Schoolscape knows that Grade 9 subject choice is stressful because it is important for learners’ future career successes.

Hilton College, a prestigious school in the midlands of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, has tried many platforms over the years. However, most required too much technical support. Now they rely on Yenza, a digital career platform that is popular in South Africa for subject choice guidance. 

We sat down with Janna de Gouveia, an accomplished career counsellor at Hilton, to unpack how the school implemented Yenza. We’ve pinpointed why the platform is critical for learners’ subject choices so you don’t have to!

What makes Yenza Different

“It’s more comprehensive and more research-based than other platforms I’ve used. It gave me everything I needed to support learners, technically and psychologically.”

Teachers often struggle to provide one-on-one attention to learners during. Janna appreciates Yenza, because it is built for learners and educators. 

Unlike other platforms, Yenza is easy to implement. Because:

• It doesn’t rely on technical software that is difficult to implement and maintain.
• It works seamlessly on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
• Switching between in-person and online was easy!

A Reliable and Stable Platform

The platform is digital and reliable, with no disruptions. 

“Some Grade 9 learners completed the work in class. But during Covid-19, learners were sent home. There were no major problems when we switched to online learning.”

The easiness of Yenza, allows learners to move through subject choice activities on their own.

“I created individual reports for each learner to detail their progress on modules. The parents have access too, so they are able to use the site to answer any questions.”

Helping Learners take Ownership over Subject Choices

As important as subject choice in Grade 9 is, it’s a personal decision. Yenza allowed learners to use the platform at their own pace to explore options. 

“The learners still need to take responsibility and use their profiles. But the platform gives the opportunity to engage.”

Parents and teachers can use the digital platform to encourage learners to put in the work.

“I can direct parents to the site, and use it to answer their questions about their child’s progress.”

Lightening the Load for Teachers

For guidance counsellors and Life Orientation teachers, individual subject choice conversations are not always possible. Yenza reduces the pressure.

“I compile individual reports for each learner, and use this report when parents or learners need help.”

Therefore, lessening the workload and speeding up the process. 

High-Value for Schools

“Yenza gets the balance right in terms of allowing professionals the space to use their data for their own purposes whilst giving students something to work with and on so they are invested.”

After more than a decade of experience, Janna found excellent value in Yenza because it benefits teachers and learners. Not only for Grade 9s, but also for Grade 11s as they jobshadow.

“The jobshadowing module will help them choose the careers they are interested in and narrow their focus. Then they can shadow one or two jobs and find a meaningful career.”

Hilton College recommends Yenza

We asked Janna if Hilton College recommends Yenza and she didn’t hesitate.

“Yes – it is cost effective, quick and very easy to administer.”

The subject choice period at school can be intimidating. But a digital platform that is affordable and user-friendly removes unnecessary pressure from the process.

Want to learn more?

Schoolscape believes innovation is key for success in schools. If you’re in need of a process to make subject choices easier and engaging, then contact Yenza!

Reach out to: [email protected]

If you want to read more blogs like this then check out Schoolscape’s Case Studies.