Page 23 - Cornwall Issue 6 2024

ESTATE NEWS
ES
THE BIG PICTURE
EDUCATION TATE MATTERS
EDUCATION
often have more flexible admission
requirements and provide practical, hands-on
experience that can lead directly to
employment.
Distance learning and online
education: Distance learning and online
education have become increasingly popular
and accessible.These programmes offer
flexibility for students to learn at their own pace
and often at a lower cost than traditional
universities. Many reputable institutions offer
accredited online courses and degrees.

Bridging courses and foundation
programmes: For students who may need
to meet the direct entry requirements for
university, bridging courses and foundation
programmes are an excellent option. These
programmes are designed to help students
build the necessary skills and knowledge to
qualify for their desired courses in the future.
Internships and learnerships: Internships and
learnerships provide valuable on-the-job
training and experience. These programmes
allow students to earn while they learn, gaining
During Grade 11 and matric, if you have worked very hard and were not practical skills and industry insights that can
accepted while many of your peers have
be highly advantageous in the job market.
the stress and anxiety for already received offers. But view this as a Contact a SETA for further information.
students and parents can be temporary hurdle rather than a permanent Private higher education institutions:
roadblock,” she says.
overwhelming, not only The 26 public universities in South Africa The only significant difference between a
registered and accredited private higher
because of the pressure to only accept around 210,000 first year education institution and a public university
perform well during exams students annually, and this reality can create is that the former is not government funded.
significant worry about what will happen if
PHEIs remain a valuable alternative to
and assessments, but also a future student’s plans to attend a public studying at a public university, and their
because of the complexities university unfold differently than expected. graduates are in high demand in the
workplace. It is essential, however, to ensure
and uncertainties brought “The reality of the admissions process is that that you confirm your qualifications. SAQA
must register all qualifications in South
only a small number of students will receive
about by applying for an acceptance letter from their preferred Africa, and the provider must appear on the
university placement. institution for their preferred degree. The DHET list of licenced providers. The Council
of Higher Education oversees public and
competition is intense, with thousands of
matric students vying for a limited number of private higher education providers as the
part from the stressful and spots. It's natural for parents and students to responsible quality council.
exhausting application process to feel anxious about whether they will achieve
various universities and for different the necessary results to secure a place at a “Starting from Grade 11, the period leading
Aqualifications, many students university,” says Dr Meyer. She urges parents up to and following matric exams
endure the disappointment of not being and students to remember that there are is undoubtedly challenging for students and
placed in the universities they applied to, many pathways to success and that a parents. The uncertainty surrounding
and having to decide on their next steps. university or college acceptance is not the university admissions adds to the stress, but
only – or even best – route to a fulfilling and it's essential to remember that there are
“While this situation now facing thousands of successful career. numerous paths to success,” says Dr Meyer.
prospective students throughout South Africa
feels like an intractable problem for them SOME ALTERNATIVES TO “By exploring alternative education options,
and their families, it is important to put the CONSIDER INCLUDE: managing stress effectively, and keeping an
matter into perspective and, first of all, not Technical and vocational training open mind, students can find fulfilling and
take it personally or view it as a failure,” says colleges: Vocational training programmes rewarding career opportunities regardless of
Dr Linda Meyer, MD of IIE Rosebank College. and technical colleges offer specialised the outcome of their university applications.
education in various fields such as The journey to success is rarely a straight
“Of course, it is frustrating not to be able to engineering, healthcare, information line, and flexibility and resilience are vital to
cross this item off your to-do-list, especially technology and the arts. These institutions navigating it successfully.”

A B OUT DR LINDA ME Y E R
Dr Linda Meyer is the MD of the Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College has
held several executive roles in the public and private sectors. She is a serving member of the
SAQA Board and holds several qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy (RSA), Doctor
of Business Administration (USA), Master of Business Administration (UK), Post Graduate
Diploma in Management Studies (UK), Bachelor of Business Administration, B. Com (Law)
and several other diplomas, higher certificates and professional certifications.

22 DPL issue 9 2024 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 21
Cornwall View • Issue 6 2024