The question of whether matric learners are ready for their end-of-year exams is one many of us ask every year. The matric pass rate a constant national concern, and Grahamstown is no exception.
The question of whether matric learners are ready for their end-of-year exams is one many of us ask every year. The matric pass rate a constant national concern, and Grahamstown is no exception.
TEM Mrwetyana principal, Lindelo Ramokolo says that they are doing their utmost best to help matric learners do well in the exams. “We offer the matrics special classes every Saturday from 8am to 2pm. Then we’re at school doing revision and explaining what the learners struggle with." Rhodes students have also been helping out us the extra classes.
Although the school has been doing particularly well in the past two years, Ramokolo says the performance of this year’s matriculants so far makes him wonder if they will be the leading school out of Grahamstown’s township schools as they have been in the past two years. "We had 77% pass rate last year I wish we could improve and have more than that this year and not stay in one place, but the behaviour of the group we have this year does not give us the hope of doing better. They are not dedicated to their work as the groups we had in the previous years," he said.
It has been a turbulent time for Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School since their principal was forced to leave the school earlier in the year. Acting principal, George Lamani says “Dr Atebe and Mr Ngamlana are helping the learners with Maths and Physical Science and Mr Francis Synders is here and he is offering Physical Science.”
A Grade 12 pupil at the school, Siviwe Mvela says, “Though I did not do well in my June exams, I am ready for the final, I have seen my mistakes and learnt from them, I am now out of my comfort zone.”
Lunga Kiti, who is also in matric, says he is not ready for the exams but he is working very hard to come up with the best results.
The department of education has been of great help to the schools in helping with examination preparations. They have been providing the schools with career guides as well as revision material that can be downloaded on the education department website.
"I won’t say I’m prepared for the exams, I’ll see the bridge when I cross it, says Nombulelo High Grade 12 pupil Abongile Maneli. "The school is helping us a lot in preparation for the exams, they’re giving us extra classes and books to revise for the exams," she said.
Nombulelo and TEM Mrwetyana High School will be attending remedial classes during the school holidays as the exams will be starting just two weeks after the beginning of term.
