Nova Pioneer Ormonde Students Celebrate Cambridge Examination Success 

 

Students reflect on a year of dedication and achievement as they comple their Cambridge exams. 

Nova Pioneer Schools, a pan-African independent school group, offering the internationally accredited Cambridge curriculum, builds and operates world-class, accessible schools, offering students grades from preschool through to senior school, with established campuses in South Africa and Kenya, celebrates noteworthy individual successes and a superb overall performance, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and student growth. 

Nova Pioneer’s students have demonstrated resilience and commitment to excellence as they prepare for their future academic and career pursuits both locally and internationally. 

Student Spotlight 

Celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of Nova Pioneer students, collectively earning an impressive total of 43 “A” and “B” symbols across various subjects at AS and A-levels. Our students have set a high standard for their peers and have made Nova Pioneer incredibly proud. 

Sumia Mahmood, a top-performing AS Level student, is set to pursue a B.Sc in Chemistry with a Chemical Engineering option at the University of Witwatersrand. She exemplifies the outstanding caliber of students at Nova Pioneer. “Even with t stress and pressure of being a 5-subject warrior, I am delighted that my hard work, coupled with the support from my teachers, family, and closest friends, has paid off.” 

Samukelisiwe Nkwanyana, a top achiever exemplifying Nova Pioneer’s exceptional student caliber reflects “My journey at Nova Pioneer has been a rollercoaste

presenting challenges that have shaped my resilience”. Nkwanyana credits her success to her supportive circle and the school’s ethos. “I’m immensely grateful to my coach and friends for keeping me grounded, and to my teachers for expanding my mind and pushing my limits beyond what I once thought possible, revealing my potential.” 

Fellow AS Level student, Naseeha Majam, aspires to study Computer Science at the University of Witwatersrand. “The most valuable lesson from Nova Pioneer was independence,” she notes. “Hard work and consistency were vital to my success this year. I truly appreciate the support from my friends and family.” 

Nova Pioneer’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in t accomplishments of its IGCSE students. Students have surpassed expectations, achieving an impressive total of 27 A grades, 70 B’s, and 71 C’s. This success brought them a sense of relief and excitement, as they eagerly prepare to tackle the new year with confidence and determinatio 

“I was very anxious before seeing my results, but when I finally saw them, I w incredibly excited. I felt proud knowing that all the hard work had paid off, and I am grateful for the support I received from my teachers, family, and peers,” shares top IGCSE achiever Lindiwe Mashabane, who celebrates 3 A*’s and 3 A’s. 

“The journey was challenging, but once I realised that it was possible, I felt more at ease and motivated to keep pushing forward,” says Mashabane. 

Fellow top achiever, Sehar Mahmood shares, “The weeks leading up to my IGCSE results felt like an eternity! Each day was a mixture of nervous excitement and frantic last-minute revision. Honestly, there were some ups and downs along the way but I still paved through, thanks to my mom. Finally, the day arrived, and clicking open that email felt like a lifetime condensed into a single, heart-stopping moment.” 

“A big thanks to my mom, teachers and friends for their unwavering support,” ends Mahmood.

Theuns Opperman, the School Leader for Nova Pioneer Ormonde Senior, states, “Our students have once again achieved exceptional results, and we are immensely proud of each learner and their individual accomplishments! 

“As new data from Cambridge International becomes available in the coming weeks, we will compare our students’ performance with global standards. We are confide that our students will continue Nova Pioneer’s tradition of exceeding global benchmarks,” Opperman continues. 

“It is incredibly rewarding to witness our students’ successes and their vibrant enthusiasm for their future pursuits. Hearing their stories firsthand, it’s evident th Nova Pioneer has laid a robust foundation for their aspirations. These outcomes reflect not only the students’ persistent efforts and determination but also t unwavering support and encouragement from their educators,” said Opperman. 

“Innovation in education remains central to Nova Pioneer’s curriculum, equipping students with vital knowledge and key cultural principles for leadership and lifelong learning. As we celebrate these young achievers, Nova Pioneer continues to forge a path of academic and personal development, propelling our students towards becoming the leaders and innovators the world needs,” Opperman added. 

