A grounding and building blocks for a number of job prospects and careers

Online learning must focus on student support

As the Matric Class of 2021 enter the final stretch of their school careers, having to focus on both their exams and what comes after, an education expert has advised parents to help their children move progressively forward every day by cutting out the noise and doing what needs to get done, regardless of concerns over what may come. “The end is finally in sight for Matric learners, who now need to remain as focused as possible during exam time, to ensure they achieve the best possible marks to allow them to progress successfully beyond Grade 12,” says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education , SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. But he says many students remain concerned about whether they will perform to the best of their ability, whether there might be more surprises coming this year in terms of unforeseen disruptions - whether related to exams or external events - or over what they are going to do next year… Should they register to study further or wait and first see what the environment looks like in February 2022? All these thoughts can take away Matrics’ attention from what is most important now – focusing on their finals, says Kriel. “Unfortunately, our children over the past two years have had more than the regular share of concerns senior high learners normally need to deal with, and this has had an impact on the way decisions about the future are made. In particular, forward planning has taken a hit, with many parents and students adopting a wait-and-see approach. “This is because significant weight is being given, and allowances made, for future potentialities, which can lead to anxiety, loss of focus and analysis paralysis. As parents, it remains important to provide guidance and a measure of certainty in this regard, so that children can go ahead and make plans for the future, while keeping in mind flexibility and resilience may still be needed,” says Kriel. Some of the concerns that should be dispensed with to ensure Matrics can focus single-mindedly on their exams, include the following: 1) CONCERNS ABOUT PERFORMANCE & ITS IMPACT ON POST-MATRIC OPTIONS “Now is the time to put all your attention on doing as well as possible, until the very last paper. Don’t dilute your attention by worrying about what you will do if you do not perform as well as hoped,” says Kriel. “Regardless of your performance, there are always paths toward achieving a degree. Of course, the better you perform, the more options you will have straight out of the gate, however it is important to know that if you do not perform as well as you wanted, there are always doors open,” he says. These include – depending on results – the option of rewrites to improve results in specific subjects, opting for a different first qualification, or enrolling for a Diploma or Higher Certificate instead of a degree. Higher certificates and diplomas provide alternative pathways into a degree in the event one’s Matric results don’t meet the admission requirements. “There are many more routes toward a successful career on top of those listed above, however the key point is that you can set your mind at ease knowing that there are always options, and that you don’t have to expend precious mental energy on worrying about what ifs. Do your best, and know that you are covered.” 2) CONCERNS ABOUT WHETHER THE 2022 ACADEMIC YEAR MAY AGAIN BE IMPACTED Many Matrics are uncertain about their future, and can’t decide whether they should pursue the studies they wanted to pursue next year or rather just wait and see what the new year holds before making a decision. “If we say we need to start living with uncertainty, it means just that. Don’t wait for everything to be running more or less smoothly, because if anything, we have learned that we have to keep moving regardless of circumstances. Tens of thousands of Matrics across South Africa are doing just that, and have already registered to start their studies next year, committed to realising their dreams. “So if you have not yet settled on whether you should further your education, make use of the time after examinations to investigate your options, talk to higher education institutions, and get yourself excited about your next steps. A good insurance policy is to make sure that you find an institution which is able to continue with the curriculum without interruption to ensure you’ll finish the academic year successfully even if unforeseen events arise,” says Kriel. 3) CONCERNS ABOUT RESULTS RELEASE DATES “No matter when your results come, keep your eye on the prize and do what needs to be done, regardless. Currently, dates are always in flux, so it is possible that results release dates may again be impacted,” says Kriel. But he says parents should remind their children (and themselves) not to get distracted by external noise and logistics. “Do what you know needs to be done, and keep going - progressively further every day. Don’t rely on others to tell you what to do and when. In the past two years, those focused on their personal and academic growth have really strengthened their self-direction skills. So don’t wait for the world to say you can go ahead to the next step now. Instead, face forward, and think about and plan for your future. No matter how uncertain you are feeling, planning for the future and moving forward provides an anchor in uncertain times.” One way to get focused and feel less anxious, is for parents and students to act on the things they know will happen, even if they don’t know when they will happen, says Kriel. “Wild speculation about what curveballs may arise is unhelpful and serves no positive purpose. By creating an ocean of calm and certainty about your purpose and direction, knowing that you will handle whatever may arise when it arises, you’ll be able to successfully continue on your road to academic and career success.” The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) is a division of the JSE-listed ADvTECH Group, Africa’s largest private education provider. The IIE is the largest, most accredited registered private higher education institute in South Africa, and the only one accredited by The British Accreditation Council (BAC), the independent quality assurance authority that accredits private institutions in the UK. By law, private higher education institutions in South Africa may not call themselves Private Universities, although registered private institutions are subject to the same regulations, accreditation requirements and oversight as Public Universities.

