Experienced teachers should return
The principal of Benoni High School, Jake Ceronio, shared some of his thoughts on matric results and the issue of progression in schools.
His school has maintained a 100 per cent matric pass rate for the past 42 years.
- What are your views on progression?
Progression is delaying the problem and not addressing the issue of the child not being ready to go to the next grade. Pupils who fail to meet the requirements and standards of a particular grade give teachers a problem because they can’t fully grasp what is being taught. The correct measures need to be put in place to address the issues with which the pupils struggled in the previous grade, before moving him or her into the next grade.
- Has the standard of the results dropped due to progression?
I would assume one would have to do some research on that. A child can change only one subject in Grade 11; not too many pass Grade 12 who were progressed in the previous grade. There must be a standardisation of education at primary school level. The foundation is critical to obtain the right skills and education.
- What is your overall view on the matric results of the years?
Many experienced teachers choose to go to private schools as opposed to teaching at government schools. Teachers who have reached their retirement age should be brought back. Experience needs to be put back into education. The older teachers need to mentor the young teachers who are fresh out of university. Good management, resources and money can’t be the only focus when it comes to schools and the level of education.
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