A blue and white adtech group logo on a white background.

Blog Layout

Capsicum Culinary Studio to open new West Rand campus

South Africa’s leading culinary school will be opening new campus in Ruimsig in Roodepoort, Gauteng, in January next year, with enrolment applications already open.

 

This will be the seventh campus for Capsicum Culinary Studio (CCS) which this year is proudly celebrating its 21st anniversary as the country’s premier chef school. It already has campuses in Boksburg, Cape Town, Durban, Nelson Mandela Bay, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

 

CCS is part of the ADvTECH Group, a JSE-listed company and Africa’s largest private education provider and a continental leader in quality education focused on academic excellence, training, skills development and placement services.

 

Says Renee Hill, MD of CCS: “The opening of the new campus highlights the need for qualified culinary graduates as Africa’s food and hospitality industries experience a resurgence, driven by an increase in tourism and business travel. Ruimsig is the perfect location for a new campus for CCS given that the West Rand, within which it is located, is home to almost 950 000 residents and growing yearly.”

 

Despite being close to the thriving metropolis of Johannesburg, Ruimsig is located a stone’s throw from the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, the Cradle of Humankind and the Magaliesberg mountain range, all of which attract hundreds of thousands of tourists and outdoor enthusiasts annually. 

 

Hill says that they are hoping to not only draw students from the area but from other parts of the country as well as the African diaspora and that the new campus will offer on-site accommodation, high-speed Wi-Fi, comprehensive libraries, lounge areas, parking facilities and access to nearby wellness centres and sports and leisure options.

 

The Ruimsig campus will be staffed by a team of practised and knowledgeable lecturers as well as cutting-edge training lecture rooms, kitchens and other facilities.

 

The Ruimsig Capsicum Culinary Studio offers the following courses:

 

The campus is situated at Building D, 144 Peter Road, Ruimsig. Call 011 234 1896 or visit the Ruimsig Capsicum Culinary Studio website.

