[imagesource:ventureburn]

Forget twice-daily school runs, costly uniforms, crowded classrooms, and an education system that can often lead a lot to be desired.

Although, there is still a high likelihood that any teenager asked about their day will respond with ‘fine’.

Parents who are after a change can now opt for something a little different, with the opportunity for their children to complete their high schooling online.

This isn’t a ‘homeschooling your kids about the power of healing crystals’ vibe, either, because the kids will get their high school education certificate virtually, while learning to apply their skills and education towards a better and healthier planet for the future.

Valenture Institute is a new global online education space that will offer South African learners a highly engaging and socially rich learning experience supported by expert tutors and mentors.

The Institute’s official admissions are now open, with the first classes set to begin in January 2020.

Whilst some parents might worry about their children missing out on social interactions and fostering friendships, Valenture promises a highly engaging and social environment, negating the homeschooling worry of an isolated and socially awkward child.

The Institute’s founder and CEO is South Africa’s very own Rob Paddock, co-founder of GetSmarter, and an advisor to several online education companies in Africa and abroad.

Let’s hear from the man himself:

The Institute’s mission is to evolve what it means to “go” to school by transforming physical limitations into digital opportunities. They do this by providing learners worldwide with a fully supported, global online high school experience, steeped in academic excellence and rooted in sustainable practices influenced by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG’s are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all, and address the global challenges we all face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, prosperity, peace and justice.

According to the Institute’s website, the fee structures for 2019/2020 are as follows:

• $50 (+/- R750) Application Fee
• $1 000 (+/- R15 000) per annum for IGCSE subjects
• $1 250 (+/- R18 750) per annum for AS-Level subjects
• $1 250 (+/- R18 750) per annum for A-Level subjects

If accepted as a first-time student with Valenture, the applicant will be required to pay a $500 (around R7 500) placement fee, which will be deducted from the first year’s tuition.

As for those concerned about getting into university, this also from the website:

A major commitment of Valenture Institute is the offering of qualifications that widen future study opportunities for every student within a global context.

Our alignment with Pearson Edexcel allows for precisely that, with their International Advanced Levels (IAL) being recognised by universities worldwide for entry into undergraduate degree programmes and their International GCSEs being equivalent, grade-for-grade, to UK GCSEs and accepted by universities globally.

Given the recent, stirring words of Greta Thunberg, it’s evident that the next generation understands the need to be a little more forward-thinking.

Valenture is clearly aiming to challenge conventional notions of education, whilst at the same time creating a future that young people can actually look forward to.

Paddock’s success with GetSmarter makes it tough to bet against this venture being a success, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on what comes next.

[source:valentureinstitute]