Principles of education excellence

CONGRATULATIONS are no doubt in order for the magnificent results our local private schools achieved in the IEB matric exams.

As reflected in the Zululand Observer last week, a 100% matric pass rate was reached by Grantleigh, Felixton College and Richards Bay Christian School learners.

Furthermore, 100% of Grantleigh and Christian School matrics qualified to study at institutions of higher learning, while a whopping 86% of Felixton College learners gained university entry passes - not forgetting the buckets full of distinctions earned across the board.

What these achievements clearly indicate is that dedicated teaching teams, properly managed schools, supportive parents and discipline form the core of education excellence.

These are crucial factors I wish could become the norm in state schools, especially in rural areas, where too many schools battle to obtain good matric pass rates.

There is no denying that superior infrastructure at expensive private schools provides some advantages, but too often a lack of these is simply used as an excuse to justify the poor outcomes at state schools.

Private school learners are not necessarily more intelligent than children in rural areas, they are simply allowed to thrive and reach their full potential in a more inspiring environment.

But there are many examples of dedicated principals and teachers who have also inspired their rural charges to 100% matric pass rates despite their lack of resources and very challenging circumstances.

Instead of complaining, they simply knuckle down and work with what they have, inspire and open opportunities for their learners.

They are the true champions of education and should serve as an example to those non-caring principals and absent teachers who prefer to aimlessly laze about.

It is easy to identify them - just determine which school those hundreds of learners who roam the streets during school hours, come from.

These pupils will never be able to compete.

Their teachers are a disgrace to the profession and should be rooted out and replaced by competent and dedicated personnel who can instill discipline.

K SERFONTEIN