While most Grade 12 learners are relaxing and enjoying their mid-year break from school, Noorderland High School’s Grade 12s are working hard while they attend winter camp, which started last Monday and will finish on Friday 13 July.
School principal Thabo Ratema explained that with his focus being on achieving a 100% matric pass rate this year, academics are definitely in the spotlight. “We had a very successful Easter camp and this camp is also running smoothly so far,” he said. He further explained that the learners live on the premises in the hostel during the week and only go home on weekends. This is to ensure they have no distractions.
Choene Mohoto (17), a Grade 12 learner and one of the winter camp attendees, said it was her own decision to attend the camp and she also attended the Easter camp earlier this year. “It gives me ample time to study. There are no distractions here and it’s great to be in a controlled environment where I can practise discipline.” She added that her results definitely improved after doing the Easter camp. The subject she is concentrating on the most during winter camp is Physics.
Lebogang Rapudi (18) said the camps are a great initiative to help him and his fellow learners. “Some learners don’t have the ideal environment in which to study at home. I am concentrating on Physics – the Chemistry side of it – during this camp.”
Both learners said they would encourage other learners to attend such camps should they have the opportunity to do so.
Ratema said he is extremely impressed with this group of Grade 12s. “They have a lot of commitment and passion. They get up early for classes and study until at least 21:30 every evening.”
He thanked the teachers for their commitment as well and said he has motivational talks with the learners at least three times a week.
“Results are very important and I encourage learners to focus on passing with a Bachelor or even better, with a Bachelor with Distinction. I have also advised them that the best way they can reward their parents for all their sacrifices in ensuring they get a good education is for them to deliver top results,” Ratema concluded.
Story and photos: KAREN VENTER
>>karen@observer.co.za
