Magazine 2018

Samantha Scott joins the Counselling Department Samantha Scott is an experienced Life Orientation Educator and a registered psychometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Samantha joined the Secondary Faculty in March this year in the dual role of Head of Life Orientation and School Counsellor. In order to promote inclusive educational practices within the school environment, Samantha works closely with learners, parents and educators to offer holistic support for learners with special education needs. She also has a keen interest in psychometry and career guidance counselling. Watch this space for new and exciting developments in the Counselling Department in 2019. Career Guidance in Life Orienta- tion The core of career guidance is knowing who you are and connecting that with a career that will give you satisfaction and long term fulfilment. The Life Orientation curriculum offers learners the opportunity to learn more about the world of work and creates personal experiences where they can interact and reflect on the processes involved in this career decision. Each grade has a unique but collaborative focus on getting each learner closer to that decision. In particular, the Grade 11s are given the task of completing a job shadow experience where they shadow someone in a potential career interest and report back on this experience. It allows learners to gain a realistic experience of the career and to reflect on whether or not this is something they wish to pursue in the future. Career Expo The Curie Hall was a hive of activity on Thursday, 15 March as many gathered to attend the annual Careers Expo. This year the event boasted almost 50 exhibitors from a number of well known colleges and universities from around the globe. The expo offers learners and parents the opportunity to personally connect with student representatives and research study opportunities at a wide variety of tertiary institutions. We are very proud of how this event has grown and celebrate that exhibitors now come from as far as California in the USA to be a part of it. It is always such a pleasure to see the learners excited about the limitless opportunities that await them when they leave school. Local and International Guest Visitors Learners in grade 11 and 12 had the privilege of attending presentations by local universities such as the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and Varsity College. Learners are provided with information about the admission requirements, courses on offer and student life at the respective institutions. The College also prides itself on having ongoing relationships with a number of international universities and colleges. This year, a representative from the New York University (NYU) came to address our senior learners about the international study opportunities available at NYU campuses around the world. The grade 11 learners attended an information session presented by Wendy Beato from Varsity Abroad. At the presentation, learners were provided with useful information about international application procedures. Devon Hoole Registered Counsellor Internship Devon Hoole is a Student Counsellor from Cornerstone Institute who has successfully completed his registered counsellor internship at the Secondary Faculty in the summer and autumn quarters of 2018. Here is Devon’s feedback about his experience of volunteering at the College: “My experience at Parklands College has been one of professional development and growth. I have had the opportunity to work with the School Counsellor, Michelle, who has been an amazing mentor and guide to me during my time at Parklands College. I have been particularly impressed with the high standards and values the College upholds. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the learners and have learnt a great deal from my interactions with them. The learners who I interacted with, have always been respectful and were fully engaged during the workshops I facilitated. It has been a pleasure volunteering at Parklands College and getting to know the students and staff during my internship”. - Devon Hoole New Learner Meetings At the beginning of each quarter all new learners to the College have the opportunity to meet with the School Counsellor. The counsellor assists learners on how to access all of the services available at the College, ensuring they receive additional support and a little extra assistance adjusting to their new school environment. Peer Support Training The Secondary Faculty has a team of FET learners who volunteer in the Peer Support Training Programme. This year the course was run by Devon Hoole. The weekly workshops are designed to cover three important aspects of peer support: personal growth, counselling skills and mentorship. Once qualified, learners are then able to put their new skills into practice by offering support to their peers and others who are in need of a listening ear. CAREER GUIDANCE AND STUDY SKILLS 1. 164. 21st Edition