Penguin Tutoring Blog

Last night I had the pleasure and the privilege of attending a gala function at the Johannesburg City Hall. This in itself was an uplifting experience. Driving apprehensively through the darkening streets of downtown Johannesburg,  I was enthralled at the beautiful buildings in the vicinity of this magnificent old lady. The fire damaged historical Post office building is receiving attention and together with the City Hall and another newly refurbished building in close proximity, the area looks set to rival the smartest addresses in any European city for class and architectural excellence.

The event, hosted by Murray and Roberts, was to announce the winners of their annual Jack Cheetham award. This year’s winner was the Tiger Titans Cricket Club in the Eastern Cape. The club was started in 2007 by a 14 year old schoolboy in Bathurst, Ross McCreath. His aim was to give the boys from the impoverished Nolukanye township something to do during the holidays.In a very short time, Ross and the enthusiastic group of boys had restored the derelict cricket field and started practicing. The under 14 Tiger Titans team took on Ross’s school team, St Andrews College,reaching the winning target with seven wickets in hand and disposing of Ross for a duck! Today, a squad of 50 young boys between 9 and 19 make up three formidable teams and 35 of the players are enrolled in the President’s Award Programme.

Ross is a 17 year old schoolboy. He works with passion, energy and drive to improve the lives of so many young people in his community. He has received awards in South Africa and overseas and was invited by HRH Prince Phillip to be the keynote speaker at a gala dinner at Lords Cricket Ground. He has been recognised by the Peter Cruddas foundation as one of ten International social innovators. Together with the talented coach, Mduduzi Mkalipi, and community elder, Gladman Xali, Ross McCreath is altering the future of an entire community.

Murray and Roberts, already every South African’s favourite company after their involvement in the Chilean mine rescue, is a big company - doing bigger things. With the support of business and the energy and passion of our youth, South Africa is full of promise. Imagine what you could do.

The year 2010 has been an exciting adventure for most South Africans as we played host to the World for an exhilirating month during the Fifa Soccer world cup from June to July. Not so exhilirating for the Matrics of this memorable year as their scholastic calendar was turned on its head to accommodate the long winter holiday, and then their lessons were disrupted by a prolonged teachers strike.

On Monday, 25 October, 67000 eager and anxious young people start their final exams. They have been told that this is the most important event of their young lives, and that their entire future depends on the outcome. Yes, the exams are important, and yes, good results will open doors to tertiary institutions,and bursary offers. But the results printed on the Senior certificate are just a small measure of the person. South Africans are world renowned for their resilience, their strength of character and their sheer guts and determination, especially in the face of difficulty. So use your energy to believe in yourself, to believe in a positive outcome, to believe in an exciting and fulfilling future. ke nako - the time has come.

Good luck to every one of you as your anxiously turn over that first question paper. Good luck to your family as they wait on the sidelines in nervous anticipation.

Good luck!

2010 has been a trying year for our young learners at school. The Soccer World Cup, exciting and inspirational as it was, played havoc with the school timetables and learning programmes.  Added to this, an extended teachers strike put additional pressure on teachers and learners to complete the curriculum in time. Prelims were postponed, teaching days were lengthened and communities rallied around our precious  Grade 12’s to help them prepare for the all important “MATRIC“

The first exam takes place on October 25th. By now, all attention is focussed on preparing for this important event.

We at Penguin Tutoring Co understand the pressure and the difficulties that learners and their parents are faced with. For their entire school career, they are  told of the importance of this final measure of their capabilities. Their future relies on these results. This is all scary and daunting stuff and in addition to this, many young people are faced with the dilemma of making a career choice - which degree? which university? which residence?

We would like to pass on some tips on making the exam experience a bit easier for both parents and learners.

Parents, try and maintain a consistent environment for your children.  Avoid change, crisis and conflict. Be there to support and love. Be available to discuss the post-mortem of the exam if your child needs to share - but just listen, don’t judge. Provide healthy satisfying meals and ensure a restful environment for a good night’s sleep. Make time for family fun and entertainment and encourage your child to keep active and fit. Consider enlisting the help of a tutor. Even at this late stage of the academic year, these young people have the experience and expertise to help your child with exam techniques and study methods. They act as mentors and role models and can defuse unnecessary tension.Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.

Learners, try these helpful tips:

• Get a good night’s sleep before the exams
• Don’t try and cram the night or morning before the exam
• Arrive early and be ready to write with all the correct equipment
• Check you have received the correct paper
• Read and understand instructions
• Preview the question paper and allocate writing time
• Read the questions and underline key words
• Set out answers clearly, numbering in accordance with the question paper
• Write neatly
• If uncertain of a question, or find you are running out of time, answer at least in part
• Don’t panic
• Review your answers
• Stay till the end of the allotted time

Finally, keep all things in perspective. Keep focused and keep a positive attitude. Believe in yourself, and if things go wrong, don’t give up.

Good luck!

Penguin Tutoring is the leading provider of specialist academic tutors in the country. Our professional management and extensive tutor database will ensure that your children get everything they need and more out of their extra lessons.