Matrics need all support possible
THE annual matric exams started yesterday and with them a new generation’s hopes and dreams for the future slowly begin to crystallise.
Many would have spent the past year in earnest preparation for this important milestone; others will be flying by the seats of their pants.
In some schools there are matrics who have had help and guidance every step of the way. In others, pupils will have had to draw on immense inner resources and resolve while battling trying circumstances, absent teachers and the like to reach this crucial stage in their educational journey.
The Herald carried the story yesterday of the incredible dedication shown by the Grade 12 class at Solomon Mahlangu Senior Secondary School, who actually live at the school during their final exams.
This is the same school attended by Kamvalethu Rengqe, 17, winner of the community category in The Herald Continental Matric of the Year awards. The highly motivated young man helped solve the problem of late-coming in his school with a programme that has since been adopted by neighbouring schools.
The KwaNobuhle school began its fifth annual matric finals camp on Sunday, where 168 pupils study, eat, sleep and write their exams within the confines of the school, away from home and family.
This is a sacrifice they make in the hope of excelling in the National Senior Certificate exams, which end on November 28.
In preparation for the camp, Solomon Mahlangu converts a block of about 18 classrooms into dormitories, study rooms and exam venues cordoned off from the rest of the school.
Principal Mncedi Mtengwana has been the major contributing factor behind its annually escalating matric pass rate from 73% in 2014 to 76.4% in 2015 and 81.3% last year.
The camp presents a fine model that could certainly be duplicated in other schools.
But without caring and committed staff, buy-in from parents, and of course from pupils themselves, it will not work.
About 84 000 pupils are ready to put pen to paper in a province notorious for its under-performance in the matric exams. Let’s give them all the support we possibly can.