Curro Serengeti. Maluta Netshipale, the 2020/2021 Curro Serengeti Head Girl has secured the attention not only of one international university, but three. She’s been provisionally accepted to study Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology at The University of Nottingham. The University of Liverpool accepted her for Psychological Sciences. The University of Manchester accepted her for Biomedical Sciences. Local universities do not offer what she wants to study at degree level. It is highly specialised. That said, Maluta’s offers from local universities include those from the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria and University of KwaZulu Natal in fields that relate to the biological sciences and medicine.
Final choice
Maluta’s final choice of tertiary education provider comes down to her fascination with what makes us all human. Furthermore to how large a role the brain plays in our unique chemistry and make-up. She says, “I want to understand what parts of us are inherent and what it is that we control. And from those parts that we control, how do we control them – through our brain or environmental factors?” She is also reviewing the institutions with regards to the insight and information they provide about their courses. Their accolades and campus lifestyle is also important. Degrees at all institutions are three years long. She also has the option to work within the industry for a year to research. She has to write a report on her experiences and what she has gained from them.
Armed with her degree, Maluta wants to practice as a cognitive therapist or cognitive behavioural therapist. She has a strong desire to help people with mental disorders and mental issues. She also wants to enable them, through therapy, to live fulfilling and enjoyable lives. “My goal is to help people who struggle with their mental and emotional health by gaining a better understanding of what causes their challenges. I also wants to investigate how much of it can be altered. Mental health issues are rife all over the world. I want to help open up people’s minds to the idea of seeking psychiatric, therapeutical or medical help,” she says.
UK Universities
Applications to the UK universities began in May. She has just received news of her acceptance at all three. Her stellar marks ranging between 83% and 92%. This is for her subjects of Afrikaans FAL, English HL, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Dramatic Arts and Life Orientation. With these subjects it’s easy to understand her attractiveness as a future student to the international institutions.
“Maluta is not only a strong leader as Head Girl of our school. She is also among the most academically gifted too. Her results for her Grade 12 third term were exceptional and we are so proud of her for attracting the interest of universities with such standing and reputation. Having worked consistently throughout her school years to achieve these results has paid off. We congratulate Maluta and thank her for flying our flag high,” comments Curro Serengeti’s Executive Head, Dr Sharitha Lalla.
Maluta will decide on a choice of university following the release of the Matric results. Taking into consideration that the UK academic year starts in September 2022.
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