Why you should consider going to a TVET college

TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. TVET colleges are institutions that offer courses to prepare students for careers in skilled trades.

What do TVET colleges offer?
* Practical skills
TVET colleges provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to work in a specific trade or occupation.
* Apprenticeships
Some TVET colleges offer apprenticeship programs in trades like electrical, welding, and automotive body repair.
* Career pathways
TVET colleges can prepare students for employment, entrepreneurship, or higher education.

Who can attend TVET colleges?
* TVET colleges accept students who have passed Grade 9, 10, 11, or 12.
* Some students may qualify to transfer to a University of Technology to continue their studies.

Where are TVET colleges located?
* TVET colleges are part of the Department of Higher Education and Training in South Africa.
* There are many TVET colleges across the country.

Does NSFAS fund TVET colleges?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a public entity reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training. NSFAS provides financial assistance in the form of a study bursary to qualifying students who wish to study or are already studying at TVET colleges and public universities.

Can you go to University after TVET college?
Under certain conditions, some students may qualify for admission to a University of Technology to continue their studies at a higher level in the same field of study as they were studying at the TVET College.

Click  HERE  for more information.

Tips for third term: Ways to Improve Your Memory

1. Walk Before An Exam
It’s been proven that exercise can boost your memory and brain power. Research conducted by Dr. Chuck Hillman of the University of Illinois provides evidence that about 20 minutes exercise before an exam can improve performance.

2. Speak Out Loud Instead of Simply Reading
Although this may make you look a little crazy, give it a go! You will be surprised how much more you can remember when you’ve said it out loud. Warning: Don’t try this in a crowded library!

3. Reward Yourself With A Treat
There are many ways to integrate a reward system into your study habits.

4. Teach What You Have Learned
The best way to test if you really understand something is to try to teach it to someone else. If you can’t get anyone to listen to you explain the Pythagorean Theorem, why not teach a class of stuffed animals!

5. Create Mental Associations
The ability to make connections is not only an easier way to remember information, but it’s the fuel of creativity and intelligence. Steve Jobs famously said “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something.”  Mind Maps are an easy way to connect ideas by creating a visual overview of different connections.

6. Draw Diagrams
Drawing diagrams will help you to visualise information which would be hard to describe. This creates a visual memory in your mind which can be recalled in an exam. You may even be asked to draw or label diagrams such as the human heart in your exam so get practicing!

7. Watch a Documentary on the Topic
Documentaries are an entertaining way of compacting an entire story into a short timeframe. This will help you remember key details from a story plus you may even get extra credit for mentioning that you took the initiative and watched a film about the topic!

Tips for third term

Study Tips for Finals

1. Make a revision plan!
2. Have a quick read through your notes
3. Use past papers (if possible)
4. Know your learning style
5. Different revision techniques work for different units
6. FLASH CARDS!
7. Summaries

***

1. Don’t make “all-nighters” a habit.

2. Learn to say “Yes!” … and “No.”
3. When help is offered, take it!
4. Take things one step at a time

***

1. Be the explainer.
2. Have a study buddy? Don't split the work.
3. Turn the TV and the music off.

4. Read it. Write it. Say it.

Tips for third term

Is it better to sleep late or wake up early to study?
Getting a good night's rest is definitely important, but sleep can also help with the recall of study material. Especially on those exams for which you only study once, it is better to stay up late and get some sleep after memorizing terms than to wake up early and cram.

Is it better to cram or sleep?
When it comes to retaining new information, napping has been proven to be even more effective than cramming. There is a delicate balance between napping just enough and napping too much, though. Limit your naps to 20 to 30 minutes, and plan for naps to end by late afternoon.

How to prepare for the final exam?
* Make the Most of Class Time.
* Study with Classmates.

* Take Advantage of School Hours.
* Create Flashcards.
* Find a Good Spot.
* Read and Review - Early and Often.
* Stay Organized.

How can I study 10x faster?
* Take handwritten notes.
* Say it out loud.
* Try self-testing.
* Teach the information to someone else.
* Space out your review sessions.
Change your practice technique each day.

[To be continued - 27/08/2024] 

Tips for third term

What not to do in a study break?
Watching TV, Surfing the Web, Video Games & Other Media-Related Activities - These activities don't aid productivity, in fact, they can hinder it or actually make you feel more tired than you are. Go for an activity that gets you moving, breathing and relaxes your mind without putting it to sleep.

How to refresh your mind before an exam?
* Get enough sleep.
* Eat 'brain foods'.
* Prepare what you need for the exam the day before.
* Avoid 'cramming' information in the night before.

* Drink enough water.

How to memorize quickly?
* Spelling mnemonics or alliteration.
* Sing it out.
* Rhyming.
* Repetition.
* Storytelling or linking.
* Flashcards.

How to increase mind power?
* Exercise regularly. 
* Get plenty of sleep.
* Stay mentally active.
* Remain socially involved.

What are the top 5 brain foods?
* Fatty fish for brain health.
* Coffee for cognitive health.
* Blueberries boost your brain health.
* Turmeric for better cognitive health.
* Broccoli benefits for brain health.

