Centurion Academy: Nature Management Rondevlei Excursion

Rondevlei 2015:

On the  16^th 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.

 See us on Instagram: prestige-academyct

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 Maré 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. 

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?

   

For your future!

We look forward to the upcoming holidays! 

In the meantime - good luck with the exams everyone!

From your friend, 
Miacapa
visit our website

VISCOM Students say Au Revoir with a spectacular exhibition!

Veni. Vidi. Vici.

We came, we saw, we conquered.

The 30^th of October 2014 is a very special day, for it concludes three years of hard work, creative maturation, tears of both joy and sadness and massive personal growth for every individual third year Visual Communication student at Prestige Academy.

Since arriving fresh faced and eager to learn in early 2012, the third year VISCOM students have undergone a life-changing period in which we have broken down the barriers of what we thought we knew, achieved feats we never thought possible, forged life-long friendships and most importantly, learned a great deal about ourselves and what we are capable of (with a little impetus from our draconian yet loving lecturers!).

The design showcase on the 30^th of October is a culmination of everything we have achieved, not only as designers, but also as people. It is on this evening that we conclude our student life and prepare to spread our wings and jump head first into the creative industry. Perhaps the most special aspect on show at the exhibition is how unique every student is; no two design stands will be remotely similar. This proves that we grew as a group, but matured as individuals.

The students will be exhibiting the practical aspect of their research dissertation. Every student chose a different topic to research and over the past 8 months have all gathered fascinating data covering a wide range of design topics. Every research project was unique, each with its own challenges and creative output on show at the exhibition.  

Join us on the 30^th of October 2014. 18:30 for 19:00 at Prestige Academy for a design spectacle!

The Lucky Lucy Foundation - SRC participate in Cat & Dog Drive (Adopt a pet!)

Thousands of stray dogs roam the streets of Cape Town.

It is estimated that there are 230 000 street dogs, to be more specific, in Cape Town alone. In an area such as Khayelitsha, the NSPCA estimates that dogs outnumber humans three to one.

It is clearly time to step up.

The Cape Town community strongly rely on non-profit organisations to lighten the burden and take these stray animals off the streets. However, this is not an easy job and small organisations do not have the capacity to solve the problem on their own.

The Lucky Lucy Foundation situated in Joostenbergvlakte is one such organisation who takes care of hundreds of homeless dogs and cats.

Who can forget the heartfelt story of Lucky Lucy, the cross-breed who, pregnant at the time, was tied to a railway line with wire in January 2010?

She is the inspiration behind this non-profit organisation.

As a result of inhumane cruelty, Lucy lost her front leg as a result of several trains passing over her. Her strong character and will to live helped her to survive. We often wonder how many people still remember Lucy’s case and those of thousands of other animals who scavenge around in search of something to eat or who have been a victim of inhumane cruelty.

This is why Prestige Academy took charge and got involved with the Lucky Lucy Foundation.

The Student representative Council (SRC) rolled back their sleeves in aid of walking and washing the adorable dogs and cats at the facility on Saturday 20 September 2014.

Dogs such as Max has waited anxiously for a family to take him for a walk, feed him and adopt him. Volunteering is one way of helping out but adopting a street dog or cat can be a life altering moment. 

“It was an amazing experience that is very hard to explain to someone that was not there to experience it. It was heart-warming and completely soul searching because even though you are only spending ten minutes of your time with these animals, they quickly crawl into your heart and you feel like you need to give them a name and take them home with you.” (Amelia Blom, Head of Student Affairs).

The pleasure in adopting a furry friend can bring unlimited happiness if one is willing to open up your home to a new family member. It is time for more people to get involved and adopt a pet.

Uitreikmark - groot sukses

Pop in at the #market (Uitreikmark) and support the SRC (Student Representative Council) who's manning one of the stalls this week! Our marketing team member, Joaneen Lombard, joined in on the fun and baked some yummy cupcakes that will be on sale until 27 September 2014.