If anyone doubted that the world of work was changing, the pandemic must surely have removed those doubts. Now is the time to ensure that schools and higher education institutions are mindful and deliberate in developing those skills which will be in high demand and necessary for success in a reconstituted future. It is no longer sufficient to focus purely on academics, and institutions need to make a concerted effort to holistically develop on an ongoing basis those skills which will provide learners with a strong foundation for the future. The Independent Institute of Education is SA's leading private higher education provider operating across 21 sites offering more than 90 registered and accredited higher education programmes from Higher Certificate to Doctorate level. The IIE's brands include Varsity College , Vega , IIE MSA and Rosebank College . In its most recent Future of Jobs report, the survey of which was conducted in 2020 taking into account the impact of COVID on global workplaces, The World Economic Forum listed the Top 10 skills of the year 2025 as follows (see infographic below): • Analytical thinking and innovation • Active learning and learning strategies • Complex problem-solving • Critical thinking and analysis • Creativity, originality and initiative • Leadership and social influence • Technology use, monitoring and control • Technology design and programming • Resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility • Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation As the world and companies move increasingly towards automation of a myriad of functions, traditional career paths continue falling by the wayside, which requires of educators to ensure their students are able to navigate that which lies ahead, rather than that which currently exists. This necessitates the development of skills which allow young people to navigate their environment intelligently, regardless of what that environment might look like. Data from the WEF Future of Jobs Survey shows that companies are expecting to re-structure their workforce in response to new technologies and, in particular, the companies surveyed indicated that they were also looking to transform the composition of their value chain (55%), introduce further automation, reduce the current workforce (43%) or expand their workforce as a result of deeper technological integration (34%), and expand their use of contractors. Clearly, our already hugely competitive jobs marketplace is set to become even more so in future, with more people competing for fewer opportunities. It is therefore of crucial importance that institutions assist students in their care to become as competitive as possible, by providing them with the skills which will set them apart in future. While technical knowledge will remain important, to be competitive, it is non-negotiable for young people to develop their ability to think and problem-solve, rather merely requiring them to relay information they have been taught. These skills should not be taught by way of a separate, independent curriculum, but rather incorporated within all general learning, as well as across all subject-specific learning. In order to develop these skills, students need frameworks, examples, models, clear expectations, developmental targets and both multiple and regular opportunities to put them to practise. Teachers should provide students with regular and specific feedback on the development of these skills through their learning engagements, and formative and summative assessments should take place within the different classes. Developing these skills is a powerful tool for further exploring specific content, and over time students will be able to reflect on and identify themselves and their competence when using these learning strategies and skills. In addition to developing the WEF 2025 Skills, high schools and higher education institutions should also ensure they provide sufficient opportunity to develop those technical and future-facing skills that will be in high demand in the workplace in coming years, instead of merely the historically available basket of academic subjects. So for instance, the WEF survey projected that more and more companies are likely to adopt a number of technologies in coming years, including cloud computing, big data and e-commerce solutions, and so forth, which represent a continuation of the trends of recent years. However, it is noted that there is now also a significant rise in interest in encryption, reflecting the new vulnerabilities of our digital age, and a significant increase in the number of firms expecting to adopt non-humanoid robots and artificial intelligence, with both technologies slowly becoming a mainstay of work across industries, according to the survey. So future career paths to look out for include: Artificial intelligence, Big data, the Internet of Things, non-humanoid Robotics and encryption. These new technologies are set to drive future growth across industries, as well as to increase the demand for new job roles and skill sets. Very importantly, institutions should also prepare students to design the jobs of the future and not just work in the new jobs created. Changing trends will undoubtedly impact on the workplace of the future, and the jobs we take for granted today may be displaced in future. The ability of someone to navigate the workforce of the future will depend not just only on their occupation - which should not be considered in relation to what is, but in relation to what is expected to come – but also on their broader skillset which will enable them to perform those functions which robots still, for now, can’t.

