As we celebrated some of the outstanding achievements of the matric class of 2023, what emerged from the pupils’ stories of triumph is that they were supported by dedicated principals and teachers.
Many schools in historically disadvantaged areas are flourishing thanks to the unstinting efforts of the teaching staff, who put in the extra hours, ran a tight ship and ensured that no pupil was left behind.
The remarkable achievements of Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School, in Motherwell, are a perfect example of such commitment.
Not only did Soqhayisa achieve a fourth consecutive 100% pass rate, it emerged as the top-performing school in the Eastern Cape, with all 307 pupils who wrote their exams passing — some with impressive accolades.
Principal Mlungisi Nopote said he was happy, though not surprised, by the outcome.
A key factor behind the school’s success was that it prepared its pupils thoroughly for the examinations.
“Before a pupil comes here, they know what we are about.
“We ask them if they are prepared to take up our regimen and because they want it, we don’t even struggle with discipline issues.
“We run camps during the year for them. The first one will be next month.
“During the trial exams, they’re in a camp throughout, from 8am until 10pm every day,” Nopote said.
He credits part of Soqhayisa’s success to its staff, who dedicate themselves beyond the call of duty, and that most of the teachers are young.
A similar narrative emerged at Paterson High School, in Schauderville, as well as Thanduxolo Comprehensive School, in Kariega.
Paterson High’s pass rate improved from 75.8% in 2022 to 84% in 2023, in large part due to the extra classes it held on Saturdays and Sundays, autumn, winter and spring school as well as an eighth period.
Principal Rose de Doncker said social workers were also brought in to address the psychosocial needs of pupils.
“We opened up several classrooms for learners to study after hours with 24-hour security. Pupils were provided with food.
“In addition, we created a balanced environment of “work and play” with activities especially for matrics like Colour Run Day, Bubble House and Barbie Day.
“We believe that the learning environment determines the success of the learner and motivates them to achieve,” De Doncker said.
At Thanduxolo, matric pupils attended holiday study camps and makeshift sleeping facilities were set up where they could stay during exams.
The principal would collect pupils from their homes and drive them to study programmes at school to ensure they were able to focus on their work.
There are, no doubt, many other teachers who have gone above and beyond their duties to support their pupils.
To all those teachers, the improved pass rate and accolades achieved by the pupils are yours, too, to celebrate.
We salute you and thank you for your commitment to change the lives of young people.
HeraldLIVE