The IYKZN team decided to start the year off on a different note with the matric class of 2014. We took the learners to Highlands resort in Cato Ridge for an educational camp. The objective of the camp was to set the tone for the year and to encourage the learners to work as a team in achieving their academic goals as well as to implant in them a sense of responsibility for their studies this year and beyond.
The camp entailed a lot of different exercises, ranging from academic tutoring to exercising the body, the mind and team work. There was a group of tutors to assist with the different subjects and a team of facilitators to assist with the team building activities. English, Maths and Maths Literacy tests were administered during the camp to gauge the level of understanding of the learners within these subjects and so that they know where to focus during this year. There were also sessions where learners were helped and taught how to fill in the Central Applications Office form, this was a practice run for when they actually apply later on in the year. This activity turned out to be a great eye-opener for the learners as the majority of them saw the requirements of the courses they wanted to do and compared it with what they are achieving and realized how much they have to improve and where they needed to put further effort. This also enlightened the learners on what type of personality they are and which are the possible career options for that personality type.
The camp was structured in such a way that academic work was done early in the morning while the minds are fresh and able to absorb and be active, then the physical activities were done after lunch then the last part of the day would be for career guidance and self-study. There was also some free time which learners used as they wished, some would go swimming while others played soccer and other just chatted and got to know other learners from the different branch.
Overall, the camp was a success and the objectives were met. We look forward to a great and productive year with the matric class of 2014 and we wish them all the best.
Lloyd Lungu