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Online schooling guides and school news

Straight answers to the questions families ask us most, and news from our school.

UCT Online High School blog shares practical advice and school news for South African families. Browse 88 articles on online schooling, high school applications, scholarships, Adult Matric, career guidance, study skills and mental health, written by the team behind our online CAPS high school.

Featured article

Online Schooling

To our Matric Class of 2025

Today our Matric class of 2025 received their results from our examination body, SACAI. We are proud of the achievements of the class of 2025.

3 min read

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  • Scholarships

    Scholarship vs bursary: what’s the difference?

    If you’re exploring funding opportunities for your child’s education, you might be wondering about the difference between scholarships and bursaries. We’ve got the answers you need.

    1 min read

  • Online Schooling

    The rise of AI and Academic Integrity

    Generative Artificial Intelligence has taken the world by storm since the launch of the first widely available application - ChatGPT - in November 2022. Since then, a number of AI applications have been launched, user costs have dropped and AI has disrupted a wide range of industries and services, from pharmaceutical research to music production and script writing. Education is no exception.

    3 min read

  • Online Schooling

    To our Matric Class of 2024

    In mid- January 2024 our Matric class of 2024 received their results from our examination body, SACAI. We are proud of the achievements of the class of 2024, and we would like to clarify the criteria we use to evaluate matric performance.

    4 min read

  • Adult Matric

    Contact Details for South Africa's Provincial Education Department Offices

    When it comes to accessing education-related services and information in South Africa, knowing where to find your provincial Department of Education office is crucial. Below is a concise guide with contact details for each of the nine provincial education departments in South Africa.

    1 min read

  • General

    Congratulations to our Matric Class of 2023!

    Commending the achievements of our inaugural Matric cohort and their outstanding performance in the NSC examinations – the exceptional "Class of 2023", featuring our top 3 achievers nationwide.

    4 min read

  • Online Schooling

    8 criteria to compare online high schools

    If you’re finding it difficult to compare online high schools side by side, these 8 characteristics should help you ask the right questions.

    3 min read

  • Parents Hub

    Invest in your child's future: Tips for saving for university as a parent

    As a parent, it’s natural to think about your child’s future and how you might give them the best possible chance of success in life. Among concerns for mental health and wellbeing, financial stability later in life is ranked among some of the top concerns by parents in South Africa and globally. Research confirms that the level of post-school study pursued by high school graduates is strongly correlated with earning potential later in life. The real question is not whether it’s a good idea for your child to study after high school, but rather how you could think about supporting them with the big financial outlay required, whether it’s for university or any other tertiary institution. In South Africa, this question is even more relevant and challenging in attempting to break the cycle of generational inequality that exists.

    4 min read

  • Online Schooling

    Saving for high school extra mural activities

    There is immense pressure on parents during a child’s school years, not just in terms of time investment and emotional support, but also in terms of finances. Making choices about schooling is becoming more and more difficult for families. Increasingly, the cost of education is a key consideration. Family circumstances vary enormously, and for many, a local no-fee state school will be the only option; others may have a range of private schools that they can consider.

    4 min read

  • General

    UCT Online High School releases a high school cost calculator

    Choosing the right high school for your child is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as a parent. However, navigating the complex world of high school education costs can be daunting, especially if you're on a tight budget. That's why UCT Online High School has launched a free cost calculator to help you determine what you can afford and make an informed decision about your child's future.

    2 min read

  • Online Schooling

    The rising cost of high school in South Africa

    As a parent, it’s normal to aspire to give your child the best possible education to set them up for success in life. However, the rising cost of high school education in South Africa is a growing concern for many parents, even those who have historically been able to afford private schooling.

    3 min read

  • Online Schooling

    Teach your teenager how to budget

    Budgeting is one of the most important skills you can teach your teenager. Research shows that teenagers who learn financial discipline are more likely to be financially independent as adults. You should start talking to your teenager about money as soon as they are old enough to receive an allowance or get a part-time job.

    3 min read

  • Online Schooling

    How to Implement Time Management for Online Schooling

    It may take some time to adjust to this new learning environment if you are used to a typical school timetable. Here are some techniques to develop time management skills if you're having difficulty concentrating on your schoolwork, so you can have your best term ever!

    7 min read

  • Adult Matric

    Our unique approach to Adult Matric

    Our mission is simple: to help you achieve your matric qualification. Find out how our unique approach to Adult Matric will help you do just that.

    3 min read

  • General

    UCT Online High School: 2022 Rewind

    We’ve made it to the end of our first academic year, and what a year it’s been! Take a look back at what we got up to this year.

    1 min read

  • Online Schooling

    Online since 2022. Upgrading 2023...

    We’re pleased to say that we’ll be making some key upgrades that will come into effect from the beginning of the 2023 school year, to better the way we teach the youth of South Africa.

    2 min read

  • Online Schooling

    UCT Online High School: Surging Ahead

    “The Daily Maverick’s three-part article, published 11 December 2022, is misleading, wrong in parts, and irresponsible.” — a comprehensive rebuttal from Rob Paddock, Founder and CEO of Valenture Institute.

    10 min read

  • Online Schooling

    Dispelling Myths: Social Isolation - online but not alone

    As more things move online, the more isolated people seem to become. Or at least that’s the common narrative. That, however, isn’t always the case. It doesn’t need to be. The digital space, like any other, can be whatever you need it to be. It can be a place to learn, grow and connect with the added benefit of unlimited reach. That’s the space UCT Online High School has created.

    5 min read

  • General

    Meet our new Executive Head Of School and Chief Academic Officer, Banele Lukhele

    We’re delighted to announce that Banele Lukhele has been appointed as UCT Online High School’s Executive Head of School and Chief Academic Officer! Ms Lukhele will take over from Yandiswa Xhakaza who, after careful consideration, has decided to step down from the role of Director and Principal of UCT Online High School.

