UCT Online High School rewinds 2022

After a successful launch year, UCT Online High School (UCTOHS) recently shared an uplifting wrap-up video showcasing what 2022 had in store for their first cohort of learners. Titled 2022 Rewind, it gives an uplifting glance at all the exciting ‘firsts’ experienced by the UCTOHS community, as well as the major education advancements that have set the online school apart.

With over 4 000 learners, UCTOHS is one of Africa’s largest online high schools and the first to be launched by a university in Africa. Despite its virtual nature, the school has managed to nurture an inspiring sense of community through vibrant events and plenty of opportunities for learners to meet one another.

One-of-a-kind school anthem

In January 2022, the UCTOHS school anthem was launched with the help of a few of South Africa’s most popular artists: Goodluck, Shekinah, YougstaCPT and Msaki. After a learner-wide vote, the collaboration was dubbed “We Own The Future”.

“The song was created to inspire, motivate and bring together Africa’s youth to unleash their potential.”

“The song was created to inspire, motivate and bring together Africa’s youth to unleash their potential, and to encourage a sense of community for a cohort of online learners across South Africa and the globe,” said Banele Lukhele, UCTOHS executive head of school and chief academic officer.

The song was launched on 24 January, which is also International Day of Education.

In March 2022, the official school anthem was performed on stage at the KDay 2022 music festival.

Lukhele added: “We are proud of this school song that not only inspires a new generation of learners anywhere, but a song that also inspires the world. We truly do own our future and in doing so, we inspire others to make an impact.”

Video Game Day

In July 2022, UCTOHS celebrated Video Game Day by hosting a fun-filled afternoon for learners, jam-packed with all their favourite video games.

The event saw some friendly competition unfold between old and new friends, as well as a nail-biting Tekken battle against Southern Hemisphere champion, Miguel Macabi. The pro gamer from Mozambique has made a name for himself by competing in a number of gaming tournaments. Macabi faced up against Grade 10 learner Omolemo Masibi in a game of Tekken. In an exciting turn of events, UCTOHS’s very own Masibi came out victorious!

Youth Day

In June 2022, UCTOHS celebrated Youth Day with an afternoon of family fun, which included performances by top local acts including YoungstaCPT, Dee Koala, Uncle Vinny, and Kyeezi, as well as a barbershop, a beauty bar, and a first-of-its-kind UCTOHS merchandise collection of hoodies, beanies, totes and long-sleeve tees.

There was also a panel discussion on the importance of education, which comprised UCTOHS’s head of school for the CAPS curriculum, Sipho Mpisane; head of student well-being, Daniella Randall; radio DJ Carl Wastie; and YoungstaCPT. The panellists had their audience enthralled with anecdotes from their school years and encouraged learners to learn from the mistakes they would inevitably make. Rob Paddock, CEO & founder of Valenture Institute, also made an impromptu appearance and spoke on UCTOHS’s successes, challenges and impact on the future.

With 2023 just around the corner, Lukhele said that the school is constantly working hard at making things better for its learners and guardians.

“We’re constantly reviewing what we do, taking advantage of the best innovations in tech and, above all, listening to our community. One of the advantages of online learning: it adapts at a far quicker rate than conventional schooling.”

UCTOHS will be making some key upgrades that will come into effect from the beginning of the 2023 school year.

For any questions, please contact one of UCTOHS’s Admissions Consultants at 021 140 1792 or email admissions@uctohs.valentureonline.com.