Author / Shuters House

by Shuters House

Digital Skills textbooks to help teach Coding and Robotics!

Shuter & Shooter Publishers is proud to announce that it will soon be releasing its Top Class Digital Skills series. This is an up-to-date and easy to follow learning programme that is compatible with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). These workbooks help to teach basic digital skills so that learners can get to grips with computing. Written by subject experts, with over 15 years’ experience in teaching digital skills to South African learners, this series is educationally sound and filled with innovative content. There is a strong focus on introducing learners to both *Coding and *Robotics, preparing them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The Top Class Digital Skills Series will be available for Grades R to 9. We will launch Grades R,1,2 and 3 in  the second quarter of 2020 with the remaining grades following thereafter. For more information or for pre-ordering please contact our customer services department on 033 846 8721 or email sylvie@shuter.co.za thandeka@shuter.co.za mbali@shuter.co.za zandilem@shuter.co.za

by Shuters House

Shuter and Shooter Publishers announces new ownership structure

Shuter and Shooter Publishers (Pty) Ltd, a proudly South African Company and BBBEE Level II contributor, is pleased to announce a landmark transaction with Zungu Investments Company (Pty) Ltd an existing shareholder in the Company. The acquisition translates into Shuters becoming one of the largest 100% black-owned educational publishers in South Africa.

Mr Sandile Zungu Addresses Media and the staff at Shuters

Mr Sandile Zungu Addresses Media and the staff at Shuters

About Shuter and Shooter Publishers

Shuters is a leading publisher in the South African schools sector. Established as a bookshop almost 100 years ago, the Company began publishing isiZulu novels, poetry and textbooks from the early 1930’s. Since then, they have successfully produced quality literature and educational materials in most of the South African official languages, as well as for the National Department of Basic Education’s school curriculum (CAPS).

Shuters has over 950 CAPS-approved titles that appear on the nationally approved textbook catalogue. In addition, they host an extensive range of supplementary educational materials for South African schools and libraries. They have also invested in developing e-learning materials, keeping abreast of technology in education.

In 2016, Shuters launched the Shuters Academy, which is an Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) accredited training provider, and is also registered with SACE – enabling the Academy to issue teachers with Career Professional Training and Development (CPTD) points.

In 2017, the exciting new Study Guide series – Ace it! was launched. Ace it! is unique in that it focuses on the different learning styles, and includes study tips for each learning style to help learners excel in their year-end exams.

About Zungu Investments Company

Zungu Investments has been a deep-rooted, performance-driven investment holding company for almost two decades. They are a young, dynamic team of entrepreneurial professionals whose investment philosophy is guided by long-term partnerships. Through the solid foundations that the founder, Sandile Zungu has set out, they have affirmed themselves as an active leader in the investment arena.

Zungu Investments incorporates the notion of transformation across all business spheres. As a BBBEE Level I contributor, they aspire to make a significant impact on the lives of all South Africans, and in particular the youth and the previously disadvantaged.

by Shuters House

Shuter and Shooter is now an accredited training provider!

We have recently been awarded accreditation by the Education Training and Development Practice Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA). This means that we now offer much sought after accredited training programmes in the education, training and development space. These include:

  • Conduct Outcomes Based Assessment: Unit Standard- 115753 (15 Credits)
  • Conduct Moderation of Outcomes Based Assessment: Unit Standard- 115759 (10 Credits)
  • Facilitate Learning Using a Variety of Given Methodologies: Unit Standard- 117871 (10 Credits)

In order to ensure that you get the best when you enrol to complete these learning programmes with us we guarantee you top class training by top class trainers who are well qualified and experienced in this field. Added to this we ensure that our post training support is second to none and that you will be assisted as far as possible in being declared competent.

What does this mean for you?

Besides using your newly developed skills and knowledge as assessors, moderators and or facilitators to enhance your daily practice in your career, we will also guide you on how to register with the ETDP SETA. Also remember that the credits obtained are all counted towards full qualifications in the education, training and development field.

If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Telephone : +27 33 846 8700
Email : esupport@shuters.co.za

by Shuters House

Shuter & Shooter to partner with the Dlulisa Initiative

Mfundo Radebe

The Shuter & Shooter team met Mfundo Radebe for the first time in early 2017 when he was asked to be our brand ambassador for Ace it!, our new study guide series. We were instantly drawn in by his wide smile, his passion for education and his enthusiasm and willingness to change the status quo. Mfundo is a shining example of what the African child is capable of, and we are excited to share his story with South Africa and the world.

Through our conversations we learnt about the Dlulisa Initiative, an organisation founded by Mfundo to attempt to redress the imbalanced distribution of learning materials in the country’s poorest schools. With a long and proud history of 96 years as a producer and distributor of learning materials, Shuter & Shooter were impressed with Mfundo’s message and his vision.

Mfundo’s story is an inspiration to young South Africans from all walks of life: Unimpressed and unsatisfied with the educational opportunities offered in his area, Mfundo blazed a trail that has taken him all the way to Harvard University. As impressive as that is, what is really astonishing is that Mfundo has never forgotten where he comes from and that, at such a young age, he is determined to help in a tangible and logical way.

The South African educational landscape has travelled a long road in the 23 years since apartheid was finally abolished; however there is still a long way to go. Over 60% of South African children are vulnerable (this includes children in impoverished rural areas and townships, children from single parent and child-headed households and, in particular, girls in impoverished areas). Unfortunately, the cycle of poverty is perpetuated by the quality of schooling in impoverished areas. While improving the quality of education and schooling is a complicated process, access to quality educational resources is an important and sound foundation from where to start.

To this end, Shuter & Shooter is delighted to announce that they will be partnering with the Dlulisa Initiative to provide up to 30 schools with quality learning materials. This donation will allow the Dlulisa Initiative to move in and install sound learning practices in schools that need it most. The donation and the Dlulisa Initiative’s work will ensure that thousands of young learners have access to textbooks and readers, which will help to create learning environments conducive to learning.

As Mfundo knows well, education is a powerful springboard. It is our hope that, by investing in these learners, that they will seize the opportunity, as Mfundo did. We are proud that the Dlulisa Initiative recognises that Shuter & Shooter, as a proudly South African company, is a worthwhile education partner. Together, we will work towards accessible education for all South African learners.

– Warren Kliphuis

National Marketing Director

July 2017

by Shuters House

To-do list for 2016

A very happy 2016 to all our Shuters family, customers and friends!

Now that the back-to-school rush is over, you must have been thinking about some goals and things you would like to achieve during the course of this brand-new year.

New Year’s resolutions often fail because they are either too ambitious or not realistic enough. Here is an alternative – a to-do list of things you can be mindful of this year.

  1. Spend more time having actual conversations with people rather than interacting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Build real relationships with the people around you.
  2. Plant a tree, shrub or bush in your garden, or a plant in a pot on your windowsill. Something fresh and green and alive to look at and to keep you grounded when you get stressed.
  3. Be grateful. At the end of each day, instead of thinking about the things that went wrong, try to focus on all the things that you can be grateful for.
  4. Laugh more. Laugh with others (not at them!).
  5. Take time out to play. There is a small child inside you that needs to be let out every so often. Play, be carefree and have fun.
  6. Be kind. Very often, the people around you are carrying burdens you know nothing about. Kindness to each other can help make those burdens a little lighter.

These are just a few items on our to-do list here at Shuters. Why not add to our list by posting your suggestions on our Facebook page?

by Shuters House

Early Christmas Shopping

Christmas is just around the corner.

Be sure to visit www.shuters.com to stock up on goodies for the little ones this Christmas.

The Farmyard Puzzle

Farm PuzzleChildren will have lots of fun learning about farm animals and farm life. Not is it enjoyable but educational too. They are able to practise visualisation, language and fine motor planning skills.

The Metal Cooking Set

Metal Cooking Play Set A set of durable metal pots, pans and utensils, which will provide children with endless fun as they play and “prepare” tasty food for the family.

The large Plastic Wild Animals set

Plastic Wild Animals (Large) Consists of six wild animals and a big play mat so that children can exercise their imagination while playing with these sturdy toys.

