Varsity develops course to help repeating matrics
NMU’s maths centre introduces Second Chance programme
Few things strike fear in the minds of matric pupils as much as mathematics or science – the two dreaded subjects that have often stifled the progress of pupils and thrown their tertiary dreams off course.
But thanks to an initiative introduced by the education department called Second Chance, matric pupils have previously been afforded the opportunity to rewrite their matric exams the following year and improve their marks.
To ensure this is not in vain, the Nelson Mandela University Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre has stepped in and developed a ReMatric course aimed specifically at pupils who just missed a pass or exemption. Each qualifying pupil is given a tablet, preloaded with a special app called TouchTutor® that contains all their course work.
The pupils are guided through the curriculum with a facilitator who identifies gaps in their knowledge and helps with processes.
Centre director Prof Werner Olivier said the eight-month programme integrated customised offline and online digital materials that were aligned with the school curriculum. It also includes many self-assessment opportunities and culminates in a mock exam to prepare the pupil for the real thing.
“When we realised how many matrics failed because of the interruption in schooling in the Eastern Cape alone, nearly 21,000 learners got less than 30% in
their final exams in 2019 – we worked on repurposing our programmes towards helping them pass their Second Chance exams.
“This is a pilot in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro that we are hoping to roll out across the country,” Olivier said.
However, he warned that the programme required a lot of commitment.
“It is only suitable for young people who have narrowly missed their goal and are prepared to work hard to make it.”
Isuzu Motors SA, an existing partner of the centre, is the sponsor for the pilot project.
Isuzu corporate communications manager Gishma Johnson said the project fell within their philosophy to provide sustainable solutions in the community by investing in skills development and education.
The Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre will run a second pilot programme in the rural Komani district in partnership with Get Ahead College.
Contact details for the Gqeberha pilot programme are: WhatsApp: 064-0440717; e-mail: gmmdc.mathsci.rematric@gmail