Blog Layout
How to boost your child’s brainpower by building neuroplasticity
“Research has shown that the better start a child has during their early years, the better their outcomes throughout their education journey,” said Desiree Hugo, academic head of ADvTECH Schools.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and grow in response to experience. It means that the brain can create new connections between neurons, reorganise existing ones, and even generate new cells throughout life.
Neuroplasticity is essential for learning, memory, and adaptation. This is why parents and teachers need to help children develop neuroplasticity from a young age, to help them build the brainpower that will stand them in good stead throughout life, an education expert says.
“Research has shown that the better start a child has during their early years, the better their outcomes throughout their education journey,” said Desiree Hugo, academic head of ADvTECH Schools.
Early childhood development drives success in life, so raising the profile of this stage of learning in all schools and at home is so important, because that is where you inculcate a child’s love for learning or their resistance to learning.
Hugo says in the early years, a child’s brain is more flexible and adaptable than adults’ brains, and they can benefit from stimulating this associated neuroplasticity in various ways.
“This is why children should not only be exposed to opportunities to learn but also to develop their thinking abilities, to build the neuroplasticity around the brain. But the window of opportunity to enhance this is limited, which is why best results are evident if this commences in the early years,” she explained.
Hugo says strategies for teachers and parents to employ to ensure that children develop neuroplasticity during the early years, include:
Encouraging curiosity and exploration
Children are naturally curious and eager to learn about the world around them. By exposing them to new and diverse experiences, you can foster their curiosity and stimulate their brain development. For example, you can take them to museums, parks, libraries, or cultural events. You can read books, watch documentaries, or play games with them, all the time asking them questions, listening to their opinions and challenging their assumptions.
Providing a supportive and positive environment
Children need a safe and nurturing environment to thrive and grow. A supportive and positive environment can enhance their self-esteem, confidence, and motivation. It can also protect them from the negative effects of stress, which can impair neuroplasticity. Praise their efforts, not only their achievements.
Teaching them new skills and hobbies
Children can learn new skills and hobbies that can enrich their lives and boost their brain power. Learning new things activates different regions of the brain and creates new neural pathways, improving cognitive functioning. Learning new skills and hobbies need not be expensive- many learning opportunities exist without needing to incur costs, for instance learning a new language together through online apps, learning to bake or sew, or gardening.
Promoting physical activity and healthy habits
Children need physical activity and healthy habits to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Physical activity and healthy habits can improve blood flow, oxygen supply, and nutrient delivery to the brain. They can also prevent or reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxins that can harm the brain. Encourage children to exercise regularly, play outdoors, or join a school sports team. As far as possible, try to maintain a balanced diet, with adequate hydration and quality sleep. It is of course essential to limit non-productive screen time and junk food intake.
Hugo says schools and teachers also have an important duty to develop neuroplasticity in children.
This can be done through:
- Active learning strategies such as hands-on activities, interactive discussions and problem-solving games.
- Multi-sensory learning will include plentiful visual aids, auditory learning and kinaesthetic activities which allow physical movement during learning.
- Mindfulness and stress reduction will include practices which positively impact brain structure and function, promoting emotional regulation and reducing stress.
- The promotion of curiosity and exploration, by encouraging questioning and relating classroom lessons to real-life situations.
- Individualised learning through differentiated instruction which recognises that each child learns differently, as well as feedback and adaptation which allows students to learn from mistakes.
The incorporation of cognitive challenges such as critical thinking exercises and the learning of new skills.