ADvTECH Updates

By Tamara Thomas 01 Nov, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by a Prescribed Officer.
By Tamara Thomas 21 Oct, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by a Prescribed Officer.
By Tamara Thomas 18 Oct, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by an ADvTECH prescribed officer.
By Tamara Thomas 17 Oct, 2024
Many students reach senior high, or even Matric and beyond, without knowing what career they would like to pursue after school. Unfortunately, leaving this planning too late can cause great stress for both parents and students, and will likely limit one’s potential options, an education expert says. This is why early career guidance is vital during the early high school years - firstly to determine a student’s passion and purpose, and then to align their high school path to future qualification opportunities. “Career guidance allows students to be fully informed about their choices, and to make strategic decisions that will broaden their opportunities and set them up for success throughout their academic journey and career,” says Dr Bronwyn Le Ann Batchelor, Head of Faculty: Law at The Independent Institute of Education , SA’s leading private higher education provider. “While many parents and guardians adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, the reality is that insufficient early exposure to relevant career guidance puts students at risk of making ill- or even misinformed education and career choices. Without adequate awareness of their abilities, potential opportunities, and the structural challenges to employment, the challenges of transitioning to higher education and the world of work can become daunting,” Dr Batchelor says that having a clear idea of one’s general future direction, helps students establish the path towards a meaningful career, as well as find purpose in their school studies. “Once you know what qualifications will be required for your future career field, you can then work your way back to ensure you pursue the correct subjects and perform in line with the entry requirements at higher education institutions. “For example, if you want to enter a legal career and ultimately become a lawyer - whether an attorney or an advocate - it is important to know that the only qualification that allows this progress is the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. Students who are not adequately informed may incorrectly believe that they can enter a legal career with a Bachelor of Commerce in Law or a Bachelor of Arts in Law. Although these degrees allow further progression and articulation to a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, it is only the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree that would allow ultimate entry into the legal profession.” Staying with the legal example, students who aspire to run their own law firm and have been given proper guidance will know that it may be necessary to opt for a longer study route to ensure they obtain all the necessary entrepreneurial, business, management, and legal subject matter expertise. This could include completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Law first and after that pursuing a Bachelor of Law “A career is more than just a job, it is a lifetime pursuit that provides fulfilment, purpose, and financial stability. The importance of choosing a career lies in its ability to provide direction and focus for your life goals and aspirations,” says Dr Batchelor. “In high school, students are often only aware of the popular and common career choices or those which their social circle or family are associated with, whereas there are many more career opportunities in today’s working world with this list growing daily.” Career guidance normally begins with an assessment of a student's skills, interests, and strengths. This information is then used to identify potential career paths that may be a good fit. A career counsellor may provide information about various occupations, such as job requirements, growth potential, and earning potential. They may also help students explore education and training options and offer advice on how to gain relevant work experience. “The good news is that career guidance is accessible to everyone,” says Dr Batchelor. “Any reputable higher education institution will have a career guidance or counselling office. We therefore encourage students to make an appointment and consult with a counsellor as early on in their high school education as possible, in order to ensure that they are fully equipped to make subject choice decisions that align with the entry requirements into the qualification they need to fulfil their academic and career aspirations.”
By Tamara Thomas 11 Oct, 2024
In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that remains elusive for many children. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, a staggering 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among students to ensure their academic success and personal development. “Reading is foundational to learning and personal growth. It enhances vocabulary, improves comprehension, and stimulates imagination. Moreover, reading is linked to better academic performance across all subjects. For South Africa, where educational disparities are significant, promoting reading can be a powerful tool to bridge the gap and empower future generations,” says Kassandra Strydom, Academic Advisor: Foundation Phase at ADvTECH , Africa’s leading private education provider. Strydom emphasises that in a world dominated by social media and mobile devices, keeping a child's interest in reading can be challenging. However, she underscores that this is a vital responsibility for parents. “By integrating reading into daily life from a young age, and making it an enjoyable activity, parents can help their children develop a lifelong love for reading, thereby improving their prospects of personal and academic achievement,” she says. Strydom notes that the findings of the Reading Panel 2030 report highlight the critical need for efforts to ensure that all children in South Africa can read for meaning by 2030. And while the Department of Education committed to addressing challenges identified in the report at a recent session where Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube delivered the keynote address, the mammoth task could not be left to educators alone, she said. “Schools and teachers play an important role in teaching students how to read, but few are equipped to instil a genuine love for reading by the time children begin formal education. This essential passion must be nurtured at home to create a supportive environment where students can thrive once they master their ABCs.” Strydom says parents play a pivotal role in nurturing a child’s love for reading, and says it can be done by: CREATING A READING-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT & LEADING BY EXAMPLE Second-hand books are often very affordable, and libraries are free, making it easy for families to fill their homes with a diverse selection that caters to their child's interests and reading level. Choosing books together can be a fun and exciting