From the Classroom to Four Real Clients

Working with a real client is one of the biggest milestones for first-year students at The Aleit Academy. With a real brief and an event to deliver, they begin putting their classroom knowledge into practice. In 2026, our students were entrusted with four Matric Farewells. Their clients included Parel Vallei High School, Paarl Girls’ High School, Durbanville High School and Stellenbosch High School.

The process began with client briefings, where students learned about each school’s vision, expectations and requirements. They then worked in teams to turn this information into creative event concepts. Each proposal considered décor, budgeting, logistics and the overall guest experience.

Next, students presented their concepts to the clients, gaining practical experience in pitching an event. They learned to explain their ideas, justify creative decisions and respond to questions. Client feedback also helped them refine their proposals. From there, lead coordinators and teams were selected, and the winning concepts moved into planning.

Once the concepts were approved, students began sourcing suppliers, managing timelines and working within budgets. Throughout the process, they communicated with clients and suppliers while coordinating the details of each event. As their plans took shape, they discovered how much preparation goes into bringing a creative vision to life.

Take a closer look at the four Matric Farewells our first-year students brought to life.

Paarl Girls’ High School: Set in Stone

Paarl Girls’ High School celebrated its Matric Farewell on 18 September 2026 at Dawn Mountains Estate in Klapmuts. With the concept “Set in Stone,” the evening celebrated the friendships, memories and milestones of the matric class.

Soft stone tones, crisp whites and natural textures created an elegant setting that reflected the meaning behind the concept. Together, these details honoured the bonds formed throughout the learners’ school years as they prepared for their next chapter.

Our first-year student coordinators helped bring the celebration to life under the guidance of professional head coordinators. Alongside industry suppliers, they gained practical experience in delivering an event that brought their classroom learning into focus.

Durbanville High School: A Sky Full of Stars

Durbanville High School celebrated its Matric Farewell on 22 September 2026 at the school’s activity centre. Inspired by a starlit night, “A Sky Full of Stars” brought black, white and shimmering silver tones into the space.

Disco balls, metallic fringes and sparkling lights transformed the venue, creating reflections and movement throughout the setting. Together, these elements brought the concept to life as matriculants celebrated their friendships and shared moments on the dance floor.

Behind the scenes, our first-year student coordinators worked alongside industry suppliers under the guidance of professional head coordinators. Through this collaboration, they gained practical experience while helping the matric class celebrate the end of their school journey.

Parel Vallei High School: Champagne in Shadows

Parel Vallei High School celebrated its Matric Farewell on 22 September 2026 at Stellenbosch Town Hall. The concept, “Champagne in Shadows,” brought together deep midnight blues and champagne golds, drawing inspiration from after-hours elegance.

Flowing draping, satin textures and soft lighting transformed the venue, while gold accents added warmth to the setting. Guests arrived along an extended red carpet before stepping inside to explore the lounge areas and central dance floor. As the evening unfolded, a photobooth, ice-cream bar, instant Polaroids and surprise performances added to the celebration.

Behind the scenes, our first-year student coordinators worked under professional guidance to bring the concept to life. Together with industry suppliers, they helped create an evening celebrating friendships, school memories and the excitement of new beginnings.

Stellenbosch High School: Ember the Final Flame

Stellenbosch High School celebrated its Matric Farewell on 25 September 2026 at the school’s Altior Hostel. Inspired by the final glow of an ember, “Ember the Final Flame” explored the warmth of fire, sand and earth.

Burnt orange, soft cream and sandy tones formed the colour palette, while textured décor and warm lighting completed the setting. Together, these details reflected the friendships, memories and achievements that would remain long after the learners’ school years.

Our first-year student coordinators helped bring the concept to life alongside industry suppliers and professional head coordinators. Through this experience, they put their learning into practice while creating a celebration that marked the matric class’s next chapter.

Learning Through Real Events 

These projects offer much more than the opportunity to produce four beautiful Matric Farewells. Through each event, students learn that creativity needs careful planning, clear communication and teamwork to succeed. Along the way, they manage their time, solve problems and take responsibility for their work.

After months of preparation, seeing their ideas come to life gives students a sense of what their future careers could hold. We’re proud of the effort our first-year students put into each celebration and look forward to seeing them build on this experience.

Interested in starting your career in events? At The Aleit Academy, classroom learning and practical experience go hand in hand. Contact our team to learn more about studying with us and taking your first step into the industry.