ABERDEEN NEWS — The Class of 2017 matriculants at Aberdeen Secondary School scored a 35.2% pass rate, a disappointing drop from the 47.5% achieved by the 2016 group.
Of the 54 full-time learners in grade 12 last year, 19 passed.
One pupil achieved a bachelor pass, enabling her to study a degree course at university, and six qualified to study for a diploma course at a college or university. The remaining 12 earned a higher certificate, enabling them to study at a TVET College (formerly FET college), such as Eastcape Midlands College in Graaff-Reinet. In addition to this, a total of 15 learners have qualified to write the supplementary exams during the course of February and March.
Letitia Mintoor was the top achiever, achieving the school’s only bachelor pass, and also the only distinction, in Afrikaans Second Additional Language. She is hoping to still be able to enrol at a tertiary institution for this year. When asked the secret of her success, Letitia replied that she received a shock when her marks dropped in grade 11, admitting that she did not work as hard as in previous years. From the beginning of her matric year, she was determined to regain her former level, and worked consistently throughout the year, attending every single extra class offered. Those efforts certainly paid off.
All the successful students without exception deserved their good results and worked very hard to achieve their goals. Most of them are unsure of their future plans at this stage.
Principal Timotheus Webb is very disappointed with the poor pass rate. From the first term last year, the school put into place various intervention programmes, including extra classes after school on a regular basis. Many of the teachers also gave up time in the holidays, giving extra lessons during both the Easter and winter breaks. Not all of the learners took advantage of this extra help, and the teachers’ efforts were frustrated in many cases by the lack of interest shown. Webb is determined to persevere with these interventions, and it is hoped that the Class of 2018 will once again restore the reputation of the school.
Although the results overall from last year’s matrics were not good, Aberdeen is proud of the 19 youngsters who passed, some of whom overcame very difficult circumstances. Their positive attitude and commitment, and the teachers' efforts have been rewarded!
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