The Full Train Set

Full Train Set Consists of an oval 12-piece track, plastic locomotive, wagon and coach for hours of endless fun.

Wooden Cricket Set

Cricket Set For sports and outdoor enthusiasts, the wooden Cricket Set is a perfect gift. Children will have fun in the garden, playing cricket just like the Proteas!

Children’s Books

Hi, Zoleka Cover We also have some lovely children’s books. What about Hi, Zoleka, by South African icon Gcina Mhlope (with Elizabeth Pulles), which is available in English, Xhosa and Zulu. This charming book is aimed at children from three to seven years.

Lindakhil coverFor younger children between the ages of 0 to two there is This baby and is available in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa and Zulu.

Have you ever slurped strawberry soupThe award winning Have you slurped strawberry soup? by Nicole Levin (with Vian Oelofsen) is a firm favourite. Have a look at our earlier blog post on this title for more information.

Whatever you are looking for, you will be sure to find it at Shuters. For more information have a look at our website, or contact our friendly customer services department on 033 846 8721/22/23.

by Shuters House

Holiday reads

It’s that time of year when you start thinking of those lazy summer days on school holiday. The perfect time to pick up a good book and let your imagination soar.

Here are some good holiday reads from Shuters you may enjoy.

Metjodi Ya Marakwaneng Metjodi Ya Marakwaneng, by K. P. D. Maphalla, is a feel-good Sesotho novel about a group of boys who get together to help the community by working as a team to build a swimming dam for everyone to use.

Hotwire Cover Hotwire, by Jay Heale is an English novel about the adventures of Ben and Tarif who love cars. They embark on a dangerous mission to get Ben’s mother’s car back from the mysterious mechanic.

Lindakhil cover Lindakhil’ilizwi Lakho, by M. G Mdliva is an isiXhosa novel that explores the power of the love that exists between a parent and a child.

Three Friends Cover Three Friends, , by Lesley Beake (with Minky Stapleton) is an English novel that deals with two best friends, Lindi and Thandile. Their friendship is disturbed when a strange new girl comes to the village and everything starts going wrong.

Ngizigwaze Ngowami Cover Ngizigwaze Ngowami, is an isiZulu novel by N. Mavundla. It relates the experiences and adventures of Princess Thokozile, who leaves her home to go and work in Johannesburg.

You can find these and many other cool books in your local library, or order them online from www.shuters.com. Alternatively, contact our Customer Services Department on 033-846 8721/22/23

Write a review of any of these novels and send them to us at entries@shuter.co.za by 16 January 2016, and you could stand to win a cool Shuters hamper.

by Shuters House

Exam tips

The dreaded exam season is upon us again, and all over South Africa, anxious learners are busy revising the year’s work and stressing about the year- end exams which are looming on the horizon.

Here are some handy hints and tips to get you through this stressful time!

1. Manage your time carefully

Draw up a revision schedule so that you can have enough time to revise. Sit down with your exam timetable, and make sure that you allocate enough time for revision to each subject, paying particular attention to those subjects you might be struggling with.

When managing your time, remember to also make sure that you have some leisure time to spend with friends and family. Spending time relaxing with your friends can help reduce stress, but you must make sure that you keep on top of your studies!

2. Ask for help

If you are struggling with a particular subject or topic, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember that your teacher is there to help you understand your subject. Alternatively, you may want to have a look at the internet which can help you with video tutorials.

Hello tutor Have a look at www.hellotutor.co.za for tutorials in Mathematics and Physical Sciences by some of South Africa’s top teachers. The Khan Academy also has some useful material, which you can find at www.khanacademy.org .

3. Practice makes perfect

Try to access copies of past examination papers so that you can exercise your skills. Your school library may have copies of past papers, but alternatively you could have a look at the Department of Basic Education website: www.thutong.doe.gov.za, which has copies of past papers, together with marking memoranda.

Using a study guide such as the Shuters Exam Notebook series can also be a great help, as they highlight problem areas, and give you practical examples and hints and tips for exam success.

