A common question we get from students is “What is the difference between IEB, CAPS and Cambridge?”

One of the reasons that drew me to Nova Pioneer five years ago, apart from the desire to be a member of a team of educational pioneers in South Africa, was the opportunity to teach within the Cambridge system. And five years down the line, I do not regret that decision. What an intellectually and personally rewarding journey it has been for me, and will continue to be. The Cambridge curriculum is still quite an unfamiliar system in the South African context. Many prospective parents have heard about it, but are still not fully aware of how it works and the benefits thereof as an educational experience. At parent evenings and open days some of the most commonly asked questions are, ¨What are A levels, and why should my child consider taking them?¨ 

A Levels (Advanced Level) refers to the final two years of the Cambridge curriculum. The two-year course consists of two ´sub-phases´, AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A2. These two sub-phases combine to equate to a full A Level. At the end of each of these sub-phases students write examinations externally set and marked by Cambridge. In the South African system, the AS Level is considered the equivalent of the South African matric, and students may apply to university locally and exit school after this point if they have achieved the minimum of four AS level subject passes (D symbol and above), including English, combined with one IGCSE pass (C symbol and above). This IGCSE pass should be in their second language. Alright, now that we have dealt with the technicalities, the question arises again. If my child can exit school at the end of their AS year (Grade 12), why should they stay on and achieve a full A level qualification at the end of Grade 13? 

There are a few reasons why we encourage parents to strongly consider full A Levels for their children. The first is that it is a well-respected international qualification and students who wish to study abroad will invariably be at an advantage in terms of university acceptance at all the world´s top tertiary institutions. Top South African universities as well have formalised their acceptance criteria for A Level candidates and these students are highly sought after locally as well. Full A Levels also provides another bite at the cherry for students who may not have achieved the university entry requirements in their AS exams. By improving their results in a 13th year, they almost always end up with a very strong university entrance qualification. 

The A Level qualification is also explicitly designed to prepare students for university study. The heavy emphasis placed on the skills of application, analysis and evaluation of knowledge means students are far better prepared for the academic rigours of university. A 2019 South African study showed that only 22% of South African students managed to complete a three year bachelor degree in the three year time period. Within the South African context there are many reasons for this. However, a key one is that generally, the South African schooling system leaves many students academically ill-prepared for the intellectual rigours of university. At Nova Pioneer part of the way we measure success is defined by our graduate’s ability to complete their university courses in the stipulated time. This is a major factor in why we chose to partner with Cambridge in providing affordable access to a curriculum specifically designed to heighten chances of success at tertiary level. The ability to inculcate critical thinking skills and an advanced level of academic literacy in our graduates will not only stand them in good stead at university, but also in the world of work after university graduation. Another important attribute developed in students within the Cambridge system is the ability to work independently. This is fundamental to success particularly in the A Level phase. Great habits learnt here carry through to university and strengthen the academic ´muscle´ needed to achieve success. The feedback I receive from former Nova Pioneer students is how much further ahead they are at university in their skills, content knowledge and academic maturity than their peers from CAPS or IEB schools. 

And finally, we tend to focus so much on the benefits of Cambridge as a pathway to academic and career success, and neglect the intrinsic benefits thereof, or the opportunity A Levels provides our students to be better, more informed human beings through study for the love of knowledge. The opportunity to focus in depth on three to four disciplines a student is passionate about is an opportunity not afforded to many students in the South African schooling system. The chance to really experience the joy of in depth intellectual fulfilment at an earlier point in their academic career is, I feel, a great privilege. This final reason is an important one, particularly for those students who have not yet decided what they want to study at university. A Levels therefore provides an opportunity for an intellectually stimulating ´gap´ year. 

The Cambridge curriculum has been designed as a thirteen year programme and so our message to prospective parents and students is that, to achieve full benefit from this rigorous and rewarding programme, the option of completing the full A Level qualification should always be one to consider when applying for study at Nova Pioneer. 