ADvTECH Updates
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) ACQUISITION OF SECURITIES BY CLIENTS OF PUBLIC INVESTMENT CORPORATION SOC LIMITED (“PIC”) AND DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT In accordance with section 122(3)(b) of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 as amended and section 3.83(b) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that ADvTECH has received formal notification in the prescribed form that PIC’s clients have, in aggregate, acquired an interest in the ordinary shares of the Company, such that the total interest in the ordinary shares of the Company held by PIC’s clients has increased from 15.245% to 20.550% of the total issued ordinary shares of the Company. As required in terms of section 122(3)(a) of the Act, the Company has filed the required notice with the Takeover Regulation Panel. The board of directors of ADvTECH accepts responsibility for the information contained in this announcement as it relates to the Company and confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, such information relating to ADvTECH is true and that this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of such information. Johannesburg 6 May 2024 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“the Company” or “ADvTECH”) NOTICE OF HYBRID ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND AVAILABILITY OF B-BBEE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE Shareholders are advised that the ADvTECH 2023 Annual Integrated Report (“Integrated Report”) has been published today. Electronic versions of the Annual Financial Statements and Ernst & Young Incorporated’s unqualified report are available on the Company’s website at: https://www.advtech.co.za/financial-results and on the JSE Cloudlink at: https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2024/JSE/ISSE/ADH/AFSYE2023.PDF The Integrated Report is available on the ADvTECH website: www.advtech.co.za Notice is hereby given to all shareholders of the Company that the hybrid annual general meeting (“AGM”) for the year ended 31 December 2023 will be held by electronic participation and in-person participation at ADvTECH House, Building 7 Inanda Greens Business Park, 54 Wierda Road West, Wierda Valley, Sandton, 2196 on Wednesday, 5 June 2024 at 10h00. The AGM of the Company will be accessible on an interactive electronic platform, in order to facilitate remote participation and voting by shareholders, as permitted by the JSE Limited and the provisions of the Companies Act and the Company's Memorandum of Incorporation to consider and, if deemed fit, to pass with or without modification all of the ordinary and special resolutions set out in the notice of AGM distributed to shareholders on 30 April 2024, which AGM notice is also available on the ADvTECH website: www.advtech.co.za To this end, the Company has retained the services of The Meeting Specialist Proprietary Limited (“TMS”) to remotely host the AGM on an interactive electronic platform, in order to facilitate remote participation and voting by shareholders. Our transfer secretaries, JSE Investor Services Proprietary Limited, will act as scrutineer. Shareholders who wish to participate in and/or vote at the AGM, remotely or in person, are required to contact TMS on proxy@tmsmeetings.co.za or alternatively contact them on +27 81 711 4255 / +27 84 433 4836 / +27 61 440 1654 as soon as possible, but in any event no later than 10:00am on Monday, 3 June 2024. It is important to note that all voting will take place via the electronic platform, irrespective of a shareholder electing to attend remotely or in person. Shareholders are strongly encouraged to submit votes by proxy before the meeting. If shareholders wish to participate in the AGM, they should instruct their Central Securities Depository Participant (CSDP) or Broker to issue them with the necessary letter of representation to participate in the AGM, in the manner stipulated in your custody agreement. These instructions must be provided to the CSDP or broker by the cut-off time and date advised by the CSDP or broker, to accommodate such requests. SALIENT DATES The record date for the purposes of determining the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive the AGM notice is Friday, 26 April 2024. The record date for purposes of determining which shareholders of the Company are entitled to attend, participate in, and to vote at the AGM is Friday, 31 May 2024. Accordingly, the last date to trade in the Company’s shares on JSE Limited in order to be eligible to attend, participate in and vote at the AGM is Monday, 27 May 2024. AVAILABILITY OF B-BBEE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE In compliance with paragraph 16.21 (g) and Appendix 1 to Section 11 of the JSE Listings Requirements, shareholders are advised that the Company’s annual compliance certificate in terms of section 13G(2) of the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Amendment Act, No 46 of 2013, is available on the Company’s website at https://www.advtech.co.za. 30 April 2024 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by an ADvTECH prescribed officer.
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A DIRECTOR In terms of paragraphs 3.63 to 3.74 of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements (“JSE Listings Requirements”), the following transaction, in respect of which prior written approval pursuant to paragraph 3.66 of the JSE Listings Requirements have been obtained, is hereby disclosed.
ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider, has pledged its support to Educor students left in the lurch after the college group was deregistered this week. “We stand by the Educor students and are committed to supporting them in successfully completing their qualification,” says Shevon Lurie, Director of The Independent Institute of Education, the higher education division of ADvTECH. Brands of The IIE include IIE Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega and IIE Rosebank College. “We understand the uncertainty and concern facing affected students. This is a regrettable and unfortunate development which will impact thousands, and as The IIE, we endeavour to help students registered for both the contact and distance modes of study to the best of our ability to ensure their academic journey is successful in future,” Lurie says. “As part of the ADvTECH group, our commitment is not only to our own students, but also to the sustainability, growth and development of higher education in South Africa as a whole.” Lurie says The IIE has set up a centralised process and will be channelling queries through the Registrar’s office to ensure students are quickly and correctly advised. Students will be accommodated as of Semester 2. Affected students who would like to enquire about their options of transferring to The IIE can mail registrar@iie.ac.za . The office will assist students with queries regarding similar qualifications, the nearest campus to consider, and the process for applying for academic credits. Each student’s financial circumstances and academic transcript will be holistically reviewed. Support for students will be assessed at an individual level given the variables at play. In general, the process ahead will be as follows: Transfer of courses The IIE will look for a similar qualification and NQF level in the chosen field of study, ensuring that the student also meets the admission criteria. Process The IIE will guide students through the necessary channels and steps to ensure they are fully informed. Given that we are already halfway through the first semester transfers will be facilitated for Semester 2. Transfer of credits The IIE will conduct an academic credit mapping exercise for each student. This will entail assessing the overlap between modules that the student has passed with similar modules on the transfer qualification. If there is sufficient alignment, an academic credit/s is granted and the student is exempt from the relevant module. Fee considerations Fee credits will be granted for module credits, i.e. the total programme fee will be reduced by the cost of the module/s that the students are granted academic credit for. “Our focus is to support former Educor students to successfully obtain their qualification, without extending their study period wherever possible,” says Lurie.
