Spes Bona High School attributes the doubling of its matric
pass rate to the determination and dedication of pupils and
parents.
The Athlone school’s matric pass rate was 42.5% in 2017. Last year it reached 80%, with 17 Bachelor’s passes.
Acting principal Abdusamad Ahmed believes a pledge matrics and parents signed has a lot to do with the school’s good results.
The pupils had committed themselves to taking their education seriously and their parents had vowed to support them, he said.
The school also ran compulsory after-school classes from Monday to Thursday, offering advice to pupils on choosing the right subjects for their intended careers.
There was also mentoring for the matrics, with each teacher taking responsibility for five of them.
Pupils had also benefited from after-school classes held by the Western Cape Education Department as well as the school’s holiday classes, Mr Ahmed said.
He believes getting parents to attend school meetings was key to the school’s success.
“I am feeling over the moon about the results. It was truly a team effort between pupils, teachers, staff, central district, and our circuit manager,” he said.
The school also achieved a 100% pass in civil technology and mechanical technology.
Head of department for technical subjects Randall Arendorf teaches welding and mechanical work “These are important subjects at school that all schools need to have. There are many opportunities in this field for our pupils”, he said.
Woodwork teacher Maghdi Achillies said carpentry was a valuable skill.
“Every person who has done woodwork still has that model in their home.
“It is a skill that stays with you.
The subject instills discipline in
the child and respect for the
equipment; for their peers, by
working quietly; for their clothing, by wearing overalls, and for themselves,” he said.