Grade 12 learners ready for prelims

The Grade 12 preliminary exams are due to start on 20 August and all the preparations by learners, parents and educators will be put to the test.
According to several high schools in Polo­kwane they are all systems go for the exams. Speaking on behalf of Hoërskool Pietersburg (PHS), Elmari Craig said Grade 12 learners are more than ready for the prelims especially since they have had the added advantage of attending winter school sessions over the past school holidays. “I am positive our learners will do very well and would like to take this opportunity to wish them success in their exams,” Craig concluded.
PHS Top 10 Grade 12 learner Jena Taylor said she has already started studying. “Actually, one has to study throughout the year and review one’s work constantly. Listening and taking notes in class is the key,” she said. She added that this time of the year is quite stressful but she hopes to have top results.
Maseala Progressive Secondary School in Legae la batho is also all systems go. Deputy principal Abraham Mmethi said currently educators are polishing up on a few items learners have found difficult to grasp. “We opened this year on 4 January and besides the usual morning classes have also been having evening and weekend classes. Our winter school was great for the learners with them being able to concentrate on their studies and not having to worry about anything else,” he said, adding that this year they expect to reap their best crop yet.
Noorderland High School also offered winter school sessions during the past holidays as well as over the Easter break. School principal Thabo Ratema said he is extremely impressed with this year’s group of Grade 12s. “They have a lot of commitment and passion. They get up early for classes and study until at least 21:30 every evening,” he said adding that the commitment of the school’s educators was also heartwarming. He wished the class of 2018 the best of luck with their prelims.
Choene Mohoto, a Grade 12 learner at Noorderland, said the holiday study camps definitely helped to improve her results. “Studying throughout the year is imperative if one wants to be successful,” she added.
Curro Heuwelkruin operational head Eben Lingenfelder said all possible preparations to give their Grade 12s the edge have been made. “We had an autumn school in April, which was compulsory. Every Wednesday afternoon all educators are available to assist any learners who may need revision on a specific subject. Our maths teachers are available every afternoon for the same reason,” he said.
He further said the school’s mid-year exams were a good indicator of what to expect when it comes to results. “Academics is the core of any school. We are very excited about the prelims and are confident that we will have a 100% pass rate,” he concluded.
Department of Education spokesperson Sam Makondo said the department is confident that all schools will do well because educators and learners have put a lot of effort into their studies. “It takes three – parents, educators and learners – to produce the best results,” he further said, wishing all Grade 12 learners the best of luck.

Story: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za
ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za