From Phuthaditjhaba in the Free State to Paarl in the Western Cape. Thousands of Grade 12 learners have already started using Food For Mzansi’s AgriCareers masterclasses aimed at giving them a much-needed boost for the final exams.
The virtual classes are an exciting extension to the publication’s three-year-old programme to introduce learners to study and career opportunities in agriculture.
This time around, top education experts have pre-recorded last-minute video lessons to help matriculants prepare for the exams.
Those in agricultural schools can look forward to the virtual lessons in Agriculture Sciences, Agriculture Management Sciences and Agriculture Technology.
Also, there are free matric masterclasses in Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, Mathematics Literacy, Physics, Life Sciences and Accounting.
One of the participating teachers, Khanyisane Falake, believes the AgriCareers videos and podcasts could greatly assist matrics who are preparing for the final exams. She is a teacher at Abotts College in Claremont in the Western Cape and can be seen in the masterclasses for Mathematics and Mathematics Literacy.
“If you don’t know what to do, do what you know,” advises Falake. “Do not leave answers empty. There must be something (no matter how small) that you recognise in a question. Use that as your starting point.”
Free resources for matriculants
“This is the boost that I needed,” says Koos Cronjé (18), a matriculant from Kroonstad High School in the Free State.
He first attended Food For Mzansi’s popular AgriCareers roadshow three years ago, and have since become an avid reader of the publication.
According to Dawn Noemdoe, Food For Mzansi’s editor: audience and engagement, the special matric catch-up programme was developed after learners reached out asking for extra resources.
“The result is an exciting digital platform where learners can access exam question papers and answer sheets from the last three years. We also asked top teachers for their top tips in different subjects, cleverly guiding learners to some of the content they definitely have to study before sitting for the matric finals. Plus, an exciting new AgriCareers podcast available on all of the world’s leading platforms.”
Brand-new podcast
The AgriCareers podcast is hosted by Nicole Ludolph and Bandile Xhosa.
“Relax,” says Ludolph, who is also a journalist at Food For Mzansi.
“The AgriCareers podcast is not just about farming. It introduces learners to some of the coolest jobs on the planet – from science to coding – and without most people even realising it, it links to the world of agriculture. The podcast helps you to take the next steps in your journey, whether you already have a detailed career plan in place or you’re not quite sure where to turn next.”
Xhosa, who is also a radio presenter with KC 107.7, says through the podcast recordings he was blown away with the diversity offered by the agricultural sector.
“I used to think it was all about just working the soil and getting dirty, but no. I found working the soil is just an element of agriculture. There are so many different careers that learners should know about, including a horticulturalist, veterinary practitioner and more.”
Now available on AgriCareers.co.za
1. Mental health and study tips
Feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming exams? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Our journalist Terri-Ann Brouwers spoke to a number of experts to ease you into the finals. Johnathan Campher, a teacher from Hoërskool Cillié in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, has some tips on overcoming “the CPF method” – cram, pass, forget.
Registered counsellor Kelly Jacobs helps learners to overcome exam-related stress and anxiety. Plus, a clinical social worker, André Weavers, warns parents against some of the common mistakes they make during the matric finals. Yes, parents with grade 12 learners should manage their stress too…
2. Access to academic institutions
As if writing the matric exams isn’t stressful enough, learners also have to use this time to make critical decisions about their future. Many universities and colleges are still accepting last-minute applications for 2022, including the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University and the Peritum Agri Institute in Bloemfontein.
On the AgriCareers website, learners get all the last-minute information they need to help them make decisions about where and what to study. For example, at Stellenbosch you can study towards everything from a BScAgric in Animal Science to a BSc in Forestry. And at Peritum you can get an accredited diploma while only attending physical classes every six weeks. Plus, you don’t write exams.
3. A podcast about cool people
The career opportunities in agriculture are endless and diverse. On the AgriCareers podcast, we chat to real people doing really cool jobs. This includes Jacky Goliath, co-founder of the Western Cape-based De Fynne Nursery who holds a degree in horticulture. Don’t know what a horticulturist is? Discover this and loads of other careers on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.
4. Top tips and lessons from actual teachers
The AgriCareers website features great tips and virtual lessons from matric teachers in different subjects. Together, they guide learners through the intricacies of all the question papers they can expect in the finals.
A little progress each day adds up to big results, believes Wilson Bope, an agricultural sciences teacher at Sinenjongo High School in Milnerton in the Western Cape. He says, “Never wait until the last minute to start your revision. Always put effort into your work if you are to achieve good results. Remember, never lose focus despite all the challenges that you are facing. Your are capable of achieving the best.”
ALSO READ: Covid-19 exposes digital divide in E. Cape schools
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