Kathorus matric results show room for improvement
Kathorus MAIL recently visited schools that produced good results during the 2016 final matric exams to see if they had made the Ekurhuleni West Cluster proud again in the 2017 finals.
However, a number of those schools dropped in terms of their performance.
Lethulwazi Secondary School in Vosloorus dropped by seven per cent to 81.8 per cent compared with 89.3 per cent in 2016.
But that didn’t stop the school’s top matric learner, Daniel Matji (18), from achieving five distinctions, which is better than 2016’s top achiever, Bongiwe Mbuyisa, who got three.
Matji got distinctions in the following subjects: mathematics, physical science, engineering graphics and design, life sciences and life orientation.
According to Buyekezwa Makhoba, the deputy principal of the school, they don’t know what went wrong as both teachers and learners did their utmost best.
“Both teachers and learners remained behind until 9pm. They really wanted to improve their results,” said Makhoba.
She said teachers are often not thanked enough for their dedication.
“As I am talking to you our science classes have already started. Teachers are willing to come to school and start classes as early as 6am. So we are dedicated to serving the community until we achieve 100 per cent,” said Makhoba.
This year 143 learners wrote their matric exams, of whom 117 passed and 26 failed. All those who failed qualified for supplementary exams.
The school got 41 bachelor degree passes, 52 diploma passes and 24 certificate passes. The results included six distinctions in mathematics, five distinctions in physical science and eight distinctions in life sciences.
Daniel Matji said he had mixed emotions about his excellent results.
“I am happy, overwhelmed, proud and humbled at the same time. I can’t exactly describe how I feel right now,” said Matji.
He explained his recipe for successful studies.
“I had my own study timetable that I followed. I reduced my sleeping time so that I could make time for my studies.
“Motivation from both teachers and parents helped me a lot in my achievements. I can’t over-emphasise the help I got from other learners I helped, as I learnt a lot while I was helping them,” said a humble Matji.
He told Kathorus MAIL that as soon as he finishes his studies and gets his first job, he would like to come back and help his community by creating awareness about unemployment and its effect on the community.
His next destination is the University of Pretoria, where he plans to study electrical engineering.
Given Matji, his mother, said her child is quiet and disciplined.
“He has friends, but they are like him in terms of discipline. What I like about them is that they don’t take their cellphones to school. They don’t use Whatsapp during exams. I personally made sure he did not take his cellphone to school during exams,” said Given.
Erasmus Monareng Secondary School showed a 10 per cent drop in matric results, from 71 per cent in 2016 to 60.8 per cent in 2017.
Sharon Maboa, the school principal, said they are more than willing to introduce new strategies to improve their results.
“Teachers are willing to work harder. Learners must dedicate themselves too. This year we will group learners according to their potential, so that they can assist each other. In that case it will be easy for us to identify the problems learners have as early as possible,” said Maboa.
Of the 171 learners who wrote their matric exams, 104 passed and 67. Twenty did not qualify for supplementary exams.
Both Ntombenhle Buthelei and Karabo Mphela got distinctions in mathematics, physical science and life sciences.
Mphela said his next destination is Sefako Makgatho Health Science University, where he will be heading this year to study towards being a doctor.
“I have applied for NSFAS and I got it, but I am still waiting for the results as I have sent my applications for bursaries,” said Mphela
He said he felt excited when he saw his results in the paper.
Sijabulile High School in Katlehong improved from 63.0 per cent in 2016 to 88.9 per cent this year.
Ponego Secondary School in Katlehong dropped from 86 per cent to 76 per cent.
These were the only results we managed to get at the time of going to print. Should you have results that you would like us to publish, contact Aaron Damane on 087 285 6456.
