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Hard work paid dividends for Alexandra High School as their matric Class of 2019 obtained a 91 per cent pass mark, compared to the previous year’s 85 per cent.
The pass mark is credited to 164 candidates who wrote the examination from a total class of 176 who had registered. They obtained 73 bachelor, 52 diploma, 24 national certificate passes and 12 incomplete notices. Commending the elevated status, principal Zoleka Lebelo said it was all from shared commitment, “Credit the collective effort of pupils, teachers, governing body and, the district.
“Raising the bar has set a challenge for successive matriculants to emulate the pride set by their predecessors.”
She urged those who didn’t make it make use of various available opportunities. “Pick yourselves up, there is room for improvement and support as you all are our kids who need to pass, further your studies and represent the country in various professions.”
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Realogile Secondary School principal Matthews Choshi’s fortunes reversed from 91 plus per cent in the previous year to 80 plus. From the 205 who wrote the examinations, 164 candidates passed with 88 obtaining bachelor and diploma entries, 28 national certificates and 41 who didn’t make it.”We were mostly affected by the performance of progressed learners, who were 88 in the class.”
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Choshi wasn’t averse to the 88 learners he termed future citizens who require help in the interest of the country. “But they ought to pull up their socks and take advantage of the support rendered by teachers and the department who go beyond the call of duty through after school, weekend, night studies and holiday camps.”
He also urged the 48 progressed learners in 2020 to help the school to help them by grabbing the available opportunities offered from the first day of school.
Choshi attributed the poor performance to attendance and lamented the learner’s social backgrounds. “They lack nuclear family and social support, have no role models, live through frustration and rely on grannies who no longer have the energy to care for their frail selves and dependants.”
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He also worried about the huge need for social workers’ support and urged needy children to have self-belief, discipline, commit to studies and work hard. He further urged the learners to take advantage of nutritional support offered to schools by the government and companies. To parents, he said, “Be there for your children’s education, family’s future and financial security you expect through them.”
Minerva Secondary School principal Nontsikelelo Tsatsi said there was a marginal improvement in the matric class’ performance which has hovered in the 70 per cent in the previous years, preferred not to comment much saying she had no soft spot for the media. This was after she complained of pictures being taken of learners being assisted to check for their results in the foyer.
East Bank principal Issac Tloloe was disenchanted with the last position. “We are still tallying and assessing the results and will comment comprehensively later.”
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