College principal aims at reaching 90 per cent pass rate
Mr Nick Balkrishen, principal and CEO of the Gert Sibande College, says the completion of the student support centres will help increase results.
HIGHVELD – Mr Nick Balkrishen, principal and CEO of the Gert Sibande College, says the college’s overall subject pass rate has increased from 72 per cent in 2009 to 86 per cent in 2013.
He said in order to reach the new subject target rate of 90 per cent, the college had to develop a multi-pronged improvement strategy.
The college has completed building student support centres at the four campuses, namely Standerton, Evander, Ermelo and Sibanisetfu.
Mr Balkrishen said building these centres was one of the strategies to improve results at the college.
“These centres will provide comprehensive support to students so that they can perform at their optimum potential.
“Apart from that, the centres will provide other services such as making copies and Internet access to the community.”
The launch and celebration of the completion of the centres were held at the Sibanesetfu Campus recently.
Each centre include two computer labs with internet access for about 80 students, a student resource room with access to electronic bridging programmes in mathematics and English, a study hall, a job placement unit, a student wellness unit, a financial aid unit, an academic support unit and career guidance.