You may have some concerns about relocating your child mid-year. At Nova Pioneer, we work with our parents to ensure we provide support to students who join mid-year. Our teachers are equipped to support students in catching up on the Curriculum, and the learning model allows teachers to identify areas in which additional focus is required, ensuring a smooth transition for your child. Our teachers support mid-year joiners by ensuring the following:

• Adjusting from one curriculum to another may seem daunting, however our teachers put a lot of work into equipping students who start mid-year with the tools to thrive. Initially an assessment is done to understand the student’s baseline math and english level. Teachers then conduct weekly CFU’s (Check for Understanding) and based on these checks, the teacher is able to assess whether academic support interventions need to be taken. 
• While ensuring that your child is able to adjust to the academic rigour of our curriculum and model, it is equally important that they receive psycho-social support with the big adjustment. Various methods are used to ensure that the student adjusts well to their environment, teachers, peers and becoming a Novaneer. 
• Students are quickly introduced to the Nova Pioneer culture which largely assists with the social adjustment. This ranges from understanding what the 6 culture principles are, to giving snaps or shine for their own and peer achievements. 
• Both new and existing families are supported through instructional evenings, aimed at equipping parents with knowledge to support their Novaneer’s journey in becoming a leader and innovator

Below are some tips on how parents can make the mid-year transition less disruptive.

Communicate the decision for the move

Talk with your child about moving schools well in advance, if possible. Take time to discuss each concern and allow your child to express themselves and their feelings about changing schools. This will help parents understand their child’s feelings and fears about changing schools. This can also give us insight into how we can best support them. Also ask them what they are looking forward to the most about going to a new school and talk to your child about what to expect at the new school.

Come meet our team

We always advise parents to visit the campus before the child starts classes and ensure they stay engaged with the school and teachers to find out how the child is settling in. Also, feel free to ask for more information on our psychosocial support services in case your child may need additional or professional support to adjust with the change. 

Come prepared

Make sure that your child has the correct school stationery and uniform, as well as sports clothes. Also, organise your child’s transportation to commute to and from school. Parents need to remember that children are most concerned about fitting in at school, and having the basics covered can help them integrate better into their new school environment. 

Encourage building community

Get your child involved in extracurricular activities that interest them, to help them make new friends and for them to be part of the school community. Also encourage your child to try a new activity to help them grow and expand their scope of activities at school.

Stay connected to old friends

Remember to make space for your child to reconnect and maintain communication with former school friends. It’s good for your child to not feel like they have lost or neglected their old friends, it will also comfort them to be able to keep memories of their previous school and to stay in contact with the friends that they have left behind.

Hurry, available spaces for this year are limited!

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.”

Take a few seconds to think of someone that you deeply admire… 

This could be a friend, a colleague, a family member or maybe someone famous.

Now note down your answers to these 6 questions, as you keep this person in mind…

Do they: 

• believe that they can achieve more by working together with others?
• see failure as an opportunity to grow?
• set high standards for themselves?
• try to come up with solutions when faced with a problem?
• put others before themselves and engage with those around then with humility and generosity?
• remain open to learning and discovering new things?

If most of your answers were “yes” to the questions above, the person that you were thinking about and admire is undoubtedly someone who lives their life guided by a strong set of values and principles.

You may find it interesting that there were purposefully no questions above that were centred on the person’s expertise, accomplishments, capabilities, intellect or professional/career success. The person that you had in mind may exemplify all or most of the qualities portrayed in the 6 questions AND they may also be very smart, accomplished and successful in their field. (Whilst I don’t deny the value that success in one’s chosen profession or field brings, it certainly cannot be and typically isn’t, the only important ingredient!)

So my point is that many people that we admire are first and foremost deeply principled, have a growth mindset and live their lives with integrity. Isn’t this what each of us parents want for your children as they navigate their way through life… to be beacons for others around them appreciated and admired for their resilience; their selflessness; their grit and determination in the face of adversity; their curiosity and openness to grow and learn?

At Nova Pioneer, we place a lot of care and thought in integrating our school’s six culture principles into the in-class and extra-mural experiences, into how our lesson content is designed and how it is delivered. 

