Learner Extracts

Shahir (grade9)“When I learn a new concept, such as a mathematical formula and I am able to apply that knowledge when doing math and get the answer right, I get that thrill of excitement. In the same instance, if I am struggling with something I do not know, I practice till I get it right- the result being when I am faced with a task and I know what is required and it is in my knowledge, it feels very exciting indeed. Also I love learning about local, national and international news- it is very exciting indeed to know and converse about this news.

It is very exciting to learn about concepts & inventions that have a huge impact on the world.

Even in the smallest situations, I learn many things- even if it is a breed of dog I have never heard, or a type of material I have never seen, or even an experience in public transport. Experiencing different situations and events that I learn from are very self- rewarding.”

Chanté (grade 11)“To the most of my learning happens when I am not aware of it. Learning is part of survival, it is a tool we use that assists us in finding new ways of doing things. The excitement of knowing I have broadened my knowledge adds up to my confidence and increases my ability to perform a task in public. If knowledge was a person he would be missing all the time, he would be waiting to be found. Learning is really not only about the knowledge you acquire, it is also about working and improving the individual’s strength and endurance, because struggling is probably 80% of learning. One of the greatest things I have learned is, when I realized, when we leave this earth we cannot take our knowledge with us, but our ability is engraved in the fiber of our being (I just thought of that now)!”

Zaida (grade 9) “In the future, after studying at a university (preferablly UCT), I would like to become an actuary where I will deal with the financial impact of risks & uncertainty. I would like to become an actuary because I love mathematics and knowing what is going to happen in the future.”

Lisa J (grade 8 ) “At this stage in my life I would like to become a pshycologist. This would entail me studying for about 7 years. In this job you require a lot of patience, you need to be a people person and to be able to deal with all sorts of problems. I think I have all these skills and would be very happy in this job.”

Nicolene (grade 9) “I would like to be an operating theatre practitioner. The job of these people is to assist the surgeon in theatre. They work in different types of theatres: urology, neurology, orthropedix,C sections, plastics /reconstructive surgery. The course lasts for two years.

Wesley (grade 9) “I want to go into the science and mathematics field at university. I would like to become a marine biologist, ecologist or a geologist. I want to help make a difference, that I can contribute to saving the world. The reason I want to become a biologist, ecologist or a geologist is because I love nature.”