Cultivating a Foundation for Student Achievement 

Cambridge is a flexible curriculum that offers students a number of pathways f 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 t 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 have yet again 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 

As students at Nova Pioneer South Africa Schools conclude their A-Levels and embark on the next phase of their academic journey, they do so with a robust sense of purpose and confidence in their future aspirations. Rahel Wondwossen, Chi Operations Officer, attributes this assurance to the comprehensive support provid by our Post School Success (PSS) Team and the Psycho-Social Support Team. 

“We established the PSS Team with the objective of equipping our students with the practical tools and insights necessary for making informed choices about their future beyond school,” Wondwossen explains. “The team aids students in understanding their options, along with the advantages and challenges each pathway might present.” 

Working hand-in-hand with the Psycho-Social Support Team, the PSS Team offers personalized career guidance and assessments that align with each student’s strengths and ambitions. This holistic strategy reinforces Nova Pioneer’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, ensuring that our students are thoroughly prepared to meet the demands of higher education and the professional world.

Rahel Wondwossen elaborates, “By focusing on each student’s unique strengths and interests, we cultivate a community of visionary leaders. Nurturing these talents is central to our mission of shaping Africa’s future, where there is a need for creative, adaptable leaders to spearhead change and innovation.” 

Beyond academic success, Nova Pioneer is dedicated to maintaining strong connections with its alumni, emphasising the importance of a supportive network for long-term success. Rahel Wondwossen notes, “The resilience and adaptability we instill in our students are qualities we hope will persist in their future endeavors, allowing them to become the leaders of tomorrow.” 

As Nova Pioneer celebrates its students’ achievements, the school’s steadfast commitment to inspiring and empowering them to forge a bright future for Africa remains unwavering. 

In this episode, Jabu is joined by Nova Pioneer founding group member and current Ormonde Head of School, Ms. Happy Seshoka, for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of the 2025 school year.. Ms. Happy reflects on Nova Pioneer’s 10th anniversary, comparing their time as Head of Pastoral Care (2015–2017) to her current role as Head of School (2022–onwards), and her leadership and professiona development approach at NPO Primary, challenges and rewards of being a principal. Ms. Happy also offers a word of encouragement and advice to Novaneers preparing for an exciting new year.

Tune in here 

 

At Nova Pioneer Ormonde Primary, fostering creativity and self-expression is at the heart of our educational approach. Recently, our campus had the pleasure of participating in the SACEE Art Competition, an exciting event for Grades 1-7, where young Novaneers were invited to showcase their unique artistic talents. Organized by Mondeor Primary School, this competition was a platform for students to display their imagination, critical thinking, and creative flair.

The SACEE Art Competition was a thrilling opportunity for our students to put their skills to the test. Under the supervision of dedicated teachers, learners from each grade worked independently, demonstrating impressive focus and commitment. With great enthusiasm and creativity, all grades completed their artwork on time, and the top eight pieces from our school were selected to proceed to the finals. These outstanding pieces joined others from participating schools, creating a vibrant exhibition held at The Glen Mall from Tuesday, October 29th, to Monday, November 4th.

The gallery of artworks was a feast for the eyes, with pieces ranging from colourful paintings to intricate drawings. Each piece offered a unique glimpse into the young artists’ creativity and skill, making the judging process both challenging and rewarding. 

Our talented students who made it through to the exhibition were invited, along with their families, to an awards ceremony on November 1st at The Glen Mall. The turnout was fantastic, with students and their loved ones coming together to celebrate this memorable event and recognize the efforts of all the participants.

Celebrating the Winners

We are incredibly proud of our students whose creativity shone brightly in this competition. A heartfelt congratulations goes to our winners:

– Grade 2: Nuha Moolla – Silver Runner-up, Kayden Lee Dunn – Silver Runner-up, Tshimologo Lebuse – Gold

– Grade 4: Adam Lawrence – Silver Runner-up, Chantel Mhlongo – Silver Runner-up, Kamogelo Dikobe – Gold

– Grade 5: Priyal Bhowandas – Gold

– Grade 7: Matthew Naidoo – Gold

Their artwork displayed remarkable talent and imagination, earning them a well-deserved place in this esteemed exhibition.