We have seen the power of helping students as early as pre-primary and through primary and secondary school to live by, to learn by and be guided by our SIX NOVA PIONEER CULTURE PRINCIPLES: 

• Enquiry-based learning means that Nova Pioneer students are encouraged to ask questions; they research and explore various topics (rather than just been lectured on these) which means that they foster a sense of curiosity and exploration from a young age. They become life-long learners. Nova Pioneer current students and alumni are described as curious and wanting to learn and discover more and more about topics.  (Joy of Learning).
• Our students are purposefully challenged; they are not scared to try new things; to fail and learn from these experiences. They also embrace feedback and see the value of giving and receiving feedback (Always Growing).
• Novaneers work in groups on tasks, class-work and projects. They quickly experience the benefits of collaboration – a life-long skill (Greater Together).
• It’s with great pride that we celebrate Novaneer students of all ages for their service within the school and within their community, selflessly helping others most in need (Servant Leadership).
• Novaneer students set high goals for themselves because they are not afraid to fail and because they are not scared to try new things. They build self-confidence and set their targets high (High Expectations).
• It is very rare that a Nova Pioneer student approaches their teacher or fellow Novaneer with a problem without a suggested solution. Novaneers are encouraged to be critical thinkers and natural problem solvers (Solutions First).

Cast your mind forward 10 or 20 years from now. Someone you know is asked to think of a person that they most admire and it is your child that comes to their mind. It is your child (probably a young adult by then) that they admire because they say that your child:

• believes that they can achieve more by working together with others
• sees failure as an opportunity to grow
• sets high standards for themselves
• comes up with solutions when faced with a problem
• put others before themselves and engages with those around then with humility and generosity
• remains open to learning and discovering new things.

Nova Pioneer believes that all schools should place as much focus, value and emphasis on character and value development as they do on academic excellence. Is your child’s current school doing this?

Nova Pioneer Schools for Innovators and Leaders, recently celebrated their Midrand students’ Cambridge Checkpoint results. Nova Pioneer students achieved scores ahead of the international benchmark for English and Science, whilst staying at pace with international trends for Maths. 

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 group offers Cambridge, an internationally accredited curriculum, where students can write their Checkpoint, IGSCE, AS-Level, as well as their A-Level examinations in their 13th year. 

Nova Pioneer Midrand’s current Grade 7 and 8 students participated in the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint last Spring. Whilst normally administered only in the Grade 6 year, the advent of COVID in 2020 resulted in significant interruptions in the administration of these exams by Cambridge International. The disruptions as a result of COVID over the last two years have made the results achieved by these students even more impressive. 

At the prize giving, Nova Pioneer acknowledged their Grade 7 top achievers for the 2021 Checkpoint, including –

• Shalathi Shikwambana for English and Maths, as well as being the overall top achiever in the grade
• Lwandile Mhlungu for English and Maths
• John-David Malaba for Maths
• Casey Oosthuzien for her top performance in Science  

In Grade 8, Nova Pioneer celebrated – 

• Kgosi Kekane for his top performance in Maths
• Kayden Reddy for Maths, as well as being the overall top achiever in the grade
• Yuveer Ramalal for Maths

Xolisa Luthi, the school leader for Nova Pioneer Midrand Secondary, said that he was thrilled to have this opportunity to engage in the assessments, which provide insight into how Nova Pioneer students are progressing in their mastery of the curriculum and in their readiness for Secondary school.   

Mr Luthi expressed gratitude to the Nova Pioneer teachers and leadership team. “Our students’ impressive results reflect their tremendous diligence and tenacity, as well as the unstinting support and inspiration of their teachers. We also thank our parent community for their continued partnership”.

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. Nova Pioneer Midrand Secondary School opened its doors in January 2022 and welcomed their inaugural class of Grade 8’s. The school will expand teaching and learning to accommodate families of Grades 8 to 13 students in the Midrand area and is now enrolling for Grade 9.

In Japan, the word ‘bento’ is associated with the word for ‘convenience.’ The bento box is a convenient way to carry a home-packed lunch—or any meal, but especially a single meal eaten during work or school day. The earliest take-along meals date to the 5th century in Japan, when farmworkers, hunters, or soldiers would pack food to take along for the day. These humble on-the-go meals eventually evolved into the boxed lunch that would be dubbed as the bento box by roughly the 12th century. They would often contain rice and dried meats.

By the 16th century, the bento box became more refined. Its use spread from work-related pursuits to cultural excursions such as visiting the theatre or attending outdoor activities and festivals. At this point, the boxes began to feature beautiful designs and lacquer work. Books began to be published about what to cook and how to pack bento boxes for special occasions.

