Inclusive school guns for 100% matric pass

First cohort of grade 12s upbeat

The first group of grade 12s from Bukhosibetfu inclusive school, an institution for the deaf in Driekoppies, outside Malelane, Mpumalanga, are adamant they will produce a 100% pass rate. This is the first matric class from the school since it opened in 2009.

As pupils across SA started exams yesterday, 17 from Bukhosibetfu inclusive school also kicked off the test with the English paper 1. They told Sowetan they were happy and believed they had aced it.

Augustine Maluka said he believes he will pass which will open doors for his future teaching career.

“The exam was fine. I think I will pass very well in today’s paper. What we wrote is what we studied. We feel special, especially because it is the first time we are having matric in our school for the deaf.

“We will make sure we set a good example for the next matriculants. For me this will help me to further my studies towards my teaching career path,” said Maluka.

Acting principal Eggie Mathonsi said: “This is history in the making as a school. We made sure that pupils study in a conducive environment with the provincial department of education helping us all the way. We believe they are ready to deliver good results and pave their way into being educated citizens of the country.”

Queen Khoza said writing matric exams was a dream come true. “Being deaf sometimes makes one think they have nothing to offer or to do but through hard work and help from the school and the department of education, I just finished writing my first paper in English.

“My teachers were beyond amazing in helping us through extra classes and what is good for us [pupils] is that we are boarding and we are always at school. That led us to focus only on school work. I plan to further my studies by enrolling at the University of the Free State and do auditing.”

Of the 1,600 schools in Mpumalanga, 120 are inclusive schools and cater for other-abled and disabled children.

Provincial education spokesperson Jasper Zwane said the department was aiming for a 100% pass rate at the school.

“These learners are ready and in a happy mood for their first grade 12 examination.”

He said 71,582 full-time pupils were writing the exams.

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