[To be continued - 20/08/2024]

Tips for third term

How to study silently?
This is done by not just reading, but also writing, taking notes, and putting the information into your own words. When you do it this way, studying in silence has a lot to offer. Some people do better studying in silence, recording themselves reading the text and then listening to it later.

What to do during study breaks?
Reconnect with nature.
Take a walk.
Take a 15- to 20-minute power nap.
Take a shower.

How to focus on studying?
* Identify the best environment to help you concentrate. 

* Minimize distractions.

* Write a to-do list.
* Schedule study time.
* Make healthy snack choices.
* Take breaks.

How to wake up early?
* Set an earlier bedtime.

* Avoid late-night snacking.

* Avoid sugary energy drinks and coffee.
* Silence your phone.
* Avoid all-nighters.
* Sleep with your curtains open.
* Place your alarm clock across the room.

[To be continued - 13/08/2024]

Tips for third term

How many hours can your brain study?
The human brain is able to focus up to two hours, after which it needs a 20-30 minute break. The average American spends about 9 hours a day at work.

How to rest your brain after studying?
Try to clear your head by reading a book, listening to some music or a podcast or even just heading out for a quick walk. 

How many hours should I use my phone as a student?
Remember that it should not interfere with learning, relationships, family time, physical activity, playtime or sleep. Excessive screen time can affect both the physical and mental health of an individual. 2 hours of screen time is acceptable on school days and can be dragged up to 3 hours during the weekend.

How do you beat laziness and focus on study?

* Set clear goals. 

* Establish a study schedule that includes dedicated time for each subject or task. 
* Create a schedule.
* Eliminate distractions. 
* Start with the most challenging tasks. 
* Take breaks.
* Stay organised.

* Find your motivation.

[To be continued - 6/08/2024]

Tips for third term

Is studying at night good or bad?
Nighttime is generally quieter and less distracting. For students who thrive in a peaceful setting, this can be an ideal time for deep concentration. Some people find that their concentration peaks during the late hours. With fewer interruptions and a calm atmosphere, they can delve into their studies more effectively.

How long should you study?
Study in short time blocks like 1-2 hours at a time (take about a five minute break every half hour or ten minutes every hour), as you'll likely be able to focus better and remember a greater proportion of what you learned, and will also be less likely to procrastinate.

Is it better to study with or without music?
No matter how 'background' the music may be and how little we notice it, the brain is still processing sound signals. Almost all research in this area has shown that problem solving and memory recall tasks are performed better in silence than with any kind of background noise.

How many hours of sleep is enough for a student?
Most teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Getting the right amount of sleep is important for anyone who wants to do well on a test or play their best in sports. Unfortunately, many teens don't get enough sleep.

Why can't I remember anything I study?
When students cram, or even use too short intervals between study sessions, their memory is still active, and restudying doesn't activate it. However, when the intervals between practice sessions are too long, the memory cannot be retrieved.

[To be continued - 30/07/2024]

Tips for third term

How to study fast without forgetting?
Use repetition to firmly lodge information in your memory. Repetition techniques can involve things like flash cards and self-testing. Space out your studying and repetition over several days, and start to increase the time in between each study session.

How can I empty my mind to study?
Physical exercise, fresh air, and sleeping are fantastic ways to get things off your mind and improve memory. Taking more breaks helps to increase your effectiveness. Meditation can help you practice mindfulness and overcome negative feelings. 

Which time is best for study?
According to scientists, the brain is most alert and teachable at 10 am-2 pm and 4 pm-10 pm. (Source: Amber Student). If you would like to optimise your attention span and practise deep learning, then science advises you to study between the hours of 4 am and 7 am. This period is best for deep focus.

Can I lie down and study?
If you are lying down, chances are, you'll get sleepy and fall asleep. When you are lounging, your mind drifts out of focus. When you are sitting upright, in a well-lit room, your studying will be the most focused. Every hour of studying this way could be worth two hours of studying on the bed or sofa.

[To be continued - 23/07/2024]

Bursaries: Questions and answers

When Should You Start Applying For Bursaries? 

** You should start applying as early as possible. Most bursaries do not need your Matric results immediately. Also, be sure to apply to as many options as possible.

Which bursaries are still open for 2025?
** Bursaries
Amazon: Bursaries 2025
Glencore: Bursaries 2025
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC): Bursaries 2025
Sasol: Mining/Engineering Bursaries 2025
SANRAL: Bursaries 2025
MMEG: Bursaries 2025
Thuthuka Bursary 2025
South African Reserve Bank: Bursaries 2025

Is UCT open for 2025 application?
** When to apply. Applications opened on 2 April 2024. The closing date for applications for undergraduate study at UCT in 2025 is 31 July 2024. We will not consider applications received after this date.

Do you pay back a bursary?
** This money must be repaid once the student takes up employment. A BURSARY is an award given to students in need of financial support who are performing well academically. 

Can I use my Grade 11 report to apply for university?
** Which results should I apply with? You need to use your final Grade 11 results for the application and you will be conditionally admitted based on those. Your admission status will be finalised upon the release of your final National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) results in January.