Florance Vermeulen is a Boston City Campus Somerset West Graduate! We requested to interview this successful grad, and being the consummate educator that he is, he sent us a word perfect interview! So , in his own words – meet Florance, Boston BCom Grad and award winning teacher!!

“I am a consummate teacher with a passion and vibrant gift to allow learners to grow in their learning experiences and competencies. During these past 5 years in teaching, my approach is to focus, inside and outside the classroom, on the learner whole, using education and my subject as the basis for growing learners into holistic responsible people with a meaningful place in their communities as explained below. 
 
My professional development and interest in teaching and learning stem from my involvement and participation in projects in communities outside the classroom. Since 2015, I volunteered to be the president of an internationally funded holistic educational initiative programme called, Give a Child a Future USA – Cape Scholars Foundation, for scholars in the Cape Winelands district. I developed a programe that aims to bolster better overall education by implementing mentorship and an academic program focusing on an elite group of learners from the public schools in Stellenbosch.  The selection is based on assessments conducted by me and other qualified educators. The mission, therefore, is to create opportunities for the learners, from grades 10 -12 to attain skills that will facilitate personal, social, educational, and economic development. I strongly believe that no learner should and must be left behind due to a lack of resources, support, and guidance.  The program consists of three separate but integrated components of learning and teaching. Firstly, it provides professional tutoring in Mathematics and English, conducted by qualified educators and specialists. Furthermore, the learners have access to career guidance counseling, psychometric assessments, and work readiness workshops performed by qualified individuals. Finally, we provide four-weekend mentorship camps; one per term, over a period of three years which contributes to identifying their strengths, developmental areas, interests, skills and dreams, and aspirations as future leaders. Part of measuring the success or impact of this program is evident in those who have gone on to furthering their education and revert to share their experience of the program with the new cohort.”

So Florance, where does all the music come from?

“ I see Art as my form of liberator, my inspiration and passion that empowers me to motivate my learners to deal with difficult circumstances. I give expression especially through dance to enable and empower disadvantaged learners with confidence, self-expression, and discipline. I recognise creativity as somewhat second nature to children in that they can develop fundamental critical thinking and problem-solving skills that they can incorporate into all other learning areas of education and life. I implement innovative alternatives to teaching and learning in the classroom- those that keep bringing material to life for my learners. This artistic approach creates a special connection between me as an educator and all the learners beyond the classroom. My personal history drives part of my teaching philosophy, that everybody given the right motivation can become a positive and powerful change in education

 
I am a living example of Albert Einstein’s philosophy, “I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn”. This, therefore, builds on my passion, patience, and nurturing nature outside of the classroom too. I have always approached the art forms in a very holistic manner to enable a behavioral change model in teaching and learning. Moving away from the traditional form of teaching and learning, generating a learner-centered approach. Keep in mind that learners always have challenges understanding content and applying it which generates a barrier to learning within a particular subject. I, therefore, use three elements within my teaching and learning approaches namely, music, movements, and technology.”

Why music?
“The music and movement I use have the ability to develop fundamental creative cognitive skills that learners can incorporate in a subject that is content-rich. It also becomes a behavioural module for both personal and learning abilities. It is fun and upbeat which generates teacher and learner engagement and improves their concentration when dealing with a particular subject. Learners have the ability to participate and gain cooperative teaching and learning approaches, and it also allows me as a teacher to develop trusting relationships with the content and convinces the learner that within learning we can have fun with a beat. Knowing that I am working with learners who are the generation Z and usually influenced by music itself; hip hop/ afro-beats is one of the genres that most learners gravitate toward or connect with. I use it to bridge the gap between a content-rich subject and barriers to learning. Learners are always amazed, connected, and join in at the drop of the first beat”.  

Boston has always used technology based learning methodologies, we see that you are also in favour of this form of learning?

“Knowing that technology is an integrated tool for teaching and learning, I utilize the digital hub and resources at our school twice a week. I use the space and resources to introduce technology to them in a fun and exciting way, they are able to use technology, and find, and critically evaluate information.  They are also equipped with basic Microsoft Word and PowerPoint presentation skills. This allows my learners to navigate confidently and acquire skills that are needed for the 4th industrial revolution (4IR) slowly but surely. 

In light of the above, it allows me to become very innovative and holistic and to think outside the box within my teaching and learning methodologies and pedagogical approaches. It empowers me to learn from learners and with them, fostering subjective teaching and learning culture. It constantly allows me to rediscover my passion for teaching and learning and simultaneously become resilient to seize the change within the challenges of barriers to learning. Learners become more enthusiastic about the subject. It instills a yearning for having fun whilst learning and challenges their cognitive skills, bridging the gap of barriers to learning. They became eager to acquire the necessary knowledge which allows them to actively participate and apply their knowledge to the content.  Evidently, it does not only show a marked difference in learner academic results but also behavioural challenges have tremendously decreased. They generated positive vibrations, influencing their behaviour and cognitive skills to a positive and enjoyable outcome. 
 