The Matric Class of 2020 is entering the final stretch of their school careers and their exams, after facing down one of the most disruptive years Grade 12s have arguably ever faced as a collective. While the pressure is slowly lifting, and the end is in sight, now is the time to double down and give the final push to achieve to the best of their ability, an education expert says. “This year has been so hard, and brought up so many different challenges for Matrics, and they must be applauded for getting this far given all the uncertainty, missed school days for many, and losing out on all the big events and milestones that make this year so special,” says Natasha Madhav, Senior Head of Programme: Faculty of ICT at The Independent Institute of Education , SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider. “You have already demonstrated that you could get this far and deal with everything Covid and the lockdowns have thrown at you. You are already set up for success with your newly developed resilience and grit, so use these new skills to maintain your momentum in coming days to ensure you score every single mark you are able to in your remaining papers. Don’t drop your resolve now, but rather give it your all right to the end,” Madhav says. She points out that with most of the papers behind students, it is mostly the comparatively less challenging subjects remaining, which may lead Matrics to approach the next few weeks with a more relaxed attitude towards revising. “But remember that every mark counts toward improving your aggregate, and therefore your options for your future, whether in terms of which higher education institution you can gain access to, or whether you can gain access to your chosen qualification. Given the massive competition for limited opportunities, even small differences between candidates can have a substantial impact on outcomes,” she says. Madhav says the most important thing to combat now is fatigue – physical and emotional - to ensure you finish strong. “Don’t let your mind play games with you – try to regain your focus and remember the big picture every single day until you hand in your last paper. Make sure you get enough fresh air and exercise, take regular short breaks that don’t involve a screen, and aim for small wins that compound.” Madhav says that regardless of performance in previous papers, whether it was good or less than satisfactory, a student’s performance over these next 2 weeks can still make a positive impact on their overall results. “If you did well in previous papers, now is not the time to relax and let the chips fall where they may. Aim to do as well as possible on your remaining papers, which may broaden your prospects in future, potentially opening up opportunities you may not even have been aware of. “On the other hand, if you didn’t do as well as you have hoped until now, you have to let that go and focus on what you can still make happen. Don’t panic, because every mark makes a difference and there is still opportunity for you to improve on your general result,” she says. Madhav says that students should apply a single-minded, laser-like focus to their studies right now, and leave their hopes and anxieties for the future to one side while they complete their exams. “This will allow you to start investigating your future path armed with the best results you could achieve, and to discover all the interesting and exciting study and career paths that have been emerging in recent years for which you may now likely qualify as a result of your final determination and drive. Greater options don’t equate to lessened competition, so putting in the work during these final days can make all the difference in future.”

September 2020. Life has changed in ways that we could never have imagined - from daily routines to the way we socialise and communicate. Adapting to change, in a short period, can affect one's mental health. Now, more than ever, it is essential to look after your mental health to ensure that you step out of lockdown stronger than before. Rosebank College , a brand of The Independent Institute of Education , SA’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider, believes in producing well-rounded individuals, and wellness is very close to our hearts. We spoke to Ncumisa November, a Student Wellness Manager at The IIE Rosebank College Pretoria Sunnyside campus, about her experience in the wellness industry and taking care of one's mental health. What qualification did you study? I studied the Baccalaureus in Social work. How long have you been working with students, and what are the most fulfilling aspects of your career? I started working with students in 2018, and I love it. Empowering youth is something very dear to me. The most fulfilling aspect of my career is starting a journey with a student who might feel hopeless/helpless and assist in changing his/her perspective, as we journey through the counselling process. Witnessing personal development is fulfilling. As cheesy as this might sound, there is a degree of intrinsic motivation when I get to hear the words: "Thank you, you have played the role of a mother, sister and advisor and never once did I get a sense of judgement from you." What made you decide to pursue a career in wellness? I believe in helping people, and it stems from how I was brought up. I was raised by a strong and phenomenal woman, my maternal grandmother, who taught me the real value of helping people. She taught me humility – what we know in my culture as the spirit of Ubuntu. She is the primary reason I work in wellness today. I am where I am supposed to be. What challenges are you mostly faced with? The price of being selfless can be bitter-sweet. In my line of work, it could be easy to forget about "me" - that I, too, am human. It's important to acknowledge and accept that working in wellness is a journey, and that change takes time. I also have to continually work on my insecurities to ensure that I keep myself "full". As the saying goes: "You