Here’s what some of the young artists had to say about their experience:

– Nuha Moolla shared her excitement, saying, “On Thursday night, I was so excited. When Friday came, I wanted the day to speed up a bit. At half past 4, I got to the car and we left. My aunt, cousin, and grandmother came as well. By the time we got to the venue, there was a crowd of people already. I waited for announcements to start. When they called out my name, I was excited. I read the certificate as fast as I could. I got a silver award, which means runner-up.”

– Priyal Bhowandas reflected, “My experience at The Glen Mall was amazing. I got nervous when I got there, searching for my art piece. My family was proud and took pictures everywhere. I enjoyed it; in other words, it went well.”

The SACEE Art Competition was a true celebration of artistic talent, encouraging our students to embrace their creativity and share it with the community. We are incredibly proud of each participant and deeply grateful for the support from our teachers and parents. Events like these underscore Nova Pioneer Ormonde’s commitment to nurturing the whole child, inspiring future artists, and cultivating creativity in every learner. 

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!

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.

 

Nova Pioneer is thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of Kewell Moodley, a Grade 12 student at Nova Pioneer Ormonde, who has secured the top position globally for Cambridge International IGCSE Business Studies in November 2022. Kewell’s outstanding academic accomplishment is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning, filling the Nova Pioneer community with immense pride. As a pan-African network of schools following the rigorous Cambridge International Curriculum, Nova Pioneer is committed to providing a world-class education that empowers students to excel in all aspects of their lives.

 

A Remarkable Achievement

 

Kewell Moodley’s exceptional performance in Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies is a significant milestone that showcases his exceptional abilities. Theuns Opperman, the Head of School at Nova Pioneer Ormonde High School, expressed his delight, stating, “We are thrilled by Kewell’s outstanding achievement. He is an extraordinary student and a true inspiration to his peers. This accomplishment underscores the value of hard work and dedication, and we are excited to witness Kewell’s future successes. I would also like to extend my appreciation to our incredible teachers, whose unwavering commitment to delivering quality education has made this achievement possible.”

 

The Power of Support and Determination

 

Kewell Moodley attributes his success to various factors, including his unwavering faith, the support of his teachers, and the encouragement from his family. “I am immensely grateful for the support and guidance I have received throughout my academic journey,” says Kewell. “Nova Pioneer has provided me with an exceptional learning environment that has nurtured my skills, expanded my knowledge, and enabled me to achieve my goals. I urge all students to pursue their dreams, work diligently, and never lose sight of their aspirations.”

 

Continuing the Pursuit of Excellence

 

Nova Pioneer takes immense pride in Kewell’s achievement and remains dedicated to providing a world-class education to all learners. Nova Pioneer Ormonde is committed to fostering exceptional individuals with a global perspective, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on the world. As Nova Pioneer expands its footprint across South Africa and Kenya, with plans to open 15 schools by 2023, the school group continues to enrol students from Grade 000 to A-Levels, offering an unparalleled educational experience.

Nova Pioneer celebrates Kewell Moodley’s extraordinary achievement in securing the top position globally for Cambridge International IGCSE Business Studies. Kewell’s success serves as an inspiration to all students, emphasizing the importance of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Nova Pioneer Ormonde takes pride in providing a nurturing environment that enables students to reach their full potential and make a difference in the world. As Nova Pioneer continues its mission of delivering a world-class education, it remains committed to empowering students to excel, fostering exceptional individuals, and shaping a brighter future for all.

Apply today!

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

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

 

What Changes? What is Added?

 

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

 

Excited? Share the love!

 

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

 

Want to know more? 

 

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

*Terms and conditions apply

 

 

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.”

Nova Pioneer recently celebrated its valedictory ceremony for its Grade 12 students at Ormonde Secondary. The ceremony, which took place at the campus, saw students and staff maintaining all social distance protocols as well as live streaming for those students, speakers and family members who were unable to attend in person. 

