneer, we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary in a big way! To mark this special milestone, we are thrilled to announce the Nova@10 Enrolment Draw, an exciting opportunity for new families joining our community to receive a special tuition discount for January 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about how to participate and win!

The Nova@10 Enrolment Draw is open to parents who enrol their child(ren) at Nova Pioneer between 4 October 2024 and 20 November 2024. This exciting opportunity is available for parents enrolling students for the 2024 or 2025 academic years.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the draw, parents must enrol their child(ren) at Nova Pioneer within the specified period. Please note:

– Nova Pioneer staff members are not eligible to participate.

– The full enrolment process must be completed, including:

  – Space availability in the requested grade

  – Completion of an entry assessment to determine grade readiness

  – Financial clearance with an affordability assessment

  – Payment of at least 50% of the enrolment fee by 20 November 2024.

  – Submission of all required documents and data.

Entry Period

The Enrolment Draw runs from 4 October 2024 to 20 November 2024. All entries must be received before the closing time of 11:59 PM (SAST) on 20 November 2024.

How to Enter

Parents simply need to enrol their child(ren) at Nova Pioneer and pay 50% of the enrolment fee before the deadline to be automatically entered into the draw. No extra steps are needed! However, to receive the tuition discount, the balance of the enrolment fee must be settled before 1 January 2025.

Prizes

Ten lucky winners will receive a 50% discount on the tuition fee for January 2025! Here’s how the discount will be applied:

– For monthly payers: 50% off the January 2025 tuition.

– For termly payers: A 27% discount on Term 1’s tuition.

– For annual payers: A 9% discount on the full year’s tuition.

The total value of the prize depends on the student’s grade and campus. Keep in mind, however, that this discount is only valid for the month of January 2025, and it cannot be transferred, exchanged for cash, or applied to the enrolment fee. 

Important Note:Students receiving any other form of financial assistance, such as a bursary or scholarship, will not be eligible for this discount.

Winner Selection

Winners will be selected through a random draw on 21 November 2024, conducted by Nova Pioneer or an appointed third-party agency.

Winner Notification

Winners will be notified by email or phone on 22 November 2024. If a winner cannot be reached within seven days, their prize may be forfeited and another winner will be selected.

General Conditions

By entering the draw, participants agree to the terms and conditions set by Nova Pioneer. The school reserves the right to amend, cancel, or disqualify any entry that does not comply with the rules.

Privacy

Nova Pioneer will use the personal information provided solely for the purposes of conducting the draw and notifying winners. Your privacy is important to us, and we will not share this information with any third parties unless required by law.

Contact Information

For any inquiries about the Nova@10 Enrolment Draw, please contact us at admissions.sa@novapioneer.com.

Join the Nova Pioneer family today and take advantage of this incredible opportunity! Don’t miss your chance to win as we celebrate a decade of shaping the future together.

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.

 

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

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.

 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the quest for innovative and effective teaching methods is unceasing. One approach that stands out for its transformative potential is inquiry-based learning. At Nova Pioneer, we’ve embraced this educational philosophy to equip our students with the skills they need to navigate the challenges of the future and learn to apply their knowledge instead of retelling information.

 

The Essence of Inquiry-Based Learning

 

Inquiry-based learning is an active and engaging approach to education that centers around exploration, investigation, and discovery. It shifts the traditional model of passive absorption of knowledge to a dynamic process where students actively question, investigate, and construct their own understanding of the world rather than sitting in a classroom just being taught. 

 

Building Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

 

One of the paramount benefits of inquiry-based learning is its role in nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By encouraging students to ask questions, explore possibilities, and find solutions, this method empowers them with skills that transcend the classroom. These skills become the cornerstones of adaptability, crucial in a world where change is constant.

 

Fostering Lifelong Learning

 

Inquiry-based learning instills a passion for learning that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. By promoting curiosity and a sense of agency in their own education, students are better equipped to become lifelong learners. They’re more likely to seek out knowledge, embrace challenges, and continuously adapt to new situations.

 

Empowering Students to Apply Knowledge

 

Inquiry-based learning places students in the driver’s seat of their educational journey allowing them the ability to co-create their learning. As they explore topics of interest and engage with real-world problems, they are more likely to retain and apply the knowledge they gain. The ability to apply what they’ve learned to diverse scenarios is a critical asset in a world that demands practical, problem-solving skills.

 

Preparation for the Global Working Environment

 

In today’s globalised society, the ability to collaborate, communicate, and think critically are vital. Inquiry-based learning emphasises these skills, along with the capacity to work independently and as part of a team. These traits align perfectly with the requirements of a global working environment.