activity, providing valuable parent-child bonding time. Once the books have been selected, engaging in paired or shared reading experiences can enhance this connection. Creating opportunities to read together in a relaxed and intimate setting—whether snuggled on the couch or curled up in bed—makes reading feel special. This not only fosters a love for reading but also connects the activity to positive emotions and quality time spent together. By modelling positive reading habits and setting aside dedicated reading time each day, parents can help cultivate a lifelong passion for books in their children. USING TECHNOLOGY WISELY Excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s development, prompting many schools to limit mobile phone usage to create more focused learning environments. To balance screen time at home, families can implement "reading timeouts" that benefit both child and parent. While there are numerous reading apps and platforms that can make reading engaging, it’s important to choose those that offer personal learning pathways, allowing children to explore content beyond just reading. These apps can foster deeper engagement with reading material by connecting it to real-world situations and encouraging critical thinking. However, it’s essential to also incorporate non-screen reading to ensure children develop a well-rounded love for literature alongside their digital experiences. MAKING READING AN INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE When fostering a love for reading, it's important to ensure that the experience is interactive. Encourage children to engage with books before diving into the text by taking time for ‘picture walks’, where they can flip through pages and explore the illustrations. This approach helps minimise distractions and prepares them for a more focused reading experience. Consider using the "5 W" principle—asking who, what, when, where, and why questions about the book—to spark discussion and curiosity. Before reading, ask children what they think the story might be about, and always include the follow-up question, "How do you know that?" This encourages them to articulate their thoughts and develops metacognition—thinking about their thinking—making the reading experience richer and more meaningful.
By Tamara Thomas 04 Oct, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by a Prescribed Officer.
By Tamara Thomas 01 Oct, 2024
ADvTECH to co-locate Varsity College and Vega onto 9 000-strong site in 2026
By Tamara Thomas 01 Oct, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) JSE code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the group”) VOLUNTARY ANNOUNCEMENT TO SHAREHOLDERS: ADvTECH ACQUIRES PRIME LOCATION FOR NEW UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IN SANDTON In a significant development for its Tertiary Division, the ADvTECH Group (ADvTECH) announced today that it has acquired a prime Sandton location where it will create a new University campus after concluding an agreement to purchase a former training and conference centre from FNB. In line with the Group’s strategic intent, and its journey to full University accreditation, The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton and Vega Bordeaux will relocate to the new campus in time for the start of the 2026 academic year. The acquisition has received Competition Commission approval and will result in a R419 million capital investment over the next two years. Commenting on the new University campus, ADvTECH CEO, Geoff Whyte said: “We are delighted to have secured an excellent location in the heart of Sandton where we can co-locate and expand two of our biggest tertiary brands.” Centrally located off Grayston Drive, the spacious 47 000 m 2 property is easily accessible by both road and public transport and will double student capacity from the current Varsity College and Vega campuses to 9 000 students. Significant investment will go into renovating and adding to the existing facility – including the development of additional lecture facilities and a new sports centre. “This new campus is an example of ADvTECH’s continued investment in the delivery of superior, technology-enhanced teaching and learning, and will further strengthen our position as the leading provider of private education in Africa,” added Whyte. ADvTECH currently has a portfolio of eight tertiary brands across 33 campuses providing a comprehensive set of qualifications ranging from skills development to PhD. The Sandton campus will offer undergraduate to postgraduate qualifications. 1 October 2024 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas 20 Sep, 2024
In recent years, the approach to determining school readiness has undergone significant changes. Traditionally, school readiness assessments in Grade 0 focused heavily on evaluating whether children met specific academic and developmental benchmarks. However, this method often overlooked the individual growth and unique strengths of each child. Today, there is a shift towards a more holistic and supportive approach, emphasising continuous growth and tailored support, an education expert says. “The modern approach places less emphasis on traditional assessments and more on measuring and supporting student growth over time,” says Lynda Eagle, Schools Academic Advisor at ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider. “This shift recognises that each child develops at their own pace and has unique strengths and areas for improvement. By focusing on growth, educators can better support students as they progress, extending their strengths and providing scaffolding where needed.” THE MEANING OF SCHOOL READINESS School readiness is an assessment of the degree to which a child is prepared to enter school and succeed in a learning environment, explains Eagle. When considering school readiness there is a range of developmental areas – all inter-linked - that need to be considered: academic/cognitive, social, emotional and physical. Collectively, a healthy development across these areas will indicate that a child is ready and able to adapt and thrive in their new setting, she says. “School readiness is not just about knowledge. It involves a child’s ability to adapt, to manage their emotions, to positively interact with others and to follow routines.” AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT Children’s development will differ according to the child’s age and stage of development. The various elements considered are broadly defined as follows: Physical : This includes both fine and gross motors skills that facilitate the child’s ability to control their body movements with increased accuracy and precision. The development of these skills ultimately prepares children for handwriting (letter and number formation) and the more physical activities required when participating in sport - such as running, jumping, and throwing a ball. Cognitive development : Is the ability of the child to process and demonstrate their understandings of foundational skills through problem-solving, the following of instructions, the sequencing of events, and the ability to reason and apply what they have learned to new situations. Social