Here’s how an overcrowded rural school was named best in the iLembe district
Collaborative efforts by pupils, teachers, and the principal have propelled the school to the forefront of academic achievement.
Tried and tested education strategies have propelled Ndwedwe’s Qinisani High School to the forefront of academic excellence.
The school, located on the outskirts of Ndwedwe, was built by the community in 1978 and has not been renovated since.
It has 1 220 pupils with 17 overcrowded classrooms.
Collaborative efforts by pupils, teachers and the principal ensured that the large enrollment school succeeds regardless of having inadequate resources.
“We don’t have enough resources, kids don’t have books to read,” said principal Freddy Shezi.
The school was acknowledged as the region’s best performing school in the 2023 matric exams during an award ceremony hosted by the iLembe district earlier this month.
Hard work and dedication saw the school’s matrics earn a 100% pass rate, with 119 Bachelor’s degree, 67 diploma and 16 higher certificate qualifications.
According to Shezi, the winning formula was writing past matric papers and pupils attending extra classes.
Classes started at 7am and finished at 5pm, which gave pupils the opportunity to do intensive learning while receiving assistance from teachers.
”The extra classes help pupils to catch up and become comfortable with exams after numerous trials,” said Shezi.
This strategy has resulted in a significant improvement over the past three years.
In 2021, the pass rate was 91.4%, which improved to 94.4% in 2022.
”Winning the biggest trophy in the district was the best feeling ever. We knew it was possible but were surprised when it actually happened,” said Shezi.
he standout achievers were Thobile Nduli and Nothando Mkonyeni who obtained 1st and 3rd position respectively in the best achiever awards in the Ndwedwe Ozwathini Circuit.
iLembe district public schools’ matric class of 2023 earned an 88.6% pass rate, placing it as the 8th best district municipality or metro in South Africa out of 52.
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