can't pour from an empty cup." Which areas of wellbeing do you focus on and why? I focus on all aspects of wellbeing. Mental wellbeing - is essential to ensure that you are mentally healthy so that you can focus on the present. Emotional wellbeing - you need this to make sound and logical decisions and to understand that you won't necessarily get acceptance or approval from everyone. Spiritual wellbeing - is vital for me as I always have to remember that I am human before I am a mother, partner and therapist. Aligning myself with my beliefs keeps me rooted, humble and encourages me to keep going. Being a woman in the industry, do you ever have a challenge where male students do not want to consult with you based on your gender? No, I think that I am at a point where I am comfortable with what I do. I trust my abilities. I have made it my mission to build trust with the student body early to get them to be comfortable around me and to understand that irrespective of what we discuss, they will never feel judged. How do you ensure confidentiality for each session? Whenever I have consultations, my door is always closed. I make sure that I eliminate disruptions. The consultation rooms are also situated far from high traffic areas, so students can feel comfortable when coming for a session. I also space out my appointment times, so that students have enough time to leave a session without running into the next person. Being on time is vital to ensure the student feels comfortable, and it is also a sign of respect. After the session, I make sure that I don't leave any process notes lying around, I file and place everything in a secured space. What can one do, to maintain their mental wellbeing? Try to maintain some aspects of your usual routine, get enough sleep and stay hydrated - water, exercise and self-care are essential. Filter your sources of information and stick to credible sources. Stay connected with family and friends. Try volunteering; it's incredible what giving back can do for you.

As Matrics from the Class of 2019 get stuck into their mid-year exams, an education expert has warned that they need to remain disciplined and focused right to the end, and not under-estimate the importance of this round of assessments. "Grade 12s will have noticed that the ante has been upped in these exams, and it will be their first real encounter with the high expectations they will need to meet this year," says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education , SA's largest private higher education institution. "Once the going gets tough, as is bound to happen, the temptation might be there to take a step back and dismiss these exams as no big deal in the greater scheme of things, in the mistaken belief that the real challenge lies ahead when the finals arrive. But that would be the wrong approach, as the mid-year exams play a crucial role not only in the Matriculant's preparation for the final exams, but also on their prospects after school. These marks really do count, and learners must do everything they can to perform as well as possible," he says. With the increased competition for tertiary study space, particularly for popular and respected institutions and qualifications, it is important that learners apply for higher education opportunities as soon as possible. "Learners can already use their Grade 11 marks to apply to an institution of their choice," notes Kriel. "And for those learners in Grade 12 who have not yet done so, or whose Grade 11 marks didn't quite cut it, mid-year exams are extremely significant. At this stage, there is still enough time left to make a concerted effort to improve your performance, and doing so will put you in a much better position for the rest of the year and beyond," he says. Kriel says it is imperative that Matric learners who have not yet applied for post-school study do so without delay, as they will likely miss out on valuable opportunities if they leave it too late. "So resolve right now to double down, do the work, and give it your absolute best effort, so that you can get the higher education application process off your to-do-list before you start preparing for your final exams," he says. Kriel says that in addition to providing the proof of performance required for higher education applications, Matric mid-year exams also provide learners with a valuable arsenal of insight into where they need to focus their attention and efforts in coming months, to ensure they perform optimally during the final exams of their school careers later this year. "It will provide information and insights about your ability to handle the extreme pressure of the exam room, the efficiency of your study methods, your ability to focus on and handle large amounts of academic material, as well as your grit and resilience," he says. "In addition, it will provide early warning if you need to get additional help on certain subjects. So the mid-year exams must be viewed as part of the bigger journey, not just towards the final exams but also in preparation for the demands that higher education will bring. If you do your absolute best now, you will be in a much better position to handle the demands of the last half of the year. And you will be able to pinpoint and address those areas that still need attention before you sit down for your last ever school exams." DID YOU KNOW? The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) is a division of the JSE-listed ADvTECH Group, Africa's largest private education provider. The IIE is the largest, most accredited registered private higher education institute in South Africa, and the only one accredited by The British Accreditation Council (BAC), the independent quality assurance authority that accredits private institutions in the UK. By law, private higher education institutions in South Africa may not call themselves Private Universities, although registered private institutions are subject to the same regulations, accreditation requirements and oversight as Public Universities.