development : This considers the child’s ability to interact with others, to share, take turns, engage in collaboration and cooperate with others. Do they understand social cues, and are they able to interpret and respond appropriately to social cues, and recognise emotions? Emotional development : This involves the ability of the child to self-regulate and manage their emotions and behaviours. It facilitates the building of the child’s self-confidence and ability to work independently – to make sound choices and to operate in a community effectively. BEYOND TRADITIONAL ASSESSMENTS – DETERMINING WHAT IS BEST FOR THE CHILD “When we fail to consider the age and developmental stage of a child, we risk trying to grow or develop their skills before they are ready, or before they have had the necessary foundational experiences, which can have a lifetime impact if there is a rush towards achieving school readiness,” says Eagle. “An overemphasis on academic skills can lead to moving to abstract concepts without providing enough concrete experiences. Measuring and judging students against uniform pre-determined norms or standards fail to recognise their unique needs, talents and dispositions. This approach places undue pressure on both the adults and students in an attempt to meet these milestones and often at the expense of developing important essential or soft skills”. Additionally, failing to consider cultural contexts means that norms are based on standards that do not align with the child’s unique experiences. “Fostering a competitive environment can place pressure on a child’s well-being, sense of belonging and identity. When a child is labelled as not ready, it implies they are not worthy, leading to judgment rather than nurturing.” Eagle says parents and educators need to take a balanced approach by determining whether the school is ready for the child, and whether it can work with a framework that recognises the rights of the child – adapting and designing learning experiences that address gaps and challenges. “Rather than ticking boxes to determine school readiness (or not), it is our duty to focus on the child’s emotional, social and mental health – where they feel safe then they will be open to learning. We must be flexible and adaptive – to be inclusive and affirmative in our actions and behaviours – this includes the language that we use. The overriding recognition should be that children don’t mature or learn in the same ways. That is okay, and simply requires us to adjust accordingly.”
By Tamara Thomas 18 Sep, 2024
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) has traditionally been considered a key indicator of potential, but it is increasingly no longer the sole indicator of personal and professional success, particularly in South Africa’s diverse environment. This is because Social Quotient (SQ) and Cultural Quotient (CQ) are emerging as additional key factors being considered when hiring and promoting candidates. “Modern understanding recognises the crucial roles the various intelligences play in determining how effectively one navigates your educational and career journey,” says Talita van Wyk, Head of Programme at The Independent Institute of Education , SA’s leading private higher education provider. IQ has long been the benchmark for assessing cognitive abilities, such as logical reasoning, problem-solving, and analytical skills. EQ, or Emotional Intelligence, measures one’s ability to understand and manage their own emotions and those of others. High AQ (Adaptability Quotient) is associated with qualities such as resilience, flexibility, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. “While IQ, along with AQ (Adaptability Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient), remain important qualities, our unique environment means that SQ and CQ are increasingly significant differentiators in the employment arena, and therefore individuals should also endeavour to develop these intelligences when building their personal brands” she says. SQ refers to the ability to navigate social interactions and build strong relationships. It involves empathy, effective communication, and the ability to influence and inspire others. CQ is the capability to relate and work effectively across cultures - locally and internationally. “While each quotient individually contributes to professional success, their interplay is what truly sets top performers apart,” explains Van Wyk. “For instance, a manager with high IQ and EQ can devise strategic solutions and motivate their team. However, without SQ, they might struggle to build trust and rapport, and without CQ, they could face challenges in a multicultural team.” Professionals who excel in SQ and CQ are better equipped to handle the complexities of today’s workplace, as they are more adept at managing or working within diverse teams. That is why these skills are increasingly valued as organisations recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion for innovation and growth. “The good news is that both SQ and CQ, together with the other intelligences, can be developed over time – particularly as awareness of these important qualities grow. As educators, both in the basic and higher education spheres, we should also endeavour to hone these skills to develop well-rounded and empowered individuals,” Van Wyk says. CULTURAL QUOTIENT “CQ involves understanding, respecting, and adapting to cultural differences to work effectively across diverse cultural contexts. It evaluates an individual’s capability to function effectively in culturally diverse settings,” says Van Wyk. High CQ allows individuals to effectively communicate and interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, listen to and understand various perspectives, as well as adjust their behaviour and strategies to fit different cultural contexts and expectations authentically and without compromising their own values. SOCIAL QUOTIENT SQ pertains to understanding and managing social interactions and relationships, stressing the ability to understand social contexts and engage effectively with others. It measures an individual’s ability to navigate social environments, build and maintain relationships, and understand social norms and dynamics. “A high SQ score is correlated with social awareness, that is, the ability to understand and interpret social cues and dynamics within different groups or environments. Its value arises from the ability to build and maintain healthy and productive relationships through effective communication and conflict resolution,” she says. Van Wyk notes that while AQ, SQ and CQ are relatively recently recognised traits, they are not stand-alone individual traits, but rather are inter-connected, together with IQ and EQ. “Understanding the existence and benefits of these traits and how they can enhance one’s educational and career journey are important first steps towards developing them,” says Van Wyk.  “To this end, it is important to embrace change, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. We need to be willing and able to step out of our comfort zones regularly, all the while developing our knowledge and skills.”
More Posts
Share by: