What is the Connect and Grow Programme?
The Connect and Grow Programme is UCT Online High School's social and emotional learning initiative, designed to support the holistic development of learners. This unique offering empowers learners to navigate social, emotional, and academic challenges while building essential skills for self-directed learning—a crucial component of our learning model.
Connect and Grow is about fostering meaningful social connections. Learners come together weekly to engage in dynamic, interactive sessions with their peers and Support Coaches from each grade. These sessions provide a safe, inclusive space where learners can build friendships, share experiences, and grow alongside others who are on the same journey. Whether exploring life skills, discussing challenges, or simply having fun, each session encourages collaboration, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Senior Phase (Grade 8 & 9) learners can expect to gain more insight into:
☀️Self-discovery and exploration techniques such as activities that will help them discover their interests and how to express themselves freely and respectfully;
☀️ Essential life skills such as emotional wellbeing and time management;
☀️ Foundations for online learning success such as understanding the importance of connection with others who are also navigating the online learning environment.
FET Phase (Grades 10 - 12) learners can expect to gain more insight into:
💡Ways to manage their stress and how to maintain a healthy mindset, especially as they step into the last phase of secondary schooling;
💡Key skills for school and career success such as practical tools and tips to succeeding;
💡 Preparation for life beyond school - more than just career guidance!
Although not compulsory, the Connect and Grow Programme is strongly recommended for its engaging and growth-promoting content. It is not a replacement for Life Orientation but rather a complementary resource to enrich learners’ educational journey
How does the Connect and Grow Programme work?
The programme is delivered through weekly 30–45-minute live sessions facilitated by a Support Coach assigned to the learner’s grade. These sessions, designed to be interactive and supportive, are scheduled directly into the learner's UCT Online High School Google Calendar.
The Connect and Grow Programme is designed to accommodate diverse learner needs by offering flexibility and support. Weekly live sessions are scheduled in advance, ensuring they fit seamlessly into learners' calendars, while the programme also provides access to additional resources for those requiring extra guidance. Support Coaches oversee each grade, tailoring the content to the learners’ developmental stages and creating a safe, supportive environment for growth.
Why sign up for the Connect and Grow Programme?
As a guardian, you can expect the following for your learner:
🛠️✨ Skill-building for success: Whether it’s fostering self-discovery and foundational skills in Senior Phase or preparing for life beyond high school in FET, Connect and Grow will equip learners with tools to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities.
🌱🧠 Holistic Development: By focusing on confidence, resilience and personal growth, learners begin to develop skills that will serve them for life after high school - setting the foundation for academic success and future achievement.
🤝🌟 A vibrant community, with like-minded peers: These sessions will provide a safe and engaging space for learners to bond with peers who share the same interests, growing together while building meaningful connections.
As a learner you can expect to have the following experience:
If you’ve been looking for a place to feel connected, Connect and Grow is exactly what you need. You’ll unlock your full potential, build friendships, and have an absolute blast doing it!
🤝🧩 Make friends, build skills: This is your chance to connect with other learners who are on the same journey as you. Building lasting friendship, exploring new ideas and growing together in a fun and supportive environment.
💪✨Stay motivated and confident: These sessions are all about you - helping you stay focused, confident and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
🎓🔑 Learn for life: Pick up practical skills that will help you succeed, not only in school but in whatever you choose to do next.
The below table represents the features you can expect to receive when signing up for the Connect and Grow Programme.
How to sign up for the Connect and Grow Programme?
This is a subscription-based, add-on programme available when guardians sign up for it.
✍️Where to sign up? Your Guardian Portal
⭐Monthly billing fee? R249 monthly and is collected the same way tuition fees are invoiced. You can cancel your subscription at any time
📅When do the sessions begin? April 2025 (Term 2 of the academic year)
🧍Who can join? Learners in grades 8 - 12
Note: In order for the Connect and Grow Sessions to be meaningful and for learners to have the best experience, we will only be able to offer the programme if enough learners sign up each term. You will not be charged if we are unable to offer the programme.
You can find an example of the topics that will be covered below:
We're looking forward to seeing your learner there!