Penguin Tutoring Blog

Very early on a cold and moist autumn morning, a taxi left the Johannesburg CBD. On board was a team of hand picked Penguin tutors, specialists in Maths and Science. Their destination was the HB Nyathi school in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.

The Penguin Tutoring Co, with backing from the RGM School of Excellence, has embarked on a Saturday school project to assist 100 Grade 10 learners improve their grasp and understanding of Maths and Physical Science. The ultimate goal is to maintain the partnership with these learners until Grade 12, constantly improving their marks and giving them the opportunity to apply to a tertiary institution, obtain a degree and follow their dreams.

The learners at this dynamic school, set in a humble neighbourhood of the township, are eager to embrace this learning opportunity and are willing to give up their Saturday mornings, every week, if it means that one day, they too will be university students on their way to a wonderful career.

The tutors, themselves products of disadvantaged backgrounds, were excited by the prospect of being able to give something back to the community, and to act as mentors and role models to these young, impressionable minds.In their introductory speeches, they told these young people of the hardships they had overcome, and how, through the power of education, they had achieved their goals.

The Penguin Tutoring Co is proud to partner with the RGM School of Excellence on this important social investment initiative. Their goals, which focus on the empowerment of youth through education and career guidance, are in close alignment with those of Penguin Tutoring. They share our passion for the vital need for excellence in Maths and Science to ensure the future of our children and the prosperity of our country.

Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the great engine of personal development” and that is true whether you are giving or receiving the education.

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.

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.
Today sees the release of the Matric results for 620 000 candidates who wrote the 2009 National Senior Certificate examination across the country. For most of these young people, this marks the beginning of a new exciting future as they get ready to start their Tertiary education. For those who have not achieved their goal - its never too late to try again.

Nelson Mandela once said; “It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine-worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm-workers can become president of a country.”

We congratulate every one of these bright, wonderful, talented young people. We wish them success in their endeavours. “The future lies ahead of you.  Live your dreams and make the most of what you have.”

Penguin Tutoring is the leading provider of inspirational extra lessons in South Africa. Our specialised tutors are carefully screened and trained to provide your child with the highest quality private tuition in the comfort of your own home.

Penguin Tutoring would like to wish every single one of South Africa’s matric candidates the very best of luck as they write their final exams! We are especially holding thumbs for all of our own matrics across the country who benefitted from the knowledge and guidance of our extra lessons. Please don’t forget to let your tutor know how the exam went when it’s over and also how your results improved when you find out how you did!

Some of our best tutors are the ones who know first hand, how important good extra lessons can be, so if you’re heading off to university next year and are thinking about getting a student job, why don’t you consider becoming a Penguin Tutor yourself? Go to www.penguintutoring.co.za/tutors/apply to fill out an application!

Good Luck Class of 2009!

Matric 2009: You're Never Alone with Penguin Tutoring!