It’s that time of the year when my phone rings a little more frequently than normal. I’m not complaining. This is a good thing for us ASP Tutors. However, we do think it’s pertinent to perhaps highlight a couple of best practice principles to consider for success in academics.Let me reiterate that it is never too late to get stuck into or to try and master a subject or topic. While consistent learning through the year is always preferable, much can be gained from a few last minute extra lessons with an experienced tutor.
Some learners only realize when they start studying that they don’t understand a particular concept. Even at that stage, it’s not too late to call us for short term, immediate assistance.
Often we can make a plan to help during the exam period itself as senior learners have freer, more flexible schedules and on days that they are not writing an exam, they can comfortably fit in an extra lesson or two. This especially aids those who are reasonably capable, but due to other school demands, have not mastered parts of the syllabus yet. So, last minute lessons can be very useful, however their effectiveness for long term academic prowess is limited.
If real academic difference is required, this is usually best achieved by developing learning skills; the academic tools required to reflect understanding and mastery of the work. Systematic support that allows learners time and opportunity without the pressure of looming exams is most conducive to integrating new and refining study habits. Working under pressure for improved exam results is not ideal, although sometimes a reality in this crazy, busy world.
We suggest that you try and plan ahead. If there are signs that a topic or subject is insufficiently mastered, then consider building into the term a weekly extra lesson to develop a better understanding of said concept and also to integrate the necessary skills. Sometimes a learner simply needs one-on-one sessions that are geared to his or her specific needs.
When the stress of exams is finally over, be sure to make the most of the December holiday. This is a time to rest and refresh, a time to be a free spirit. There is much value in doing nothing and having unstructured time to rediscover what you really enjoy. I am hopeful that my phone will ring more frequently in the non-exam first term of 2017 so that we can help you to consolidate your academics outside of the frenzy of exam season.
Good luck everyone!
News supplied by ASP Tutoring.
Michael Finch received his Orange Belt in Kimura Shukokai International Karate. Michael, a Grade 6 pupil at Laddsworth Primary School also received a certificate for the 7th rank in Kyu Grade on 23 October 2016 in Pietermaritzburg. Well done Michael!
Laddsworth pupils participated in the SACEE Language Challenge which was held in September. SACEE aims to maintain, promote and encourage education through the medium of English and to improve the standards of written and spoken English in South Africa. We are extremely proud of Victoria Fuller, a Grade 5 pupil who achieved 98% for the SACEE Language Challenge.
It’s not unusual today to meet a woman who balances a challenging career with a plethora of household responsibilities, the intricacies of modern childcare and a fulfilling social life. She is certainly no longer lauded for her super-human abilities – it is simply expected of her. The Working Mothers Expo, in partnership with MiWayLife, takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre from the 4th to the 6th of November 2016. This will be the first time that an expo in South Africa will be directly geared to meet the needs of working mothers.
Zapper has teamed up with Elements Market Cafe to give you 10% off your meal! All you have to do is pay using Zapper and VALA - 10% off your Elements meal!
Jodi (Grade3) and Tessa Moreno (Grade 1) participated in the Abacus Maths National Competition in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 October 2016. There were about 130 participants representing their respective provinces across South Africa. The Laddsworth sisters both won gold medals for their respective levels. Jodi also won the trophy for the best junior in the country for Abacus dictation. Both girls have been selected to represent South Africa in Thailand in 2017. Well done girls, Laddsworth is extremely proud of you!
Declan Bornman, a Grade 1 pupil at Laddsworth Primary School represented KwaZulu-Natal at the North vs South Womza 2016 Interprovincial MX in Bloemfontein on the 1st October 2016. (This is an interprovincial competition with riders from KZN, Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape & Free State taking part). Declan was placed 3rd overall, in his under 8 age category. His podium position was a phenomenal achievement as there were 230 riders in total. Well done Declan!
This year's Valediction Service was marked with much celebration, as well as powerful and thought provoking speeches delivered by our Heads, Jordan Watkinson and Celani Mchunu. We also had the privilege of welcoming back our 2011 Head Girl, Kerry-Lee Louw, as our Guest Speaker. Thank you Kerry-Lee for your powerful message to the Matrics and the school as a whole. Another stand-out moment was when Natalie Hirschfield received the Dux Scholar Trophy amidst a standing ovation from her Grade and the school, as she has been 1st in Grade since Grade 8. Congratulations to all the prize winners on your well-earned awards. To the Class of 2016 - Life is beautiful - live it to the full!
Are you looking for an outdoorsy, farm- style environment for your child to learn and grow in? Small classes with wonderful teachers, creative and experiential learning? We offer all of that plus music, pottery, Playball and Actionball, baking, messy play, outings and much more!
Details: 7pm, R20 entry, food and soft drinks available, BYOB, visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions.
Get ready for Summer with
Our 
MUSIC IN THE HILLS THIS WEEK (Wed 26 October)
Planned closure of the MR139-2 (Dennis Shepstone Road) between Hilton and Sweet Waters Areas on Sunday, 23 October 2016 from 5am to 5pm. The purpose of the closure is to construct a rock fill layer through the full width of a max. 100 long section of the road near the Edendale turn-off from the Denis Shepstone Road MR139-2.
Jennifer van Heerden and Annabel Unwin, Grade 6 pupils at Laddsworth Primary, completed their Grade 1 Piano exams and both passed with distinction. They received their Grade 1 Piano certificates from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Well done Girls!