A study group they formed at the height of the year's disruptions from the extended World Cup break and national teachers' strike was the key to success for four top-scoring Nombulelo High School matriculants.
A study group they formed at the height of the year's disruptions from the extended World Cup break and national teachers' strike was the key to success for four top-scoring Nombulelo High School matriculants.
Noluvuyo Shwempe, the school's top achiever, obtained three distinctions, scoring 90% in Physical Science, 86% in Mathematics, and 85% in Dance Studies. Shwempe attributed her success to sacrifices she had made, and to her teachers.
“Our teachers played a big role. Also, we formed a study group and supported each other,” said Shwempe, who is planning to enrol for a Bachelor of Science degree at Rhodes University this year. Hard-working Nkululeko Ngqinambi obtained 83% in Physical Science.
“Our teachers were very supportive. We have also made lots of sacrifices,” said Ngqinambi, who is also planning to do a B.Sc at Rhodes. Khayalethu Gongqa, who got distinctions for Mathematics and Physical Science, said it had not been easy. “We did not sleep at night. Every day was a school day,” said Gongqa, who is planning to study towards a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) at the University of Cape Town.
Another top achiever was Sinethemba Maleki, who obtained 81% in Physical Sciences. It was no coincidence that the four pupils had joined forces ahead of the examinations, forming a study group to encourage and help each other.
They also commended subject adviser, Robin Maselwa, for his help. Nombulelo High School almost doubled its pass rate for the 2009 matric exams, scoring 69.8% – up from last year's 37%.
Of the school's 135 matric pupils in 2010, 27 obtained matric exemptions. School principal Mthuthuzeli Koliti attributed the achievement to the dedication of teachers and pupils. “We had a group of pupils who were positive and teachers who were dedicated,” said Koliti.
He said the national teachers' strike at the end of the year had not affected the pupils, because the teachers had already completed most of the work. “Our teachers put an effort. After the strike, they embarked on revision with the pupils. "We also received a lot of support from the district office of the Department of Education. They provided us with subject advisers, who worked with pupils on weekends,” Koliti said.