    3 min read

  • Online Schooling

    Fact-check: Correcting misrepresentations in the media

    Online schooling is a new and growing dimension of education and — correctly — many guardians have questions and concerns before committing their learners to an online school. We welcome both the public interest in the education that we offer at UCT Online High School, and questions from current and potential parents, guardians and learners.

    11 min read

  • Learner Spotlight

    Learner Spotlight: Kulani Marivate

    Learn all about how UCT OHS learner Kulani is able to schedule her school work around her demanding dance training, all thanks to online learning.

    1 min read

  • Study Skills

    Coping during exam season

    With the end-of-year examinations just around the corner for high school learners across the country, it is not uncommon for adolescents to talk more about feeling stressed or anxious during this time of the year. Coping during exam season is difficult but stress isn’t always bad!

    3 min read

  • Learner Spotlight

    Learner Spotlight: Isra Nordien

    Discover how online learning has paved the way for Isra’s advocacy for climate justice and helped her spread awareness about climate change.

    1 min read

  • Learner Spotlight

    Learner Spotlight: Amber Hindmarch

    Learn about how online learning with UCT Online High School has enabled Amber to pursue her passion for cycling while keeping up with her school work.

    2 min read

  • Learner Spotlight

    Learner Spotlight: Zara Mae Roodt

    Learn about how the personalised pacing of online learning has helped UCT OHS learner Zara achieve new heights with both her gymnastics training and school work.

    2 min read

  • General

    Celebrating World Teachers’ Day!

    To show our appreciation for all the educators who’ve played a special role in our lives, let’s remember why and how this day is celebrated.

    3 min read

  • Adult Matric

    What makes a successful “second chancer”?

    At UCT Online High School, we think everyone has what it takes to learn. But there are some key skills that really set you up for a successful Adult Matric experience.

    3 min read

  • Parents Hub

    Parent Spotlight: Alicia Cupido

    All the work that we do at UCT Online High School is to create an amazing learning environment for our learners and their guardians. Alicia Cupido enrolled her daughter, Jamie to join us for Grade 11 and shared how their journey has been going.

    4 min read

  • General

    UCT Online High School hosts video game day for learners

    In celebration of Video Game Day, UCT Online High School hosted a fun-filled afternoon for their learners, jam-packed with all their favourite video games. And, where a Grade 10 learner took on a Southern Hemisphere Tekken Champion — and won!

    2 min read

  • General

    The future is yours and hers, and hers, and hers

    August marks the start of Women’s Month! And each year, on 9 August we celebrate National Women’s Day, a day honouring the strength and resilience of the women who came before us, the women of today and the women who will lead the future.

    3 min read

  • General

    Celebrating UCT Online High School’s First Birthday!

    UCT Online High School is celebrating its first birthday! And we couldn’t be more thrilled about all that we’ve achieved in this first year, since we’ve launched, and all that is still to come. Celebrate with us by taking a stroll down memory lane and having a look back at all the exciting things we got up to since opening our virtual doors.

    3 min read

  • General

    Celebrating Mandela Day

    It was in 1918 that Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela would be born to Nonqaphi Nosekeni and Nkosi Mphakanyiswa Gadla Mandela. He would go on to spend 27 years of his life wrongfully imprisoned, and then, upon his release, create and spread a new mindset of peace and forgiveness.

    2 min read

  • Study Skills

    Preparing to study during load shedding

    Don’t let load shedding dim your bright future. There are still plenty of ways to get your study on when Eskom lets you down.

    3 min read

  • General

    Learn something new this school holiday!

    Winter is upon us and so are the school holidays! So when the weather has you tied up indoors and you’re sick of scrolling through apps, why not develop a fun new skill? Because we’re all about learning something new from the comfort of your own four walls, we’ve compiled a list of free, exciting online courses for you to follow along with to pick up an interesting new skill or learn more about - all for a grand total of R0!

    2 min read

  • Mental Health

    Breaking down barriers for those with learning difficulties

    When accessibility isn’t a priority, it can hinder the educational experience for learners with diverse needs. At UCT Online High School, we make sure that all our learners get the education they deserve.

    3 min read

  • High School Applications

    Say goodbye to high school waiting lists

    While many brick-and-mortar schools have to turn learners away, online schools offer a solution for worried parents facing the high school application battle.

    2 min read

  • Learner Spotlight

    Learner Spotlight: Kirsty Goodall

    Discover how online learning has paved the way for learner Kirsty to pursue her passion for figure skating.

    2 min read

  • Study Skills

    Six home desk hacks to get you grafting like a pro

    School should be a fun, engaging experience and sitting down at your desk should be the same. We’ve got some top tips for making sure your home desk is an appealing, functional space for your studies.

    4 min read

  • Parents Hub

    Online school: are there hidden costs?

    Nope, online school doesn't have hidden costs. That’s why we’ve detailed all the costs associated with UCT Online High School in one handy location.

    3 min read

  • Online Schooling

    Is online schooling safe?

    At UCT Online High School, we’re strongly committed to offering an all-inclusive learning experience that celebrates uniqueness and individuality, and have a zero-tolerance towards any form of bullying.

    3 min read

  • Online Schooling

    Is online learning a good fit for me?

    We got UCT Online High School’s Director and Principal, Yandiswa Xhakaza to break down what kind of child thrives in an online school environment.

    2 min read

  • Study Skills

    Online learning tips from Teachers and Support Advisors

    Remote learning can be tough, especially if you've recently made the transition from a traditional school. To help learners, and guardians too, adjust to their new and exciting learning lifestyles we went straight to the experts, our helpful and supportive Teachers and Support Advisors.

    3 min read

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