With this year’s International Day of Education (Friday 24 January) spotlighting the theme AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation, an education expert says it is imperative that educational institutions invest in educators’ professional development, in order to integrate AI tools effectively and enhance individual learning experiences.

JSE-listed ADvTECH has set a new record for academic excellence in the 2024 IEB examinations across their 119 schools.

Parents and guardians of next year’s Grade Ones will be looking forward during the December holidays to the exciting milestone of their child starting big school – and while this might also cause feelings of anxiety, an education expert says parents can use the coming weeks to ensure their children start their academic journey on a positive and confident footing.

The STELLAR  awards celebrated teachers who demonstrate exemplary dedication and commitment to innovation, professional growth and educational excellence, among others.

Anxiety is a pervasive issue that can affect students of all ages and from all backgrounds, regardless of whether they are enrolled in traditional brick-and-mortar schools or online educational programmes. However, studying online can present unique challenges that need to be considered when choosing a school. 

In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that remains elusive for many children. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, a staggering 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among students to ensure their academic success and personal development.

While the Cambridge curriculum stands out as an exceptional educational path and has gained popularity with many South African schools and parents over the past decade, it has unique requirements and logistics which – if not properly understood, supported and implemented – can leave students unprepared for their final exams, despite having performed adequately before.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, education must prepare students not only for the challenges of the present but also for the uncertainties of the future. The traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curriculum has been the cornerstone of scientific and technical education over the past decade.

The leap from Junior Primary in Grade 3 to Senior Primary in Grade 4 can be a significant change and adjustment for children. Desiree Hugo, Academic Head of ADvTECH Schools, says while it’s crucial for parents and teachers to ensure continued connection with the child, they must also strike a balance between supporting them and giving them the room to discover their own strengths and abilities.

ADvLEARN – which is the only platform of its kind in the country and unique in Africa – uses artificial intelligence to create personalised learning pathways that ensure a deeper understanding of concepts for each student. Desiree Hugo, Academic Head of ADvTECH Schools, says they are delighted with the results of ADvLEARN in South Africa and are confident that they will be able to replicate the excellent results achieved by students in ADvTECH schools in the rest of Africa.