Today, the tradition of the bento box is still widely practiced in Japan, but its popularity has spread around the world. Today’s bento boxes are typically designed with multiple compartments for rice, protein, fruits, and vegetables. Each tray can be easily removed for eating and cleaning. People can fill their bento boxes with any type of food they like, including snacks and sandwiches, but the main ingredients in Japan tend to revolve around the basics like rice, meat, and vegetables.

The bento box concept has spread all over the world along with many other aspects of Japanese culture. Many people fill their boxes with ingredients they happen to have on hand, such as leftovers. Unlike Western-style lunch boxes, the bento box is a well-organized system with various compartments and an easy-to-clean design. Here, we’ll explore this useful Japanese custom and why you might want to adopt bento box use.

What Are Some Benefits of Using a Bento Box?

Although you might be partial to your old lunchbox and thermos or have gotten used to carrying a sack lunch or dining out, there are some decided advantages to using a bento box to transport your lunch each day. There are many benefits of bento box use, such as:

Bento Boxes Are Environmentally Friendly

A bento box is a sustainable feature because you can use it over and over again. Each compartment is designed to hold different ingredient amounts. There is no need to use disposable plastic bags because small items such as crackers or raisins can be stowed in a small lidded container that fits inside the larger box. Upon returning home, each container can be washed and reused the following day.

Bento Boxes Keep Foods Fresh

Each bento box container is lidded and seals tightly; this helps keep food fresh and tasty. Depending on what types of food you’re packing for the day, you may wish to include a small ice pack in your bag to keep food cool, especially during the summer months.

Bento Boxes Are Easy to Clean

Many of today’s bento boxes and their containers are easy to clean and even dishwasher safe. If you don’t prefer to hand wash them, you can generally place them on the top rack of your dishwasher for cleaning. Of course, always check each box to ensure it can be cleaned in the dishwasher first.

Bento Boxes Are Leak-Proof

Since each bento box container comes with a tight-fitting lid, they are conveniently leak-proof. So, there’s no fear that items like applesauce, yogurt, or dipping sauces will leak out and soil the bento box, briefcase, school bag, etc. The leak-proof design allows people to carry sauces and liquids that they might otherwise have avoided because of the inconvenience. The bento box makes it a breeze to carry just about any ingredient with no hassle.

Bento Boxes Promote Portion Control

Each container in a bento box affords just enough room for a single serving of items. This helps prevent people from over-eating. Using a bento box allows you to limit amounts to ‘just the right amount easily.’ Portion control is essential for both kids and adults, particularly as obesity rates among both demographics are increasing. Bento boxes promote healthful eating even as they allow for a terrific variety of ingredients.

Bento Boxes Are Economical

If you want to save money on lunch, carrying a bento box is a great way to do so. It’s much cheaper to pack your own ingredients from home than to purchase lunch at a restaurant. You can pack leftovers from your evening meal or inexpensive lunch items that you have on hand.

Bento Boxes Are Easy to Transport

Even though they come in many designs today, manufacturers still produce easy-to-carry styles. A bento box is compact and usually fits in larger handbags and briefcases, school bags, or backpacks.

What Are Some Popular Types of Bento?

In Japan, there are various types of bento. Some are popular with children; others with adults. If you want to pack your bento box in the Japanese style, here are some bento types to consider:

Kyaraben

Kyaraben bento boxes are specially designed for kids. Parents pack them with rice balls and other ingredients formed into the shapes of animals, plants, or anime characters. For instance, panda bear rice balls decorated with other ingredients to resemble the bears are very popular in kyaraben bento boxes.

Aisai

Wives and mothers will often pack aisai bento boxes. In fact, the term means “made by a loving wife.” Especially popular in the spring, aisai bento boxes often feature designs that signify love and affection.

Koraku

A koraku bento box is a boxed lunch for a small group of people. For instance, rather than packing individual boxes for a picnic, a koraku bento box suffices for the group.

Makunouchi

The makunouchi bento dates back to the 16th century, when people would eat their meal between theatrical acts. The word translates to mean “between acts.” Traditionally, makunouchi bento features a meal of rice, meat, eggs, vegetables, and pickles.

