Matric prep camp most certain to up the pass rate
Following the success of last year’s endeavours, Murray High School in Kwanokuthula in Plettenberg Bay has once again introduced its matric exam “prep camp”.
While most matrics have retreated to a spot behind their desks to prepare for the matric exams, this is a luxury many cannot afford – including a large group of youngsters at the local school.
Principal Zinzile Bobi explains that many of their students live in poverty-stricken areas and share their homes with large groups of people. This affords only rare moments of peace and quiet to study. He says learners also report that they live close to taverns and that the noise levels become unbearable during study time.
“When I started at the school 18 months ago, I listened to the learners’ stories and many of them are very touching. We have learners who have to take care not only of themselves but also their younger siblings or elderly grandparents. It was very clear from the start that these learners face many challenges which could affect their exam performance,” Bobi says.
Nutritious meals provided
He adds that often learners also lack nutritious meals to fuel not only their bodies but also their minds. “It is proven that a child cannot concentrate on an empty stomach and therefore we cannot expect them to excel.”
It is for these reasons that the school introduced what they have dubbed their annual “matric prep camp”.
First introduced last year, it proved very successful when 83.5% of the school’s matriculants passed their exams compared to 76.9% in 2016.
Bobi explains that in the run-up to and during exams, all 123 matrics live at the school. “We have transformed classrooms into dorms and have created a safe study environment for them. We have teachers on hand to assist them with anything they may need.” He adds that the learners are also fed during the camp and guided through the preparation process.
‘They are there by choice’
He says that in order for the initiative to be a success they need the buy-in from parents, teachers and learners. “The learners are not forced to attend the camp, but they are all here, showing that they want to succeed.”
Parents also sleep over at the school to keep an eye on the youngsters, while some teachers remain at the school helping learners until 23:00.
The teachers and parents also cook for the learners. The programme started this year on 21 October and will run until the exams are concluded, on 26 November.
“We truly believe that this is the best chance of bringing the best out of each student and ultimately raise the matric pass rate,” Bobi says. He adds that it is a challenge to host the camp as funds are not readily available, but that there has been a drive by the Plett community to support the school.
Several residents have set up collection points where food and other items can be dropped off. One of these points is at the Beacon Isle KwikSpar.
Should anyone like to support the school in any way or make a financial contribution, the school can be contacted on 044 533 3193.