The transition from high school to higher education is one of the most significant steps in a young person’s life.
This according to Prof. Francis Petersen, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the Free State (UFS).
His sentiments were voiced against the backdrop of the announcement of the 2023 matric results last week.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga revealed on Thursday, 18 January, that South Africa had recorded an improvement of 82,9 % in pass rate, a significant increase of 2,8 % from the previous year’s 80,1 %.
“The transition from high school to higher education represents a coming-of-age journey that is usually associated with great excitement and big dreams, but also with a fair amount of trepidation and uncertainty,” said Petersen.
“Very often students find themselves ill-prepared for this important phase in their lives, causing even the most promising among them to struggle.
“The old African proverb, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, is true of a university context too, because it requires the combined effort and input of schools, parents, communities, alumni, higher education institutions, and the students themselves to ensure that they are adequately prepared for a successful journey from first year to graduate.”
According to Petersen, over the past decade or two, most South African universities have invested heavily in various forms of student support offerings.
“The reason for this can be found in an important focus shift that has taken place in higher education – from concentrating on securing access to our institutions (which is still important), to ensuring the success of our enrolled students.
“An academic mindset needs to be cultivated in our schools, but also in parental homes in the months and years that precede their studies.
“An important departure point is the identification of the right study programme – and by implication, the right career. Choosing a career remains one of the most important decisions in a person’s life. It is essential that every young individual takes personal the responsibility for this, and diligently apply themselves to identifying a field that suits their specific set of aptitudes, skills, and interests,” said Petersen.
He has emphasised the importance of parents and family members playing a role in exposing children to different career possibilities while they are still in school.
“The foundation for the academic skills needed for successful higher education studies needs to be laid long before studies commence. Successful university students need strong core skills in writing, research, and critical thinking – ideally honed over the 12 years they spend at school.
“University studies are certainly a significant degree more rigorous than high school, demanding a higher level of self-discipline, academic proficiency, and time management. Successful students are normally the ones who have already shown academic commitment at school.”
Petersen explained that for many students, transitioning to higher education also meant venturing out on their own for the first time, independent of parents and guardians.
“Independent living skills in the form of basic cooking, laundry, and self-care will be needed to support students living away from home for the first time – skills that should ideally be established while living at home.”
He stressed that financial ability remains an important factor.
“A certain degree of financial skills is also required to be able to manage a simple budget to prevent exceeding their resources or income.
“These are skills that can be taught at school – but they need to be reinforced and find practical application at home,” said Petersen.