25 March 2024: Commenting on the results, retiring ADvTECH CEO, Roy Douglas, said: “ADvTECH’s robust financial performance for the year ended December 2023 is indicative of the group’s sound business model and quality assets. Our schools and tertiary divisions benefitted from good enrolment growth, moderate fee increases and enhanced operating leverage, while, in our resourcing division, we continued to benefit from our investment into the rest of Africa. This sustained performance is driven by the group’s established market position in South Africa and its growing presence across the continent.” “Furthermore, the significant investments made by the group over a number of years are contributing meaningfully to earnings and cash generation. ADvTECH is now in a position where we are generating cash in excess of our investment funding requirements and consequently, the board has increased the dividend payout to shareholders by 45%.” Group operational and financial performance Revenue up 13% Operating profit up 18% Normalised earnings up 20% ADvTECH’s strong financial performance, solid cash generation and healthy balance sheet reflect the group’s sound business model, clear market positioning and emphasis on effectiveness and efficiencies. Group revenue grew by 13% to R7 860 million for the year (2022: R6 961 million) as a result of good enrolment growth in both the schools and tertiary divisions, as well as from increased business activity in the resourcing division. Operating profit increased by 18% to R1 577 million (2022: R1 333 million) while the group operating margin improved to 20.1% (2022: 19.1%). Normalised earnings for the year increased by 20% to R950 million (2022: R790 million) while normalised earnings per share increased by 20% to 174.2 cents (2022 145.7 cents) per share. Cash generated from operating activities increased by 10% to R1 940 million (2022: R1 766 million) illustrating the strong cash generating capacity of the group. Capital expenditure was focused on meeting incremental demand via increasing capacity at existing sites as well as the development of a new school and a new tertiary site. Capital expenditure was also allocated to acquiring equipment and technology to enhance the group’s teaching and learning capability and was used to enhance business systems focused on the standardisation of group-wide processes to allow for further efficiency improvements. The significant investments made by the group over a number of years have begun contributing meaningfully to both earnings and cash generation and, as a result, this reduced borrowings. ADvTECH is now in the position where it is generating cash in excess of what is required to fund the group’s investment programme. Consequently, to better manage the group’s capital structure and optimise return on equity, the board elected to reduce the dividend cover and increase the dividend payout. A final gross dividend of 57.0 cents (2022: 37.0 cents) per ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2023 was declared, bringing the full year dividend to 87.0 cents (2022: 60.0 cents) per share for the 2023 financial year. Schools South Africa Revenue up 13% Operating profit up 18% Operating margin improved to 20.3% The schools division continued to enhance its value proposition and win market share, despite the tough operating environment. All the division’s brands recorded volume and operating profit growth. Revenue increased by 13% to R2 810 million (2022: R2 492 million) and operating profit increased by 18% to R570 million (2022: R484 million) with the operating margin improving to 20.3% (2022: 19.4%). Students at ADvTECH recorded exceptional results in the 2023 Independent Examinations Board examinations achieving an impressive 99.7% pass rate, while 87.7% obtained a bachelor degree pass. Schools in the rest of Africa Revenue up 14% Operating profit up 43% Operating margin improved to 30.0% ADvTECH’s school brands in the rest of Africa recorded strong enrolment growth. Revenue increased by 14% to R381 million (2022: R334 million) while operating profit improved by 43% to R114 million (2022: R80 million) despite the impact of the weakening Kenyan Shilling. The operating margin advanced from 23.9% to 30.0%. Capacity was increased at Crawford International School in Kenya as it continued to experience strong demand. All of the final year students that completed their A-Level qualification were accepted into international universities. Gaborone International School (GIS) in Botswana continued to perform exceptionally well with strong enrolment growth and market leading academic results. The students achieved a 99.7% pass rate in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams. Tertiary/University Revenue up 10% Operating profit up 16% Operating margin improved to 26.4% ADvTECH’s tertiary division continues to perform well, growing off the back of a well-established portfolio of quality brands that offer a comprehensive range of programmes and qualifications. The group’s ability to provide multi-channel modes of delivery (contact, blended, online, full-time, part-time and distance) is central to it proposition and allows the division to meet the requirements of every student at any time, at any location. Revenue increased by 10% to R2 988 million (2022: R2 728million) and operating profit grew by 16% to R787 million (2022: R680 million). Operating margin increased to 26.4% (2022: 24.9%) benefitting from effective cost containment measures. The Varsity College campuses in Pretoria and Midrand were expanded in response to growing demand. Equally so, Rosebank College acquired additional capacity at its mega-campuses in Braamfontein and Pretoria, and opened a new digitally enabled campus in Mbombela in January 2024. Resourcing Revenue