Highveld Muslim obtains 100 per cent pass rate
“I strongly believe that you cannot teach a hungry child.”
KINROSS – Highveld Muslim School set a record of a 100 per cent pass rate in matric for nine consecutive years.
The school received the provincial and Gert Sibande District Academic Achievers Award for best performing school.
Highveld Muslim School takes in children from other religions, such as Hindu and Christians.
The school principal, Mr Saeed Mohamed, said he wants to change the perception that people have about the school.
“The community thinks our school is for rich, Indian people, but this not the case,” Mr Mohamed elaborated.
He further mentioned that the demography of the school shows the school is as diverse as can be.
Relating to one of the incidents that made him realise people have the wrong perception of the school, was when one of his former learners who was studying at the University of Johannesburg, was not allowed to do his teaching practical at the Highveld Muslim School.
He was told to find a school with a greater diversity.
Mr Mohamed said some of the learners who get transfers to other schools, still become best learners at their new schools.
He said Masiha Mia, who got five distinctions at Thistle Grove Combined School, was a former learner who asked for a transfer after the Highveld Muslim Combined School had lost two of its teachers for mathematics and physical science.
Mr Mohamed also pointed out that some of the learners who performed well in matric at Vukuqakaze Secondary School, were former learners of his school.
Some of the learners who show a great passion in skills while struggling with other subjects, get a chance to be sent for vocational training.
Though the school has a challenge with funding, out of the 172 learners at the school, 88 are orphans and the school buys them clothes, provide transport and has outreach programmes for their families.
“I strongly believe you cannot teach a hungry child,” said Mr Mohamed.
The school also helps Kinross Primary School with stationery, textbooks and furniture.
Mr Mohamed admitted that achieving a 100 per cent pass rate is not impossible, but it is difficult to maintain.
When asked his secret for achieving this every year, he said: “Hard work and lots of sacrifices.
“Teachers who produce three or more distinctions get a bonus.”
His motto is: “Drive the children.”
When asked if his school is also affected by drugs problem like many other schools in the area, Mr Mohamed said he has not experienced a problem with drugs yet, but he always does random checks.
