01

Two Pathways, One Nova Pioneer Experience

At Ruimsig Senior, families now have a choice between two internationally respected academic pathways – Cambridge International and IEB – both delivered within the same high-expectation Nova Pioneer environment. The curriculum may differ. The Nova Pioneer experience does not. Whichever pathway a learner follows, they'll build the same strength of character, future-ready capabilities and meaningful connections that define the Nova Way, preparing them to lead with confidence in the African Century.

02

Academic Success

A student's ability to succeed in the real world – and face the daily challenges of the workplace – depends heavily on their ability to problem-solve and think "outside the box". Both our academic pathways are built with this in mind.

The Cambridge curriculum is challenging yet flexible, designed to teach students how to learn and go on learning. Developed and maintained by the University of Cambridge, it is globally recognised for its rigour and high academic standards. The IEB curriculum, rooted in the South African CAPS framework, is equally respected for its emphasis on critical thinking, analytical reasoning and problem-solving, culminating in the National Senior Certificate – a qualification recognised by all South African universities.

Our role goes beyond helping students achieve good results, and beyond giving students passports for progression to university or employment. We give our students a curriculum that will bring lifelong success in tomorrow's world.

Nova Pioneer has a track record of strong academic performance across Cambridge International Assessments, from Upper Primary through to A-levels. Our students have consistently exceeded international benchmarks and have been amongst the top performers in the world.

03

Student Voice

We are a school that creates a student-centred learning environment and our classroom norms create a culture where students know that their voice matters. We recognise that every student is different, with different learning styles, gifts and talents. We seek to recognise these in our planning of the lessons. We also place high value on close student-teacher collaboration, where we encourage the practice of reflection and feedback during lessons.

This increases our students’ self-confidence and contributes to their character development. Our aim is to develop students academically, emotionally and socially so that they are well-equipped to face the many challenges of the 21st Century.

04

Innovation and Leadership

In addition to the academic offering, Nova Pioneer has Hallmark Programming that is timetabled into the day for our students from Grade 7. This programming includes Innovation and Leadership class, that incorporates Social and Emotional learning.

In Innovation and Leadership, students progress from content that is about self discovery and understanding their purpose, to progressively looking outward to where they can take their mastery of self leadership to external communities - this could be the school community, their city or the continent at large. The aim of the programme is to have a coherent and consistent place for students to be exposed to self and community leadership, as well as root students in the sense of African history to inform future innovation and action.

05

Beyond The Classroom Opportunities

We believe that sports, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities can positively affect students' focus, attitude, and academic success. We offer various clubs and sports, and provide opportunities for students to compete locally and against other Nova Pioneer schools.

06

Post School Success

Nova Pioneer’s Post School Success programme has been created with the purpose of facilitating each student’s exploration of post-secondary opportunities available to them.

This programme helps our students develop the life and pre-professional skills necessary to take advantage of post-school opportunities. Post-School Success programming begins in Grade 10, to ensure that each student has ample time to thoughtfully consider their next steps and take full advantage of the resources available through the Nova Pioneer network.

07

Culture First

The character of a Novaneer is defined by our six Culture Principles - High Expectations, Always Growing, Servant Leadership, Joy of Learning, Greater Together and Solutions First. These are the mindsets and behaviours that reflect our values, and to which we aspire. They challenge our students to constantly stretch towards their best selves: to set high expectations, grow from every challenge, and seek to serve others over ourselves.

By exploring culture and integrating it as part of character development, our students take on daily challenges with a strong sense of purpose, service and innovation. Read more about our Culture Principles here.