The Post spoke to Finika Laka, principal, following the release of the results on Friday 21 January.
“Although the overall pass rate dropped from 75% to 61,8% in 2021, we are extremely proud of the huge increase in distinctions. Previously there were 11 A’s which has now increased to 36 A’s,” she said.
The most distinctions were achieved in Life Orientation with a total of 26 A’s.
Three students achieved distinctions in Business Studies and two students in Tourism. Other subjects that only had one student with a distinction were English First Additional Language, Mathematics, Accounting, Life Sciences, and Geography.
Laka explained that they had 168 Grd 12-learners in 2020 that increased to 207 learners last year. Of this group, only 128 learners passed (61,8%).
She said that 2020 and 2021 could be described as two of the most challenging years in the history of education.
“We, therefore, applaud these students for achieving such success.”
The increased number of students (39 more than in 2020) also added strain on the school’s resources, making it necessary to follow a rotational schedule for attendance.
She confirmed that a record number of 330 learners enrolled for Grade 12 this year.
The school’s top achiever, Karabo Simon Molekwa, obtained four distinctions in Mathematics, Life Sciences, Life Orientation, and Geography. His overall average was 83% for all his subjects. P
etrus Thapelo Sekhu achieved three A’s in Accounting, Business Studies, and Life Orientation with an average of 77% whilst Boipelo Sarah Mpepele obtained one distinction in Life Orientation with an average of 76% for all her subjects.
Solomon Mahlangu High School in the Phagameng-township in Modimolle also celebrated their 68,3% pass rate. A total number of 221 students enrolled for the National Senior Certificate exams in 2021 of which 155 passed.
The six students who achieved one distinction each are Francinah Moeng (Business Studies), Samuel Mantsha (Business Studies), Ntombi Mlangeni (Sepedi Home Language), Kgothatso Mononyane (Tourism), Amogelang Molefe (Mathematical Literacy), and Morudu Mohau (Economics).
Steven Majapholo, the principal, said:
“We have seen the negative impact of the interruptive rotational schedule and have decided to let this year’s Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners attend school every day. We will also arrange for extra classes during the year to support our learners and identify challenges early on,” he said.
He also mentioned that teachers will develop a revision timetable to assist learners with preparations for their final exams.
The school offers a part-time center for students who failed previously and wish to repeat Grade 12.
