In today’s evolving world, education is about more than just academics. To thrive, learners need confidence, resilience, emotional agility, and life skills to serve them both in and outside the classroom. At The Love Trust’s Nokuphila School in Thembisa, a meaningful partnership with Real Stuff for Success brings these tools directly into the hands—and hearts—of learners.
Founded by Candice Preston, an experienced teacher and passionate coach, Real Stuff for Success blends Study to Thrives’ whole brain learning methods, emotional intelligence training, and Money Savvy Human’s financial literacy skills into a powerful programme showing life-changing results in schools across South Africa.
Whole Brain Learning: Teaching Students How to Learn
At the heart of the programme is Study to Thrive, which uses whole-brain learning techniques grounded in neuroscience. It’s not just about what learners know, but how they absorb, apply, and retain that knowledge.
“We want to demystify learning,” explains Silas Pillay, Director of Academics at Nokuphila. “Whole Brain Learning equips learners with strategies for critical thinking, memorisation, exam prep, reading and comprehension—and it helps them enjoy the process.”
Importantly, these methods are designed to build confidence. Many learners at Nokuphila come from communities where self-esteem and emotional intelligence are still developing. By helping them experience small, consistent successes, Real Stuff for Success nurtures self-belief and a love for learning.
“Where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you’re going,” Pillay affirms. “When learners believe they can, they start to engage with school and life differently.”
Emotional Intelligence: The Hidden Key to Academic Success
“EQ is the heart of learning,” says Preston. “It shapes how we connect, respond to stress, and how we stay motivated.”
Real Stuff for Success incorporates Positive Intelligence techniques (based on the work of Shirzad Chamine), helping students shift from fear-based thinking to calm, focused decision-making. The result is better resilience, better stress management, and improved academic performance.
Pillay agrees. “There’s a direct link between emotional intelligence and results. When learners can stay calm under pressure, manage their time and work smart, not just hard, they’re more likely to succeed. But EQ also plays a massive role beyond the classroom, especially in interview settings where confidence and self-presentation matter.”
Candice Preston at Nokuphila School in Midrand.
Financial Literacy: Money Matters
Through the Money Savvy Humans programme, learners are introduced to financial literacy as early as Grade 4. Using storytelling, games, and role-play, they learn the difference between needs and wants, how to save, budget, and eventually manage real-world finances.
“Even younger learners in the foundation phase can begin to grasp basic money concepts,” says Preston. “It’s about laying strong foundations for habits that will empower them to make informed decisions for the rest of their lives.”
Pillay reinforces this by encouraging the integration of these skills across the curriculum: “Teachers can weave financial literacy into literacy, numeracy, and life skills lessons. Activities like setting up a pretend shop make learning feel relevant and fun.”
Not Just Theory—Real Results
The programme’s impact isn’t theoretical. At Alexandra High School, where Study to Thrive partnered with Ocular Technologies, the matric pass rate jumped from 34.3% to 65.4% in just one year.
This success was due to the whole-school approach: engaging not only learners but also teachers to adopt more effective strategies and build confidence. “In my opinion,” says Pillay, “there’s no such thing as a child who is unable to learn—only a teacher who hasn’t discovered how to reach that child.”
That’s why teacher training is also a key focus. Through helping educators understand different learning styles and multiple intelligences, the programme creates lasting change that extends well beyond a single term or subject.
Preparing for Exam Season: Tips for Learners and Parents
With exam season looming, both Preston and Pillay emphasise the importance of preparation—not just academically, but holistically.
For learners:
○ Study in short, focused bursts. Stay relaxed and reinforce learning through active recall and teaching the material to someone else.
○ Plan your study times and tackle tough subjects first. Give yourself the advantage of time, and do not neglect the power of idle time (waiting for transport, etc.) that can be used to cover small sections.
○ Sleep, hydration, and nourishing meals are brain fuel.
For parents:
○ Limit distractions, offer breaks, and keep the environment supportive.
○ Praise progress and perseverance, not just the final mark.
○ Ask your child to explain their work to you, it’s a powerful way to cement learning.
Real Stuff for Real Life
At Nokuphila, Real Stuff for Success is more than a partner. It’s a catalyst for meaningful change, building a generation of learners and teachers who are emotionally intelligent, financially literate, and confident in their abilities.
“Knowing is not enough,” reiterates Pillay. “We must do. That’s what makes learning stick.” Thanks to this powerful programme, learners at Nokuphila are not just being prepared for exams, they’re being prepared for life.
