Cedarwood School is giving its vocational learners more than classroom knowledge by equipping them with practical life skills, including the opportunity to write their learner’s drivers licence test, as part of a programme designed to prepare them for greater independence and future employment.

The school’s vocational (Voc) programme is centred on the nationally recognised end user computing (NQF Level 3) qualification, which equips learners with essential digital literacy and workplace computer skills.

To complement this, the school offers a range of value-added courses through community and industry partnerships that expose learners to real-world experiences.

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Head of pre-vocational and vocational at Cedarwood School Mazizi Chembe-Mjamba said the learner’s licence initiative was inspired by the department’s commitment to preparing pupils for life beyond school.

“This initiative was inspired by the understanding that many of our pupils will one day become vehicle owners and drivers. By introducing learner’s licence preparation at this stage, we aim to provide them with valuable knowledge, and life skills, that will benefit them well beyond the classroom.”

The initiative also reinforced the skills learners acquire through the end user computing qualification.

“The official learner’s licence examination, administered by the department of transport, is computer-based. As a result, pupils were able to apply their digital literacy skills in an authentic assessment environment, reinforcing both their technological competence and their confidence in using computer-based systems.”

Head of subjects for pre-vocational and vocational at the college Doctor Mawela said the experience taught learners’ valuable lessons, regardless of the outcome. “It served as an important lesson in resilience, perseverance, and determination.

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While not all pupils were successful on their first attempt, the experience provided a valuable opportunity for personal growth. They came to appreciate that meaningful achievements often require persistence, thorough preparation and intentional effort.”

Mawela added that learners embraced the opportunity enthusiastically, and remained motivated even if they did not pass on their first attempt.

The learner’s licence initiative builds on other practical training opportunities offered through the vocational programme.

Previous partnerships have included a basic barista course, presented with CIRO Bryanston, and some vocational learners have also successfully completed a first aid level 1 course, to develop essential emergency response skills.

“We remain committed to continuously reviewing and expanding our programme offerings to ensure that our students are equipped with practical competencies that prepare them for life, further education, and the world of work.”

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