Exam Notebooks - Eng Geography G12

Exam Notebooks - Physical Sciences G12

Exam Notebook ENGLISH Accounting G12 Cover

4. Get enough exercise

Getting plenty of regular exercise not only helps you to keep healthy, it also has been proven to lower stress levels and leads to better sleep. Even if you are not a sportsman or sportswoman, a quick walk around the block during a study break will help you to de-stress, and clear your head.

5. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water

It is extremely tempting to keep snacking on chips, sweets and chocolates while studying, but these snacks won’t help your body in the long term. Try to eat foods that will keep you fuller for longer. Aim for a balanced diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables, and wholewheat or wholegrain bread.

Drink plenty of water. Your brain and your body need water to function properly. Make sure that you drink plenty of water while you are studying. Research carried out in the United Kingdom suggests that drinking water can help improve exam results and lower stress levels.

6. Above all, DON’T PANIC!!

Try to keep a clear head. Getting into a panic is a sure recipe for disaster when you are preparing for an exam. Try meditating for 10 minutes every morning and evening to help you relax and think clearly. If you are struggling with a particular topic, put it aside for a while, revise another subject before going back to the problem area. You may very well find that if you approach it after a break, it doesn’t seem quite so frightening after all.

Remember
If you are feeling deeply depressed and anxious at this stressful time, make an effort to seek help from a parent, teacher or counsellor. There are plenty of people out there who are willing and able to help!

by Shuters House

You and your eBook – Part 1 – Choosing a tablet

With education moving towards a digital platform, many parents and teachers are wondering which mobile devices to buy and how it all works. This new educational world can be very confusing for those of us who are inexperienced with technology.
In the following weeks we will be answering these questions and look at providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to learning on your mobile device.

Choosing a tablet

This week we start with what to consider when choosing a tablet:
When it comes to learning from a mobile device such as a tablet, the range is quite extensive, from really cheap devices to the most expensive.. You might be tempted to just buy the cheapest on the market, but this may not be the best choice in the long term.
Budget
Money always plays a factor when buying a tablet, but bear in mind the following:

  • cheap tablets often have a poorer battery life. You don’t want to keep having to charge it up, especially in the classroom.
  • cheap tablets often have less memory and features than the more expensive models
  • you will need to insure the device against damage or loss – factor in this cost.
  • a cheap option can sometimes end up more expensive in the long run.

It is a good rule of thumb to buy the best tablet you can afford. It should last longer and have more features than a cheaper alternative.

Research

Once you have decided on your budget, do your homework! Talk to friends and other parents about their choice of device. Read up on the different devices available on the Internet. Chat to the school, which may be able to give you some guidance.

Robustness

Who will be using the tablet? Young children tend to need more robust devices with protective casings and covers. In our experience the cheaper devices when used everyday tend to not last past the year, and mid-range devices tend to last 2-3 years.

Screen size

When reading on a tablet, we recommend a minimum screen size of 10”. The 7” screens make reading harder which might lead to a poorer learning experience.

Connectivity

Wireless connectivity (WiFi) is a must, this enables the user to connect the tablet to networks as well as the Internet. This allows you to download content on to the tablet. Most tablets come with built-in WiFi.
3G is not required in most cases, however if you do need to be connected while out of reach of a WiFi network, or don’t have a reliable internet connection you might want to consider this option. 3G will incur mobile data charges as it uses a mobile network.

Storage capacity

Storage capacity refers to how much can be stored on a tablet. Storage is usually measured in Gigabytes and Megabytes.
A Gigabyte (Gb) consists of 1024 Mb (Megabytes).
As typically enhanced school books can consist of a couple of hundred Mb per book, we would recommend buying a tablet with 8 Gb minimum storage with an additional 8Gb SD card (make sure the tablet has the ability to take an SD card if smaller than 16Gb). 16GB of storage should be more than enough for educational purposes.

Battery life

Typically a school child will be using the device for up to 8 hours while learning. Make sure that the tablet has a battery life of at least this time. The longer the battery life, the better, because children often forget to charge their tablets!

Camera

Most tablets come with a built-in camera, but this is not essential, and shouldn’t be a major consideration when choosing a tablet. However, cameras are fun for children and could add to the learning experience by helping learners take photos for assignments and projects..

Choose wisely, and make sure that you get the best value for your money!