Wednesday 25 February 2015

Centurion Academy: Nature Management Rondevlei Excursion


Rondevlei 2015:

On the  16th of February 2015 the first year Nature Management students of Centurion Academy (Bellville) embarked on their first excursion to Rondevlei Nature Reserve.
Students were able to identify various mammal species including hippopotamus, mongoose and bats (Animal Studies module), more than 20 bird species; collecting plant specimens for their herbarium specimens (Veld Management module) and they bored holes in the ground to look at various soil profiles (Soil Science).

They also saw a hippo boma, captured 6 carp (alien species in the vlei) which they then donated to the local otters for supper and rowed a dragon boat.

But that is not all. 

The third year students also had their practical trials!

One of Centurion Academy's (Bellville) Nature Management third year students, Samantha Puls, took part in an environmental controlled fire to help certain fynbos germinate at Kenilworth Race Course. 

Samantha helped saved a chameleon and a rat that were caught in the crossfire. She was actively involved in the burn-practical task and says it was a great experience. Fynbos sometimes need a bit of fire to be able to sprout and grow, and in the Western Cape it is necessary for conservationists to actively burn areas so that fynbos are able to thrive.












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Thursday 19 February 2015

First year camp, yet another hit!



First Year Camp Article:
By Nadia da Silva:


Over 180 nervous looking students filled up the buses  with outfits to the T and hair sparkling in the sun. Little did they know that in no time they would be crawling through mud, water, flour and eggs.

So we arrived on Friday, 30 January at the SOS camp near Villiersdorp. Now, not so nervous but instead excited faces grabbed their bags and head off to search for the #cool room. Camp organiser, Amelia Blom said: “I am so excited to be able to bond with the first years and am even more excited to start the weekend’s proceedings.”

Most tertiary educational facilities wouldn't take the time to help and encourage their first years to enjoy the experience and build lifelong friendships. Prestige Academy strives in going the extra mile, “Even the directors joined the camp and they definitely didn't kill the vibe!” said Nadia da Silva, SRC member.

On Friday the event kicked off with a quick briefing, lunch and then the grueling obstacle course was conquered, with sweat, struggle and support. After supper, minds were blown away, things happened that could not be answered, the impossible made possible by South Africa’s top mentalist, Larry Soffer.

Saturday kicked off with a breakfast enough to feed a castle, followed by some hilarious moments with boeresport: sack races, 3 legged races, fireman’s lift and many more. After lunch, the oh-so-entertaining boeresport continued, which then got a-little-bit-a-lot competitive: from team Malibu to team Tequila then back to Papsak, tug of war, balloon bonding, arm wrestling and so forth.
Students were entertained throughout the day by 3 comedians from The Comedian Company. Because of the “relaxed day”, students could burst out all their energy at the disco or braai thereafter.

On Sunday, all the eager beavers woke up at 6AM to HIKE, #WHAT! After breakfast, a very entertaining prize-giving took place. Picture it: sun baked, sleep deprived, aching bodies but yet the war cries were still being shouted, teams still competing and spirits higher than ever. So buses arrived and this time instead of nervous faces getting on, bodies screaming for a nap got on. #wesawyousleep #drooling #snoring.


After such an eventful weekend, it was clear to see the friendships made, motivation levels rose and nervous levels disappeared. SRC member, Juanell MarĂ© had this to say: “Memories and friendships were definitely made this weekend.”

Should you want to check out some photos, visit our Facebook page (Prestige Academy) or our website (www.prestigeacademy.co.za).
Take Note: A DVD (including photos and video clips) of all student events will be on sale at the end of each term @ R 80. Find out more from the SRC members. 

Tuesday 17 February 2015

OUR EDGE!


IMPORTANT FACTS THAT GIVE PRESTIGE AN EDGE
At present there is an intensified drive by the Dept of Higher Education and Training to enrol more students in post-school education to help them secure future employment and contribute to economic growth of the country. In 2015 the universities overall only had places for about 10% of all first year applications. The remaining 90% had to find alternatives.
At the same time there is a drive to improve the number of students graduating within the minimum prescribed time. There are too many students dropping out along the way. This affects employment prospects and financial independence.
Look at the facts. South African universities show a relatively low success rate – a graduation rate of 15% which is well below the target of 25% for students in 3 yr degree programmes. This excludes UNISA which is offering mostly part-time distance learning where students usually take longer to graduate.  A study comparing the success rates of students enrolling in 2000 as first year students in degree programmes showed the following – the success rates of Prestige Academy in 2014 are included for comparison:   
INSTITUTIONS
Graduate within 5 yrs
Drop-outs
Still in progress
All universities excl UNISA
50%
12%
38%
UNISA
14%
27%
59%
Prestige Academy (2014)
84%
16%
0%

An earlier study showed the following result of pass rates within 4 years of all first-time students entering post-school education in South Africa. Comparative figures are also included for Prestige Academy for the past two years:

SUCCESS RATE UNIVERSITIES
SUCCESS RATE PRESTIGE (2014)
SUCCESS RATE PRESTIGE (2013)
All qualifications
22%
73%
79%

These facts clearly tell you that Prestige is performing better than the average of universities. Why would you then consider studying at an university?