Oekakiben

Oekakiben bento features ornate or highly stylized ingredients made to look like pictures. Highly artistic, oekakiben bento might resemble an ocean or garden scene whereby each ingredient is fashioned into an object such as a plant or animal.

Ekiben

Ekiben bento is ultra-convenient because these boxes can be purchased at train stations or bus stations for workers who were too busy to pack their bento that day. They typically contain a mix of ingredients such as meat, fish, rice, and vegetables.

Konbini

Konbini are available in convenience stores and are mass-produced for people who want to purchase their lunch or dinner. Similar to ekiben, these bento boxes are generally sold in shops and feature traditional bento items like rice, vegetables, and fish. They are generally less expensive than purchasing lunch at a restaurant or food stand.

What Should You Pack in Your Bento Box?

First, of course, you’ll need a bento box. Fortunately, there is a vast array to choose from. Bento boxes come in many styles and designs. To pack your bento box, you’ll want to include items such as:

• Portable cutlery: Most bento boxes contain space for eating utensils
• Rice: Rice is a staple for most Japanese bento, but if you’re trying to cut back on carbs, you can pack a salad or other ingredients
• Meat or fish: Japanese typically pack at least one protein in their bento boxes as part of a balanced meal.
• Eggs: since bento box compartments are lidded, you can easily pack an egg however you like; many people opt to bring an omelet or boiled egg.
• Vegetables: include items in your bento box such as carrot sticks, sliced bell pepper, or salad as part of your healthy meal.
• Fruit: you can pack bento containers with fruits like grapes, apple slices, raisins, or blueberries.

Making a Bento Box 101

Use these ideas to put your bento box together:

Readying Your Bento Box

Be sure that each compartment of your bento box and its lids are clean and ready for packing before you place food items into it. There are many styles of bento boxes commercially available today. Choose one that’s easy for you to maintain—and fun and stylish too!

Packing the Bento Box

To pack your bento box, you should plan to divide your meal proportionally. In Japan, people often follow a 4:3:2:1 ratio. Rice or salad, for instance, might encompass the largest portion of the meal, but you can customize the ratio to suit your preference for your ingredients. Be sure that your lids snap tightly to prevent leaking. Ideally, you should include different food groups to pack a healthy bento lunch and keep your meal well-balanced.

Choose Appealing Ingredients

Part of the charm of the bento box is its variety and the presentation of ingredients. While many Japanese parents often choose ingredients for kids that are not only healthful but attractive (i.e. bright green grapes, carrots, cherry tomatoes), you can choose just about any type of food that appeals to you. Consider color, texture, and nutritional value when choosing your bento box ingredients.

Pack in Order

Be sure to pack your food ingredients in order of placement so that everything fits neatly in your bento box compartments. Lids need to fit their containers tightly, so be sure you don’t overfill the compartments. You don’t want to lose all that hard work to make it appeasing lost when you pack your bento box improperly.

Bento Pro Tips

If you’re just getting started with bento, it won’t take long to become a pro. Here are a few tips to help you boost your bento know-how:

Start Small

You don’t have to pack an elaborate bento box; remember that convenience is at the heart of this practice. Some people choose bento boxes that contain only two compartments. If you prefer simple meals, you can opt for this style. On the other hand, if you prefer various foods, choose a bento box with four to five small compartments—it’s really up to you.

Set aside Preparation Time

You’ll find that when you set aside a decent amount of time, you can pack a healthier—and tastier—bento box. You’ll need some time to wash, cut, and pack your fruits and vegetables, for example. If you want to create fun ingredient designs, you’ll definitely need some extra time to pack your bento. Try searching sites like Pinterest to find creative bento box ingredient concoctions, especially fun for kids and teens.

Be Patient

If you’re packing warm foods, you’ll need to wait for them to cool before packing them in the bento box. Once the foods are lukewarm, you can add them to the containers and then snap their lids on tightly. Although sauces can be packed in a bento box, soup may not be the ideal food selection for these types of containers. It would be hard to reheat while also may risk leaking into other compartments.

