Skip to content

2027 applications are open

UCT Online High School
Apply Now
A learner in headphones dancing happily, surrounded by illustrated gold coins and a winner’s rosette

Rewards partners · Grades 8–12

Gamification and Rewards Programme

Good learning behaviour deserves recognition. Our learners earn tokens for the habits that lead to success, and spend them on rewards from our partners.

UCT Online High School’s Gamification and Rewards Programme rewards High School learners for good learning habits. Learners earn virtual tokens for completing module paths, submitting assessments on time and attending live sessions, then spend them in an online Rewards Store, with rewards from partners such as Takealot, Exclusive Books and Planet Fitness.

Apply Now

Behavioural science

Harnessing behavioural science and rewards in education

Effective learning depends on good learning behaviour. We use behavioural science and rewards to suit where teenagers are in their development, and what motivates them.

  • Adolescent development

    Behavioural science takes into account the cognitive, emotional and social development of teenagers, so our rewards match their changing needs.

  • Motivation and autonomy

    Teenagers want a say in their choices. Offering choice and control, with rewards as incentives, helps them take charge of their education.

  • Peer influence

    Leaderboards and peer recognition use the pull of friendly competition to motivate learners to excel and to work together.

  • Immediate feedback

    Teenagers respond best to quick feedback, so rewards arrive promptly to reinforce the habits we want to see.

  • Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

    Getting the balance right between enjoying the work and earning a reward is key to keeping teenagers engaged.

  • Gamification

    Points, levels, challenges and rewards, all rooted in behavioural science, make learning more enjoyable and encourage learners to take part.

“Behind every good learner is good learning behaviour, and our primary job as a school is to ensure learners are engaging in good learning behaviour for the majority of their studies.”
The thinking behind our rewards programme

Watch how learners earn tokens and what they can spend them on.

Watch the video: Gamification and Rewards Programme

How it works

From good habits to real rewards, in four steps

Learners use virtual tokens in our Rewards Store to claim rewards or enter raffles for high-value prizes. Here’s how a learner gets there.

  1. Build good learning habits

    Complete module paths, submit formal assessments on time and attend live sessions.

  2. Earn tokens and badges

    Good learning behaviour earns virtual tokens and badges on the Online Campus.

  3. Climb the leaderboard

    Learners get public recognition on the learner leaderboard.

  4. Claim a reward or enter a raffle

    Spend tokens in the Rewards Store, or use them to enter raffles for high-value rewards.

Good to know

  • Tokens only exist on the Online Campus and can’t be sold or swapped for cash.
  • Rewards are limited and often sell out within a few hours of going live on the store, so it pays to check in on drop days.
  • High-value rewards are given away by raffle, which learners enter with their tokens.

Reward categories

Three kinds of reward, so there’s something for everyone

Rewards in the store fall into three categories, which keeps the choice fresh and suited to high school learners.

  • Experiential rewards

    Virtual or physical experiences, such as meeting prominent figures, interacting with industry leaders or taking part in exciting events.

  • Monetary rewards

    Redeemable vouchers, money off events and online store purchases, and “buy one, get one free” specials.

  • Merchandise and equipment rewards

    Physical items learners can get with their tokens, including clothing, branded merchandise, tech hardware and more.

Our rewards partners

The companies rewarding our learners’ hard work

These South African businesses supply the vouchers, experiences and merchandise in our Rewards Store. Thank you for backing our learners.

Many of our rewards partners also offer services and special offers to enrolled families.See our complementary service partners

Calling all corporates

If your company would like to become a rewards partner at UCT Online High School, email our partnerships team. We’d love to hear from you.

Email our partnerships team

partnerships@uctonlinehighschool.com

See what else learners get up to outside of lessons

FAQs

Questions about rewards

How does the UCT Online High School rewards programme work?

Learners earn virtual tokens and badges for good learning habits and can see how they rank on the learner leaderboard. They spend their tokens in the Rewards Store on the Online Campus, on experiences, vouchers and merchandise from our rewards partners, or use them to enter raffles for high-value rewards.

How do learners earn reward tokens?

Tokens reward good learning behaviour, not just marks. Learners earn them by completing their module paths, submitting formal assessments on time and attending live sessions. The more consistently a learner shows up and does the work, the more tokens they have to spend.

Can reward tokens be swapped for cash?

No. Tokens only exist on the Online Campus and can’t be sold or swapped for cash. Learners use them in the Rewards Store to claim rewards or enter raffles. Rewards are limited and often sell out within a few hours of going live, so it pays to check in on drop days.

Can’t find your answer? Browse all FAQs or contact our admissions team.

Good habits, noticed and rewarded

Give your child a school that celebrates the effort, not just the results.

Apply NowSend us a message
Apply Now

Download our info pack

Fees, subjects, term dates and how online school works, in one download.

Loading the form…