 

Incorporating Inquiry-Based Learning at Nova Pioneer

 

At Nova Pioneer, we’ve taken inquiry-based learning to heart. Our approach centers on guiding students to explore and discover, to question and find answers, and to apply their knowledge in various meaningful ways. By fostering curiosity and creativity, we believe we are laying the foundation for students to excel in any future they choose.

Inquiry-based learning is more than just an educational approach; it’s a philosophy that prepares students for a future where adaptability and a love of learning are paramount. By building critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for knowledge, it equips students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. At Nova Pioneer, we’re dedicated to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow, and inquiry-based learning is at the heart of that commitment.

 

Nova Pioneer parents share in our mission of building the next generation of innovators and leaders and thus, we look to them to help us find more families who share our vision and values. This is because we believe in building a community of like-minded people who want to come along for the journey, and share in our story, as we continue to expand our offering throughout South Africa.

Once your child is enrolled at Nova Pioneer, you become part of our supportive and passionate community – a group of parents from all walks of life – who all contribute to our school in various ways for the betterment of our students’ education. It is through this community that our school Culture Principles come alive, even at home. 

 

Benefits of growing our community

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

 

What does “Successful Enrolment” look like: 

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

Step 2: The prospective parent completes an online application form and in the ‘how did you hear about us’ section, they select ‘referred by a current parent’ and write the full name of the parent and student 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 attends a Nova Pioneer event and the learner completes, and passes, an assessment. 

Step 4: The prospective parent, who is very excited about Nova Pioneer, then completes all online forms and submits required documentation before our Finance Team completes the affordability check and gives go-ahead for enrolment fee payment.

Step 5: The prospective parent then pays the grade-relevant enrolment fee to secure their child’s spot. 

Step 6: The referral is then flagged to our Finance Team, who will pick up the name from the original application, and ensure your account reflects the referral discount once the student has started.

 

Which parents are eligible for the R3500 discount? 

• When the parent applies to Nova Pioneer 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 at Nova Pioneer by completing the full admissions process (detailed below).
• Referred students cannot have a sibling currently or previously enrolled at Nova Pioneer. 
• 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 R3500 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 R17500)
• Nova Pioneer staff do not qualify.
• Terms and conditions apply.

 

At Nova Pioneer we believe that the objective of discipline is to encourage awareness, and that discipline, rather than punishment, should focus on inclusive methods of communication, reinforcement, and modeling. Above all, we want to create a warm and supportive environment in which children can grow, learn, and learn to love learning. A case in point, Nova Pioneer Ormonde refers to an affirmation mirror, which our young Novaneers use to modulate and learn about their emotions. They make affirmations by looking in the mirror and expressing something positive about oneself; it does not have to be physical characteristics, but it might be something about their personality, for example, “ I am intelligent” or “I am kind”.

According to Nova Pioneer’s pre-primary senior resident teacher, Asmaa Khan, “When we encounter challenging behaviour, we must establish why, what the child is attempting to communicate, and how we may assist the child. Our role as adults are to assist the child in communicating their feelings and guiding the child toward a constructive resolution of the problem.”

In situations like these, Nova Pioneer teachers are trained to take a supportive rather than punitive approach to build strong bonds of trust so that our Novaneers develop a sense of accountability from early childhood. Understanding the impact of one’s actions (positive or negative) is an important part of early childhood development. The Reggio Emilia approach which our curriculum is founded on facilitates this level of consciousness. 

Our teachers (all of whom are required to be certified) can encourage positive conduct by rewarding good behaviour using our positive reinforcement model. This stems from an understanding that our tots have a constant need for validation, and that “misbehaviour” is a cry for attention, so when “misbehaviour” occurs, it is also important to reflect on what we as caregivers are not adequately providing. (This applies at home as well!). The positive reinforcement model is heavily reliant on communication and consistency-verbal or physical rewards for appropriate and responsible behaviour create an appreciation for appropriate and responsible behaviour and an awareness of the opposite.

We value the relationship that we have with our parents. Teachers and caregivers are encouraged to develop relationships with Novaneer parents through day-to-day engagements during drop-off and pick-up times as well as staying accessible to parents when needed. This collaborative relationship also assists in ensuring that the home and school environment is helping our Novaneers get the best out of themselves and behaviours that could be harmful (or good) are monitored and handled accordingly. 

Nova Pioneer strives to create a community that continues with our learners from the start of their school career until they graduate. Our school philosophy is developed to ensure the success of every child who passes through our doors; we want them to be major actors in any setting they inhabit during and after their time at Nova Pioneer. (As we say, once a Novaneer, always a Novaneer!). 

Click here to read more about our Post School Success programme.

In 2023 we will bring you added value and more affordable pricing. Read more or reach out to admissions.sa@novapioneer.com  for more information. 

Space is limited for 2023 applications. 

 

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.