Many elements can impact a student’s ability to succeed after completing secondary school. We want to ensure that students perform well academically and that they feel supported and prepared to succeed beyond Nova Pioneer. To that effect, we introduced a Post School Success (PSS) Team at all our Secondary Schools with the aim of equipping students with practical tools for preparation in life after school.
The PSS team, together with each school’s Leadership Team, has designed a unique programme with the purpose of facilitating each student’s exploration and understanding of themselves with a focus on post-secondary opportunities available to them. The PSS programme is led by a team who collectively have extensive experience in helping African students gain access to tertiary education with financial aid and helping them develop the life and pre-professional skills necessary to take advantage of post-school opportunities. Post School Success programming begins in Grade 10, to ensure that each student has ample time to thoughtfully consider their next steps and take full advantage of the resources available through the Nova Pioneer network.
Exploring the option to study further
The most common pathway after high school is enrolling in a university or college. The PSS Team helps students considering this option to answer questions that they may have about the application process, what educational programmes are available, and which will best prepare them to achieve their goals. The PSS Team also supports students by alerting them to pre-university academic enrichment opportunities and helping them complete applications, as well as supporting them to prepare for the standardised testing required for their pathway of choice.
Pursuing other Paths
While pursuing a tertiary degree is the best route for some, university is not the only pathway to success for Nova Pioneer students. Some may want a break from academics before they continue with full-time study, and for some high school graduates, pursuing work experience instead of attending college is the best way forward. There are several reasons why students may consider pursuing other options, which include practical training or work and/or taking a “gap year” to engage with the community through volunteering or to develop new skills that will stand them in good stead for the future. The PSS Team supports students in understanding their options and what benefits and challenges each may come with, including taking a “gap year”.
Partnering with Parents
The PSS Team is there to guide students toward making the best decision for them, their families, and their future. The programme also leverages different stakeholders within a Nova Pioneer student’s ecosystem in order to help them identify and pursue the opportunities that are the best fit for their goals post graduation. In essence, our PSS Team aims to empower students to take charge of their future in a supportive environment, which includes the partnership of both parents and school.