up 26% in rest of Africa Operating profit up 28% in rest of Africa The strategy to expand into the rest of Africa continues to bear fruit. Volumes grew substantially over the year resulting in revenue increasing by 26% to R1 452 million (2022: R1 155 million) and operating profit by 28% to R105 million (2022: R82 million). The South Africa resourcing business’ revenue contracted by 9% to R229 million (2022: R252 million) due to the disposal of the group’s 51% share of the Contract Accountants group in the second half of the prior financial year, along with the tough trading environment. Retirement of Roy Douglas and appointment of Geoff Whyte As indicated in previous announcements, on 29 February 2024, Roy Douglas officially retired and stepped down as the CEO of ADvTECH. One of his last formal responsibilities, however, will be to present the financial results to the market. Roy will be joined at the results presentation by the new group CEO, Geoff Whyte. Commenting on the developments, board chairperson, Chris Boulle commented: “Roy has successfully led the group in its expansion strategy during his tenure, resulting in ADvTECH becoming the leading private education and recruitment group across the continent. He leaves ADvTECH in a strong position to continue its growth trajectory. The board wishes to thank Roy for his invaluable contribution during his tenure as CEO and wishes him well in his retirement.” “The board is similarly pleased with the appointment of Geoff Whyte as CEO and are confident that Geoff’s track record and experience will enable him to build on the group’s successes.” Prospects The continued growth in demand for quality education in South Africa, particularly in the rest of Africa, persists. Consequently, the group remains confident that it will be able to sustain its growth trajectory due to its ability to convert demand into continued enrolment growth, at both the schools and tertiary divisions. Commenting on the group’s outlook, Douglas said: “ADvTECH remains very well positioned to benefit from the increase in demand for education in South Africa and particularly in the rest of Africa. Our focus on productivity, efficiency and leveraging scale to deliver value in quality education remains key to our continued growth.”
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) CHANGES TO THE IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF DIRECTORS In accordance with paragraph 3.59 (c) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, and with reference to the announcement published on 4 September 2023 wherein shareholders were informed that Mr Chris Boulle (“Chris”), Chairman of the ADvTECH Board, will retire and step down from the Board following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) to be held on 5 June 2024. Chris will also step down as Chairman of the Nominations Committee and member of the Transformation, Social and Ethics Committee from such date. Professor Alexandra Watson (“Alex”) will take over from Chris as Chair of the Board and Nominations Committee and be appointed as member of the Transformation, Social and Ethics Committee. Johannesburg 20 March 2024 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) CHANGES TO THE IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF A DIRECTOR Shareholders are advised, in accordance with paragraph 3.59(c) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, that Mr GD Whyte has been appointed to the Transformation, Social & Ethics Committee and the Investment Committee, effective 1 March 2024. Mr GD Whyte was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Company with the effect from 1 March 2024 as per the SENS announcement published on 4 December 2023. Johannesburg 7 March 2024 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) JSE code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the group”) TRADING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 In terms of paragraph 3.4(b) of the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, an issuer is required to publish a trading statement as soon as it becomes reasonably certain that the financial results for the next reporting period will show a 20% or more difference from that of the previous corresponding period. The group reports normalised earnings per share ("NEPS") as a way of excluding the effect of one-off transactions and corporate action costs from its results. Basic NEPS for the year ended 31 December 2023 is expected to be between 17% and 22% higher than the comparative reporting period for the year ended 31 December 2022 ("the comparative period") or between 170.5 and 177.8 cents per share as compared to 145.7 cents per share in the comparative period. Basic headline earnings per share (“HEPS”) for the year ended 31 December 2023 is expected to be between 16% and 21% higher than the comparative period or between 169.9 and 177.3 cents per share as compared to 146.5 cents per share in the comparative period. Basic earnings per share ("EPS") for the year ended 31 December 2023 is expected to be between 14% and 19% higher than the comparative period or between 169.4 and 176.8 cents per share as compared to 148.6 cents per share for the comparative period. All divisions contributed to this strong performance by the group. We are pleased with enrolments for 2024 for both the schools and tertiary divisions that are tracking in line with targets and continuing their trend of good growth. The financial information on which this trading update is based has not been reviewed or audited by the group’s external auditors. ADvTECH expects to release results for the year ended 31 December 2023 on the JSE’s Stock Exchange News Service on or about Monday, 25 March 2024. 6 March 2024 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