In conclusion, I am elated as to how I can inspire and instill values, dreams, and aspirations in the leaders of tomorrow. I am moved by the endless possibilities I can provide for my learners by exploring the potential each and every one of them possess. The sky is not the limit, and I am surely moving universes with everything I can achieve with the young fruitful individuals of South Africa”. 

Florance’s qualifications:

Formal training: 

Advanced Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera: City Varsity (Cape Town)

BCom in Management Marketing: Boston City Campus (Somerset West)

PGCE: STADIO HigherEducation

How to create a winning formula in job searching

Whether you are just starting out in your job search, or looking to upgrade your current position, applying effective strategies can help make your search easier.

Wondering just where to start? Branch Manager of Boston City Campus, Maponya Mall, Merriam Koqo‑Hlengane​ provides her top tips on conducting an effective job search.

Setting time aside

Create momentum by allocating a specific amount of time for research, setting up appointments and following up on applications.

“Prepare the night before, setting up your list, so that you create an organised infrastructure allowing you to start right away,” says Koqo‑Hlengane.

Mindset

Anticipate that there may be some challenging times, when you may experience frustration because things aren’t moving as quickly as you would like.  See this time as a process.  Some days may be relatively quiet.  Be gentle with yourself, knowing that ups and downs are a natural part of job searching.

Networking

Think of people who are already in your network and who would be able to make any recommendations where you can apply. Former colleagues, managers or people from graduate school should all have some ideas. (Consult with the Boston Graduate Support Services). Try LinkedIn and see who you can contact digitally.

“LinkedIn is also an excellent place to find jobs in your particular field. A LinkedIn profile can serve as a good advertisement of your competencies and experience to prospective employers and HR managers,” says Koqo‑Hlengane​.

Your online footprint

It is common practice for future employees to research your online profile in order to find out more about you.  The flip side of the coin is true as well – ensure your online social media profiles would be acceptable to a potential employer.

The Covering letter

Once you find a job or company where you want to apply, create a covering letter, highlighting your key qualities and experience in relation to the particular job specifications.

An interesting point of view from model and graduate  – Andries Marakalala!

Andries Marakalala is an IT technician at Boston City Campus, he is part of the head office troubleshooting team! We caught up with him to find out what makes him tick, and why he chose IT as a profession. “I’ve always been truly interested in how technology works, especially how quickly it is developing, which is why I decided to do ICT. Plus, I was well advised by my mentor while I was still in college, and ICT appeared to have high job satisfaction and excellent long-term possibilities for professional progression. I therefore believed that this career suited both my personal interests and professional objectives”, says Andries.

He started off with formal training in IT, including: Technical Workshops (Basics troubleshooting)

I.T Networking Workshops (Installing cables. Configuring Switches) which he studies at Boston.  On day to day basis you will find him putting these skills into practice as he finds himself, “Responsible for installing, maintaining, and fixing hardware and software. support via remote access or site visits as necessary”. So you can see that ICT is not really a desk job, especially not in a nationally based organisation.

Aside from being on the go and with people, Andries loves “Sharing my knowledge and abilities with those in need gives me a wonderful sense of satisfaction, there is always something new to explore and something new to learn”.  And what does he enjoy the least in his job? “There are times when the job can be very repetitive “.

On an average day he is kept on the go with these tasks:

• Responding to emails
• Resolving tickets
• Answering calls

So what does he believe are the most important traits to have to be successful in this job?

• Problem-Solving Skills
• Pay attention to detail
• Good communication skills

In trying to describe his job in one sentence , Andries says, “Setting up workstations with computers and required peripherals, ensuring the operation of computer hardware

installing and setting up the right software and functionalities in accordance with the requirements.” That’s quite a job description, and shows the tenacity ad perseverance you will need in ICT fro problem solving and continued growth and learning. According to Andries , this is very much a career where you nee both formal training as well as good practical experience. “I recommend the Boston qualifications of : Diploma in Network Systems , Networking Technician and Security Analyst”.

Personality-wise, Andries feels that you need to :

• Be able to adapt to a changing work environment
• Having good communication skills
• Ability to work with your hands for repairs and installations.

The nature of people needing their ICT up and running NOW has created on the job challenges for Andries. “ Working under pressure, particularly when a deadline is involved” is a challenge for him.

Andries has advice for grade 11 and grade 12 learners. “Always do your research first. A career in information technology only makes sense if you are interested by computers. Every day will be an opportunity for interesting activities, and you might be amazed by the ways in which technology is used in various fields.” And you have to be prepared for lifelong learning. “Considering how 4IR is expanding, it goes without saying that you must stay current with technology and continue to learn new things.”

Andries ends with a recommendation for studies at Boston. “My IT career began at Boston Braamfontein, where I had the best experience. I then had to relocate to Boston Orange Grove, where I had to meet a lot of people and make friends – some of whom are still close friends of mine. Orange Grove extended a very good welcome to me, showing me a lot of care and love from the staff. I had to develop my independence and my capacity for self-reliance. I would suggest both branches to anyone interested in studying at Boston City Campus. Trust me, they will make you feel at home, and their friendliness is simply outstanding!”