The Grade 12 pupils are two months away from writing final year examinations.
Last year there was a significant improvement in the pass rate in townships schools. With exams around the corner, the department and schools continue to provide additional support to ensure pupils are thoroughly prepared. This includes the Secondary Schools Improvement Programme which has been credited with the gradual improvement in the pass rate since its introduction a few years ago. The programme received a United Nations award for best improvement in the delivery of public services through supplementary tutoring of 50 000 underprivileged pupils. The programme increased the pass rate by 15 percent and reduced under-performing schools from 188 in 2009 to 19 last year.
Dingaan Kubheka, deputy principal of Realogile Secondary School said the support programmes have improved pupils’ attitude to schoolwork and made them realise the importance of good performance to attain better prospects in life. He said this was evident by the good attendance of pupils at all afternoon, weekend and holiday tutoring programmes.
“Although it may appear that most of the attention is on improving the pass rate in maths and science, all subjects receive maximum support, but still more should be done to maintain continuous improvement towards the 100 percent mark which is attainable,” he said.
Kubheka said the buildup to the final examinations will be further boosted by the final tutorial programme in the October school holiday.
“From then it will be the students’ preparedness, commitment and desire for success which will carry them through to better results,” he said while predicting a conservative pass rate of 80 percent this year for his school.
Details: Realogile Secondary School; 011 443 2908
