“We are the choices we make, and we are the chances we take, no one else. We make our future with our actions, good or bad is all in our hands” (Unknown)
This week marked the start of a new semester and for some students the start of their last stretch in school. Grade 10s and 12s started their mock examination which is the final practice round for the final test of their progress and learning in the IB. Grade 10s also started their mock examination which is a significant preparation for the last stretch of their high school journey - the IB Diploma in Grades 11 & 12.
In Grade 9 we formally presented the Work Experience information to students this week. This is another step that students take in preparing for their future. In doing the Work Experience, students get an opportunity to explore the fields of interest that they might want to pursue in the future. Getting practical experience in the “world of work” ahead of starting the final stretch in high school is an important element in guiding and informing future subject choices, university choices and further education.
At WIS we use Unifrog to guide our students and help them explore their pathway to the future. Unifrog is a platform that helps students with the whole progression process in their preparation for further education - from exploring their interests, to recording the things they've done, to finding education and training opportunities, to drafting their applications. Through Unifrog students have different opportunities to explore their interests, find courses and universities that might suit their interests and also guide them through the application process to universities across the world.
In Grade 9 we start with quizzes where students can explore their interests, their aptitude and work environments that might suit their personality and skill set. In Grades 9 & 10, students also explore their interests by doing work experience in a field that they might want to pursue in their future education and career.
Unifrog helps students explore pathways of education, careers, career sectors, and subjects, they can sign up for free webinars, explore MOOCs and courses and select the areas of interest that might help them when they start applying to universities.
Students can record their in-class and extracurricular activities on Unifrog and record examples of their skills. This can ease the task they and the school have in Grade 12 when we write recommendations and references for our students’ university applications. Students can further search for opportunities related to their plans and ideas about future education and careers - they can find scholarships, activities, and bursaries.
When starting with their further education planning, students can find and compare universities and degree courses and they can record their application materials, like their CV, Personal Statement for university applications, and other documentation needed to apply at university.
All in all, Unifrog helps students and the school to make the most of opportunities available around the world that fit students' plans and ideas for their future. What is imperative, however, is that students start this process early and engage in the process, that students take this process into their own hands and actively pursue the opportunities that are given to them through the excellent education and support that they enjoy at our school and from home.
“We are the choices we make, and we are the chances we take, no one else. We make our future with our actions, good or bad is all in our hands!”
Students and parents are encouraged to meet with Mr. Reiff and speak to their respective teachers to be sure that they make the most of these opportunities available to them. Conversations active engagement and interaction with our plans and aspirations will ensure that we find the right path forward.
Maggie Reiff
Secondary Principal and Career Guidance Counsellor
Please support Namasiku follow and reach her dreams:
Our swimming community and Grade 10s and many of us fondly remember Namasiku. She has been a student at WIS for so long and has always been part of our swimming team.
Namasiku will be classified for para-swimming in Aberdeen Scotland, in late January 2024. She is the first Namibian swimmer with Down Syndrome to take this first big step towards para-swimming.
The classification will allow her to compete in events in countries outside of Namibia and her best personal swimming times will be activated on the IPC database. Namasiku started swimming galas (competitions) in Namibia in mid-2022 and trains at the Dolphins Swimming Club five days a week.
Namasiku attended WIS from KG1 through to Grade 9 when she moved to a school for learners with special needs (C.I.D.S.). In 2023 Namasiku completed her First Aid course at OSH-Med International and started at the Purple Fig Catering and Cooking School. She is super-excited for the classification and her first para swimming competition in Aberdeen.
Please support Namasiku? Contributions, big and small, to support the trip to Aberdeen are still very much welcome. Alone we go fast, together we go far.
Please see the bank details for donations in the image above.
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