Be Mindful of Texture

Japanese often include foods with different or unique textures in bento boxes. This adds more interest to lunch. If you’re packing bento for kids, include foods with different shapes and colors to entice them to try new foods. Choose ingredients like cheese cubes that are soft and pretzel sticks that are crunchy. Multiple textures add a fun element for kids’ lunches.

Meal Preparation for the Week

You can make bento packing easier by setting aside some time on the weekend and meal prep your bento items. You can do a lot of fruit and vegetable chopping, for instance, at one time. Plus, it’s often cheaper to purchase many items in larger quantities. You can break them down to bento-sized portions once you’re home. It can also be something fun to do in the kitchen as a whole family. Kids can help wash fruits and veggies and have a hand designing their lunches too.

Lunching with a bento box is a fun, healthful, and eco-friendly way to dine. Use this guide to help you get started with bento box preparation. Remember, you can also customize your bento, so it’s no problem if you need to follow a special diet.

Originally posted on Porch.com

I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate our top academic achievers (Grade 8 -10) for 2021. I wish to congratulate these students for managing to produce these excellent results in what was, again, an unusual year. We are very proud of them. They exemplify our Culture Principles of High Expectations, Always Growing and being Solutions First. Well done!

While recognising these examples of excellence, I also wish to congratulate all the students who made the best of this year. Overall, our data show an ongoing improvement in the academic performance of almost all of our students. I must commend our teachers on also pulling out all the stops and not allowing the complexities of the past two years to get in the way of delivering excellent teaching. I salute you.

Lastly, to our parents. You have been incredibly supportive of both us as a school and your children. In a true spirit of being Greater Together, you have rolled with the punches while trusting us to get on with the job. It is such a privilege to help lead a school when you feel that you have the implicit trust and support of parents. We thank you.

We look forward to hosting a formal awards assembly in the new year to recognise these students as well as the IGCSE, AS and A-level students.

Academic Awards Term 3 2021 for Grades 8 to 10

Academic half-colours

Grade 10: minimum of 4 A’s in the November examinations

Grade 10

– Arjun Thulsie (6 As)
– Afrikaans (82%)
– Computer Science (96%)
– English (82%)
– Physics (88%)
– Biology (91%)
– Mathematics (92%)

Academic certificate of merit

Grades 8-10: minimum of 3 A’s in the November examinations

Grade 10
Gadija Shaikh (3 As)
– Art and Design (81%)
– Biology (81%)
– Mathematics (82%)

Grade 9
Sabeeha Adams (6 As)
– Commerce (94%)
– Geography (80%)
– English (83%)
– History (97%)
– Mathematics (80%)
– Science (85%)

Naledi Djiogo (5 As)
– Commerce (80%)
– Geography (93%)
– History (94%)
– Mathematics (92%)
– Science (90%)

Keziah Pillay (5 As)
– Afrikaans (86%)
– Commerce (84%)
– Geography (85%0
– History (91%)
– Science (80%)

Mikayla Bayat (4 As)
– Afrikaans (83%)
– Commerce (84%)
– Geography (87%)
– History (90%)

Nene Manyana (4 As)
– Commerce (83%)
– Geography (90%)
– History (81%)
– isiZulu (92%)

Nhlakanipho Magazi (4 As)
– Commerce (86%)
– History (100%)
– Mathematics (82%)
– Science (80%)

Jordan Roux (3 As)
– Geography (85%)
– History (88%)
– Science (81%)

Grade 8
Simphiwe William (7 As)
– Chemistry (81%)
– English (87%)
– Humanities (89%)
– Biology (90%)
– Business Studies (89%)
– Physics (88%)
– Mathematics (95%)

Matabo Kekana (6 As)
– Chemistry (81%)
– Humanities (83%)
– Biology (82%)
– Physics (96%)
– isiZulu (87%)
– Mathematics (90%)

Kwanele Dlangisa (4 As)
– Humanities (81%)
– Biology (82%)
– Physics (92%)
– isiZulu (86%)

Njabulo Sithole (4 As)
– Biology (88%)
– Business Studies (81%)
– Physics (96%)
– isiZulu (80%)

Thabiso Rasimeni (3 As)
– Chemistry (84%)
– Biology (93%)
– Physics (92%)

Molemo Kodisang (3 As)
– English (81%)
– Physics (84%)
– isiZulu (80%)

