Startling results from Saturday school in Alex
ALEXANDRA - In this day and age of pessimism and downright depression at the results coming out of some education faculties, one institution is defying the odds and producing results in the most challenging of environments – Alexandra township.
In this day and age of pessimism and downright depression at the results coming out of some education faculties, one institution is defying the odds and producing results in the most challenging of environments – Alexandra township.
Rose-Act is a Saturday school that was started in the township by Rays of Hope in 1991. It has impacted more than 10 000 pupils since its inception. The school focuses on maths and English tutoring, which are viewed as the most critical areas of need and development among pupils in Grade 4 through to Grade 9.
In 2014, 254 pupils entered the school, with less than 20 percent of these achieving more than 50 percent in a standardised maths pre-test. However, by November, more than 50 percent had achieved over 50 percent in the post-test. Even more impelling, only eight pupils achieved higher than 70 percent in the pre-test, compared to 55 pupils in the post-test.
In English, the results were even more dramatic, with less than 35 percent achieving over 50 percent in the pre-test, compared with 93 percent of learners achieving greater than 50 percent in the post-test. Only 15 pupils achieved higher than 70 percent in the pre-test, as compared to 75 who achieved higher than 70 percent in the post-test.
The success of the Rose-Act model is based on a number of factors, some of which include 54 dedicated volunteer tutors from the corporate and business world, as well as churche,s who teach each week for two hours at the school.
Two five-day holiday clubs in the school holidays teach the life skills and Christian values that students need to maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle. Social activities, a chess club and structured games days develop the students’ social and personal skills in a fun, yet structured environment in nature. Students are given nourishing meals which assist them to learn effectively.
Rose-Act is looking for tutors and many other helpers to assist with various aspects of the life of the school and interested parties are asked to contact Rays of Hope.
Details: Louise Cameron 0861 000 000 or louise@ruc.org.za or www.raysofhope.co.zo
