Maths support for rural schools

FORMER Grantleigh teacher David Phipson established ‘Flipping Education’ after realising the need to improve the level of maths and science at rural schools.

A Mtubatuba resident, Phipson chose to launch his NPO in his own backyard to help Grade 12 pupils of rural Mtubatuba schools better understand these difficult subjects.

‘I have identified a number of host schools in the area where extra maths and science lessons will be held and will be open to pupils from other schools surrounding the host schools,’ said Phipson.

Mtubatuba High School was the first host school identified and a maths support programme, sponsored by Umfolozi Sugar Mill (USM), was recently launched.

Grade 12 pupils from Mtubatuba High and other high schools in the immediate area are currently being tutored by Phipson every Thursday during school terms.

Forming part of USM’s Corporate Social Investment programme, the company has chosen to sponsor the tutoring at Mtubatuba High for the remainder of the academic year. Launched in early March, the first tutoring session saw almost 70 pupils eager to improve their maths understanding and results.

‘We weren’t expecting so many pupils to be at the first session, but we were very happy that so many of them showed an interest in the extra lessons,’ said Phipson.

He also presents extra science lessons at the Umfolozi Country Club every Saturday at a cost of R20 per pupil.

However, as soon as he is able to find corporate sponsorship, Science Saturdays will become free of charge.

For the schools that follow the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), Phipson holds holiday science enrichment clinics for Grades 10, 11 and 12 at a cost of R300 per pupil.

More information can be found at www.flippingeducation.co.za.