Despite contrasting performances in the just-released matric results, former matriculants at two Alex schools had ample reason to celebrate.
Their passes guaranteed them to a better future and the pupils credit their teachers, parents and personal commitment as the yardstick for their achievement.
KwaBhekilanga School with 119 candidates retained pole position as in 2013 and attained 94.11 percent pass rate. This pass rate dropped by 3 percent with 112 passes, seven failures, 19 distinctions, 42 percent qualifying for university, 42.9 percent for diplomas and 15 percent national higher certificates. In contrast, Realogile whose yester-year star has faded, attained 59.03 percent pass rate, much lower than the national target of 75 percent. Then school obtained 98 passes and 68 failures from 171 candidates with 26 qualifying for university, 46 higher diplomas and 26 national higher certificate.
Joe Mashitoa, acting principal who took over the school in July, said despite his short tenure, he accepted responsibility for the poor performance. “It’s dismal and requires serious introspection by the triple partnership of educators, parents and students. We will convene meetings of the school management team, school governing body and of parents to determine the cause of the abysmal results and plan an appropriate academic performance plan.”
His counterpart at KwaBhekilanga Secondary, Jubere Selowa, was cautiously ecstatic saying the drop of three percent was a worry as the school had aimed for an improvement to last year’s performance of 97 percent. Nonetheless, he credited the stakeholder of parents, teachers and students for the ‘good’ results. “They reflect stakeholders’ commitment and prioritising of children’s education.”
Despite contrasting results, successful students at both schools were joyful. At KwaBhekilanga they lauded the school’s proud record and challenged this year’s matriculants to retain its legacy. Lucky Mdiniswa, Oupa Nhovela, Mashudu Masuku and Sakhile Ndlangamandla who are university bound attributed their success to supportive and committed teachers, parental support, and smart group study methods. Principal >Selowa commended their achievement saying they had set the bar high for upcoming >matriculants to retain pole position in the Alex and possibly regional schools.
