Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is delighted to have hosted learners of the Talent Pipeline Programme (TPP) for the mid-year TPP programme.
Run under the auspices of the University Vice-Chancellor’s office, the TPP began its 2023 mid-year sessions on 29 June, welcoming 146 learners from grades 10, 11, and 12 from various high schools in the Northern Cape. This cohort included 48 new grade 10 learners from Hoërskool Postmasburg, Blinkklip Sekondere Skool, and Ratang-Thuto Secondary School in Postmasburg, Northern Cape.
From 28 June to 13 July, these learners were housed at the South Campus residences of SPU, while attending classes at the university’s Central Campus. This arrangement enabled pupils to gain a full experience of what tertiary education entails, and inspired them to strive for the chance to attend higher education institutions after matric. This is particularly crucial as most of these learner’s hail from underprivileged communities where such opportunities are not readily accessible.
In addition to their core Maths and Science lessons, learners also received tuition in English, Afrikaans, Law, Critical Diversity, Digital Literacy and Study Methods. These lessons equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills they need as they prepare for tertiary education. Furthermore, a personal skills development programme focusing on life skills, sport and dance was offered to enhance their coping mechanisms and chances of success.
Throughout their stay, each learner was assigned a mentor whose role was to provide guidance during class, study sessions and around the campus, as well as offering mental support.
The group was taken on excursions on 8 July. Grade 10’s visited the Kimberley Big Hole, the grade 11’s visited the McGregor Museum, and grade 12 learners visited the William Humphrey’s Arts Gallery. Being on these excursions was a great experience for them as they were able to learn more about the history of the city and the country at large.
To wrap up their sessions, they had a fun-filled sports day at the University’s South Campus Precinct, on Wednesday, 13 July.
SPU is thrilled to have had the 2023 TPP cohort on our campuses.
