Brainline - adequately preparing students for further studies

Bottomline: Our son who joined 2nd quarter grade 11 and changed language (our choice), was very well prepared for university studies, and is now a confident, independant, capable first year student at Maties.

That said, changing from a brick and mortar school to Brainline was no easy way to finish matric. His average marks fell a good 15% initially, and his matric marks were probably lower than they would have been via the "normal school system" (other parents in the area experienced the same trend) - BUT we are convinced that his Brainline journey prepared him far better for further studies than the normal school system does. (Our oldest son did matric the "standard way" in 2018 and even with excellent marks, battled far more with adjusting to university level academics. He was more used to being s**** fed, rather than going through Brainline's no-s****feed training towards being a self motivated, independant student. Communication with the school was not always quick and easy. He did however learn to take full responsibility for his studies and not be deterred by fluctuating marks. Brainline has a delightful selection of subjects on offer.

If your child is planning to apply for a course like medicine and receiving top marks is a top priority for selection, rather stick to the normal school system, where children are being trained to write a good exam and top marks are easier to attain - IEB does not focus on straight forward answers or easy marks. rather on developing insight into the work. (Students might be better prepared the IEB way, but miss being selected due to competing with Department of Basic Ed students and their higher marks) If however you want your child to develop the ability to be a self propelled, independant student, who can think for themselves, you cannot go wrong with Brainline.

Younger children definitely need more parent involvement the Brainline way, but high school learners, are able to work independantly.

We were still able to do the invigilation as parents during Covid, but invigilation can become costly if you have to pay extra for that.

Brainline is not the easiest option out there, but we are most satisfied with our son's preparation for further studies after matriculating at Brainline in 2021.