Some big corporate names have been in the news of late, for all the wrong reasons. And although many of the allegations against these companies have not yet been put to trial, the damage is done. Reputations, and share prices have been left in tatters. Though these examples are known because they have been exposed in the public domain, forensic research shows that some small businesses are just as bad, and are using smarter ways to conceal bribes to win contracts, tenders, and appointments. Good guys come last? The reality is that one wrongdoing can ruin it all. You may…
Author: Career Planet
One in four illicit-drug users between the ages of twelve and seventeen develops dependency, a rate significantly higher than that of any other age group. In talking to your youngster about tobacco, alcohol and drugs, make the point that no one who begins using drugs ever imagines that he or she will become hooked. It’s still unclear why our bodies react to drugs differently; why one teenager can flirt with alcohol or pot and then break off the engagement cleanly, while another rushes headlong into total addiction. Heredity appears to play a large role in determining a person’s susceptibility to drugs’…
Adolescence isn’t an easy time for parents, either. As children move through the various tumultuous transitions that accompany adolescence (physical, emotional, hormonal, sexual, social and intellectual) the pressures and problems they encounter can all too easily seem overwhelming. For many teenagers, these and other pressures can lead to one or more of a variety of mental health disorders. All are matters of concern, and some are life-threatening. Key Tips for Parents: Keep communication constant, open, and honest: Your children should not only know that they can talk to you about anything, you have to be committed to broaching topics of concern and…
“It’s been reported that as many as 57% of South African students have been bullied at some time during their high-school careers. When one considers that we have 2.2 million school-going children in this country, those percentages translate into truly staggering numbers.” – SACAP: SA College of Applied Psychology Whether at school or college, in the neighborhood park or mall, children of all ages can find themselves the target of bullies. When that happens, these bullies can: Cause feelings of worthlessness Cause bodily injury Cause ongoing mental health problems that affect your child’s development and future career prospects So what can…
Adolescence can be a confusing time of change for teens and parents alike. But while these years can be difficult, there’s plenty you can do to nurture your teen and encourage responsible behavior. Use these parenting skills to deal with the challenges of raising a teen. Show your love Positive attention is a must for teens. Spend time with your teen to show him or her that you care. Listen to your teen when he or she talks, and respect your teen’s feelings. Don’t assume that your teen knows how much you love him or her. If your teen doesn’t…
The recent South African National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey revealed some disturbing trends among South African youth. It found that 24% of those surveyed between Grade 8 to Grade 11 had experienced feelings of depression, hopelessness and sadness, while a further 21% had attempted suicide at least once. Alarmingly, the same studies show that in the large Cape Town metropole area, 41% of teens surveyed experienced depression, 16% anxiety and 21% Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. What are the warning signs? Although any of the signs outlined below can occur in children who are not depressed, when seen together, nearly every day,…
The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) assess academic readiness of first-year university students as a supplement to secondary school reports on learning achieved in content-specific courses. Apart from having the right APS, the applicant must have the required subjects for the qualification. Applicants with the highest APS generally get preference but all applicants must still write a Benchmark test. What is tested: Academic Literacy (AL), Quantitative Literacy (QL) Mathematics (MAT) Important information: There are two tests, the AQL and the MAT. The AQL is written in a 3 hour morning session. The MAT is written on the same day in a 3 hour afternoon session.…
Different universities may have different ways of calculating this point score. (This does not apply to Universities of Technology, which have their own requirements.) How to calculate your APS score: The APS system allocates point values to seven NSC subjects. Write down your relevant Grade 12 subjects and the levels you have obtained. Allocate points according to the table below. Add up the number of points you have scored for all seven subjects. If you have eight or more subjects, use Life Orientation plus your six best subjects to calculate your APS. Refer to the one on the website which calculates…
College depression is a common problem. Understand why the transition to college makes young adults vulnerable to depression — and what you can do about it. Helping your child make the emotional transition to college can be a major undertaking. Know how to identify whether your child is having trouble dealing with this new stage of life — and what you can do to help. What is college depression, and why are college students vulnerable to it? Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. College depression isn’t a clinical diagnosis. Instead,…
Distance Learning, or correspondence/e-learning, is a fast-growing choice among SA students. It offers you the flexibility to plan your studies around your own personal schedule and to learn while you earn, combining work and study. The choice of distance learning courses, from many top colleges and some universities, is more comprehensive and more affordable than face-to-face studies. It has the benefits of zero travel fees to campus and back as well as the course fees being a lot less than campus learning. With most distance learning institutions, your study materials are included in the fees. Given the wide choices available…