Lethabo Thinane (3 As)
– Biology (87%)
– Physics (87%)
– Humanities (85%)

Caris Ayemole (3 As)
– Chemistry (83%)
– English (85%)
– Biology (85%)

Ashton Wax
– Chemistry (80%)
– Biology (80%)
– Physics (88%)

Grade 10 Subject awards

Top 3 per subject (80% minimum) based on year mark

Grade 10

Afrikaans
1. Arjun Thulsie (81%)
Computers
3. Saad Sattar (87%)
2. Sitara Singh (92%)
1. Arjun Thulsie (97%)

English
2. Ungowakho Madolo (80%)
1. Arjun Thulsie (81%)
Physics
1. Arjun Thulsie (86%)

Biology
3. Ungowakho Madolo (86%)
2. Kewell Moodley (87%)
1. Arjun Thulsie (91%)

Business Studies
1. Tlotlo Oliphant (80%)

isiZulu
3. Lebogang Noni (80%)
2. Xolisile Buthelezi (83%)
1. Siphokazi Nxumalo (88%)

History
2. Alyssa Wax (83%)
1. Ayandza Dlamini (84%)

Mathematics
3. Ungowakho Madolo (90%)
2. Sitara Singh (92%)
1. Arjun Thulsie (94%)

Grade 9 Subject Awards

Top 3 per subject (75% minimum) based on year mark

Afrikaans
3. Mikayla Bayat (81%)
2. Lekeisha Campbell (82%)
1. Keziah Pillay (85%)

Commerce
3. Keziah Pillay (85%)
2. Nhlakanipho Magazi (87%)
1. Sabeeha Adams (93%)

Geography
3. Sabeeha Adams (83%)
2. Keziah Pillay (84%)
2. Mikayla Bayat (84%)
1. Naledi Djiogo (89%)
1. Nene Manyana (89%)

English
3. Naledi Djiogo (78%)
2. Naseeha Majam (79%)
2. Mikayla Bayat (79%)
1. Sabeeha Adams (84%)

History
3. Mikayla Bayat (92%)
3. Keziah Pillay (92%)
3. Naledi Djiogo (92%)
2. Samukelisiwe Nkwanyana (94%)
1. Nhlakanipho Magazi (97%)
1. Sabeeha Adams (97%)

isiZulu
3. Nene Manyana (90%)
2. Nhlakanipho Mandlazi (91%)
3. Mbalenhle Mntambo (93%)

Mathematics
3. Nfihlo Mulamula (84%)
3. Mlindi Msimango (84%)
2. Naseeha Majam (87%)
1. Naledi Djiogo (91%)

Science
3. Sabeeha Adams (85%)
2. Naseeha Majam (86%)
1. Naledi Djiogo (88%)

Grade 8 Subject awards

Top 3 per subject (75% minimum) based on year mark

Chemistry
3. Simphiwe William (84%)
2. Matabo Kekana (85%)
1. Caris Ayemole (86%)
1. Humairah Cornelius (86%)

English
3. Caris Ayemole (81%)
2. Cade ́ Jansen (84%)
1. Simphiwe William (87%)

Humanities
3. Lethabo Thinane (83%)
2. Kwanele Dlangisa (86%
1. Simphiwe William (88%)

Biology
3. Lethabo Thinane (85%)
2. Matabo Kekana (86%)
2. Bhavesh Thulsie (86%)
1. Simphiwe William (93%)

Business Studies
2. Matabo Kekana (81%)
1. Simphiwe William (86%)

Physics
3. Thadeous Snyders (90%)
2. Jabulani Khuzwayo (91%)
2. Thabiso Rasimeni (91%)
2. Balisa Lushozi (91%)
1. Matabo Kekana (92%)
1. Njabulo Sithole (92%)

isiZulu
3. Amahle Nkosi (84%)
2. Aobakwe Mchunu (86%)
1. Duduzile Ndinesa (87%)

Mathematics
3. Jabulani Khuzwayo (84%)
2. Matabo Kekana (93%)
1. Simphiwe William (96%)

Grade 8 Top students per grade

Based on the minimum average of 80% across all subjects

2. Matabo Kekana (84% av.)
1. Simphiwe William (85% av.)

Grade 9 Top students per grade

Based on the minimum average of 80% across all subjects

3. Mikayla Bayat (83% av.)
2. Naledi Djiogo (84% av.)
1. Sabeeha Adams (85% av.)

Grade 10 Top students per grade

Based on the minimum average of 80% across all subjects

2. Sitara Singh (80% av.)
1. Arjun Thulsie (86% av.)

Progress award

Most improved student in the whole school based on the ranking change between Term 1 and 3

Ashton Wax- Grade 8
Term 1- 26th place
Term 3- 9th place
Improved 17 places during the course of the year!