“Nova Pioneer is proud of how quickly our students and teachers were able to adapt to learning during the pandemic this year. Because we follow the Cambridge curriculum, three groups of pupils sat exit exams over this time: Grade 11 (IGCSE), Grade 12 (AS) and Grade 13 (A-levels). All of these students had to pivot between ‘normal’ school, fully online and hybrid delivery systems while preparing for these high-stakes exams. We are incredibly proud of the perseverance and can-do approach that they displayed at all times”, says Theun Opperman, Head of School at Nova Pioneer Ormonde Secondary. 

2020 presented unprecedented challenges, with schools mandated to close in March. As a result, Nova Pioneer shifted immediately to virtual learning to support the continued learning of students. The anxiety associated with this sudden change was felt by all students and parents, but none more so than those in their final year of school. 

Ntando Makwela, the author of “The Dynamic Kid” and a student at Nova Pioneer Ormonde, started his address at the Grade 12 valedictory ceremony by saying that his class needed to celebrate the fact that one skill they have acquired through this year is ‘resilience’. 

“The class of 2020 have developed the skill of being able to learn on their own, with teacher support that looked and felt very different, through online platforms that have become their school experience in March. They were always very aware that they would be writing international exams and as such had no choice but to leverage technology and each other throughout this period”, says Ntando Mlilo, Dean of Students at Ormonde Secondary. 

“One of the biggest achievements of the class of 2020 was to maintain the connection in the school throughout this remote climate. This was achieved through having school-wide conversations around topical issues, such as ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Gender-based violence’.  Planned and moderated by students, these termly conversations ensured a sense of unity within the student body. What one can learn from the class of 2020 is that resilience is built when young people are given the opportunity and platform to independently persevere through challenging times”, says Mlilo. 

Nova Pioneer is a proudly African independent school network that builds and operates world-class facilities offering affordable education. As a testament to its commitment and perseverance to excellence, Nova Pioneer is celebrating some fantastic achievements from its second class of Grade 12’s since opening in 2015.  

The Nova Pioneer concept is the brainchild of Chinezi Chijioke whose vision is to produce world-class African leaders and thinkers who will power the continent forward. The Harvard and Stanford graduate has a life-long passion for education and always dreamed of being a part of a team that would develop schools across Africa to unleash the incredible potential of the continent’s youth.

Part of Chijioke’s vision was to offer a holistic education to his students. This meant not only attending to their scholastic needs but also building character.  “Our vision of a Novaneer is centered on three ‘C’s: character, capabilities, and connection.  The three together equip our students to solve problems, take on challenges and shape the world for the better.  Among the three Cs, the first is Character, because it is the foundation upon which distinctive capabilities, or the connections of a strong community, are built,” says Chinezi.  

Nova Pioneer students launch drive to collect 2000 sanitary pads drive under the tag #TowelsForGirls.The drive is aimed at supplying sanitary pads to girls from Thabo-Ntsako Secondary School in Thokoza. The drive began on 8 March 2019 and will end on 5 April*. 

 

It’s all for a good cause

Nova Pioneer student, Lesedi Mnguni, says they want to live in a world where girls never have to miss school because of their period.

Masego Solomons, a fellow #TowelsForGirls teammate says that she and the other members of the founding team are passionate about helping girls their age.

“Having your period is a natural process that is unfortunately inevitable,” she says, “It doesn’t seem fair that girls have to miss out on their education because of this.”

Raising awareness on Periods

Nova Pioneer will also conduct talks related to sanitation and health care during assembly. The students are calling on all Nova Pioneer parents, students and community to help reach their 2000 pack mark. Anyone who wishes to contribute can drop off their sanitary pad packets at the Ormonde based Secondary School or any of the other Nova Pioneer campuses around Johannesburg.

Nova Pioneer has campuses in Ormonde, Boksburg, Paulshof, North Riding and Midrand. Weekly updates focused on the students’ drive to collect pads will be posted on the various Nova Pioneer social media accounts.

 

UPDATE

*The #TowelsForGirls drive ended with the girls collected more than 1500 packs of sanitary pads and they were delivered to Thabo-Ntsako Secondary School in Thokoza. The story was first published in the Southern Courier Read more…