Academics · How we teach
Purpose-built academics
We were born online, so every course, lesson and check-in is designed for learners studying from wherever they are.
UCT Online High School teaches the CAPS curriculum through a structured weekly model. Each subject is a course, released as weekly modules of 45-minute lessons that follow “I do, we do, you do”. Learners who get stuck join weekly live streams with Learning Facilitators, and a Support Advisor checks in to keep them on track.
45 min
Lessons, following “I do, we do, you do”
Weekly
Modules and deadlines for every subject
Live
Weekly streams with Learning Facilitators
3 a week
Check-ins with a Support Advisor
Learners first
UCT Online High School puts learners first
Our learning analytics and engaging content ensure that learners are brilliantly equipped to excel in an increasingly digital world.
Learners work from wherever they want, with regular feedback from their Support Advisor, who keeps them accountable and on track to meet their goals.
This is how we do it
Structure that keeps learners on track, with support at every step
Intuitive online learning platform
Our Online Campus is at the centre of it all. Every day, your child logs in and sees their weekly work plan: a live, interactive view of everything they need to complete in a week, for every subject.
Learning pathways
Every subject is designed as a course with a defined learning pathway. Learners work through each week’s module in a series of 45-minute lessons, using a research-backed approach: “I do, we do, you do”.
“I do, we do, you do”
Under “I do”, a subject expert demonstrates. Under “we do”, learners practise. Under “you do”, they put their learning to the test, all towards a weekly deadline for each subject.
Dynamic academic support
Where learners fail their weekly assessments or get stuck, they have weekly live streams with Learning Facilitators and a dedicated academic discussion forum. It’s a very structured approach, with all the flexibility in between.
Caring Support Advisors
The best part? You’re not alone. Every learner deserves a champion, and that’s where our Support Advisors come in. They keep learners accountable through weekly group check-ins and a priority system based on at-risk behaviours.
Gamification and Rewards Programme
We reward good learning habits. Logging in to the Online Campus, opening course materials and attempting assignments all earn points, which learners redeem in a bespoke storefront. Just wait for drop days!
For guardians
ConnectED guardian app and portal
Success comes from the learner, guardian and school working together. The guardian portal is mission control for your child’s learning, and the ConnectED app sends a push notification when something needs your attention.
FAQs
Questions guardians ask about how we teach
What is a Mastery Check?
A Mastery Check is a formative or summative assessment (mainly formative) that assesses learners’ mastery of the content. These Mastery Checks are points where both Learning Facilitators and learners can see where gaps exist and where revision or remediation is needed. Learners who fail the Mastery Check will unlock an instructional video. The learner is allowed another attempt at the Mastery Check after watching the video. If they fail a subsequent time, they will be automatically booked into a Mastery Boot Camp.
How often do Mastery Checks take place?
Mastery Checks take place at the end of each module. Each module represents 1 week’s worth of work to be completed for each subject.
As a guardian, what is expected of me with regards to educating my child? How is this different from a traditional homeschooling parent?
Parents are integral in the educational journey of their children, whether it be in a brick-and-mortar school, online school or homeschooling context. Parental guidance, interest, support and motivation is critical to ensuring that a child develops holistically.
There is, however, a big difference between homeschooling and UCT Online High School. In the homeschooling context, the parent is expected to be the curriculum and content creator, as well as the teacher and assessor. Whereas in an online school environment, learners are provided with all the learning materials they require and a learning path to guide their progression. They have access to Learning Facilitators, and Support Coaches who will monitor their progress and help them achieve their academic goals.
All that’s left for you to do is keep encouraging them.
How social will the experience be for me/my child?
Good question! Learners* will have the opportunity to build community and make friends from all over the country through their Support Coach Check-in sessions, which will happen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 15 minutes, not to mention our school assemblies and Virtual Clubs
*This is not applicable to Adult Matric learners
What exam will learners write in Grade 12 (matric)?
Learners who are enrolled with UCT Online High School will write the external exams for their subjects as set by the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).
Can’t find your answer? Browse all FAQs or contact our admissions team.
Accreditation
- Examination body
- South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), accredited by the Umalusi Council
- Qualification awarded
- National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- School accreditation number
- 89901