Nova Pioneer believes in building a compassionate, like-minded community

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. 

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.

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 double the normal referral discount (R7000 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 for 2022 or 2023 between 8 December 2021 and 30 April 2022.

Which parents are eligible for the R7000 discount?

• In order to successfully benefit from referring a student, the parent must apply to Nova Pioneer between 8 December 2021 and 30 April 2022 for enrolment in-year in 2022 or for 2023.
• The parent must state that they were referred to by you (name and surname) when they fill in the online application form in 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 R7000 discount per enrolled student that is referred up to five students (or a maximum tuition discount of R35000)
• 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.
• Nova Pioneer staff do not qualify.

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.

Mindfulness refers to a state of mind where a person has a heightened awareness of the internal and external experiences that are occurring at the present moment. It is a practice where your mind and all its thoughts are quietened bringing a feeling of calmness and increased awareness and focus.

The concept of mindfulness is thought to have been introduced to the west by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late 1970s, who described it as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, at that moment.

Now more than ever, teaching mindfulness in the classroom is essential. As the world is experiencing unprecedented times with the Covid-19 pandemic.  Students, teachers, and parents feel stressed and anxious.

We also live busy lives and find our thoughts buzzing with a myriad of things to do and worry about.

As educators, we know that children learn best when they are comfortable, feel safe, and relaxed. By incorporating mindfulness in the classroom, teachers can create an environment for their students that is nurturing and non-threatening. It can set the climate for the day that is optimal for learning.

There are many benefits to mindfulness for students:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves attention and focus
• Improves the student’s cognitive performance
• Better emotional and social intelligence
• Improves memory

There are a few ways that our  teachers incorporate mindfulness into their classrooms, 

Mindfulness Through Breathing

Teaching children to breathe deeply into their stomachs when they feel stressed and anxious. This helps to calm their body and mind.

Mindfulness Through Sensory Experiences

Sensory experiences also help children to relax and focus. By playing relaxing or classical music with calming sounds, children can focus and concentrate on the task at hand. Work produced is of a higher quality and the classroom has a calm atmosphere.

Mindfulness Through Guided Imagery

Guided Imagery can develop children’s imaginations. It helps them to integrate learning with prior knowledge. When teachers introduce a new concept, they invite children to close their eyes and slowly talk them through a journey. In this way, the children can imagine and visualize – placing them in the right frame of mind and focus. In the younger classes, children can pretend they are the animals and mimic the sounds and movements of the animals. This just helps them to relate better to the topic that will follow.

At Nova Pioneer Ruimsig, our teachers incorporate all these strategies every day in their classrooms. You will always hear relaxing background music in each class when students are working independently. Music is also used to support transitions between centres. We use Guided Imagery in the younger grades to create a fun and interactive environment before the teacher introduces the new topic. Students are encouraged to close their eyes and imagine they are various characters or in a different setting to visualize the concept. This helps students to internalize the concept using all their senses. 

Our Grade  R, 1, and 3 classes actively practice meditation each morning. Teachers have noted the benefits of meditation in their classrooms, stating that their students are calm, focused, and are able to concentrate better throughout the day. 

Deep breathing techniques are also practiced after the lunch breaks and Physical Education (PE) transitions to help settle the class for the next lesson and put them in a calm and focussed frame of mind. 

As a result of practicing mindfulness on our Ruimsig campus, our students appear calm, relaxed, and happy.

Source:

http://www.educationalneuroscience.org.uk/resources/neuromyth-or-neurofact/mindfulness-has-a-place-in-the-classroom/#

https://childmind.org

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/integrating-mindfulness-in-classroom-curriculum-giselle-shardlow