TouchBase on Education with Yolandi Garden

AS & A Level results come out on August 11, 2026, at 06:00 BST. IGCSE & O Level results come out on August 18, 2026

I always sit with a knot in my stomach on this day because things never go exactly as planned for everyone. For some, there is elation and others devastation. There are those who work really hard and sometimes things still don't go their way.

Whatever your day brings on results day - You are incredible, you do not need a set of digits on a piece of paper to prove that to you.

What I have discovered while working with hundreds of people over the years is this: There is ALWAYS another plan to be made, route to follow, idea to pursue. If you're feeling stumped, reach out.

I feel it’s time that we get real about trades and their value.

I know each has its place, but tell me:

How do you feel about trade school vs. university degrees?

I am never very comfortable with praise, but my team needs their skills, heart and commitment recognised.

We truly love our students and their stories. Keep your eyes peeled for our story about this student ✨

So many of our South African Cambridge students don’t want to do Afrikaans (a discussion for another day). Nix and her team at Lingual Express offer an excellent alternative.

Contact lingualexpressza

I am currently out of office doing all things relating to alternative and tertiary education in the Western Cape.

Truly excited to report back on my findings, the incredible people I’m meeting and the opportunities out there for kids who place any and everywhere on the spectrum of achievement.

For those high achieving students applying to university, get those applications in - time is running out 📚

(Picture: Looking down at the UCT Admissions building)

We are seeing a growing number of students who struggle with reading comprehension and inference. This has become a significant concern, particularly among our GED students, although it is not limited to this group. As the GED is largely a series of comprehension-based assessments, these difficulties have a direct impact on student performance.

Words like...

goeie en goed
geluk en gelukkig
gesonde en gesondheid

..really do create a headache for English speaking learners. Here is a short explanation of Goeie vs. Goed

CAMBRIDGE EXAM TIMETABLE

📚 Just a reminder:
The October/November 2026 Exam Table for Zone 3 📚

www.cambridgeinternational.org

North West University opened for applications this week.

It’s probably the easiest application process available. The system is fairly straightforward.

Remember that selection course applications close at the end of June.
General course applications close at the end of August.

An interesting addition this year is the requirement of a police clearance for certain courses as well as all international students.

Such a great post by Gina Gush ♥️

Give her a follow at tribe_around_the_table if this resonates with you.