the next one. SUPPLIED
Designed to speed up top-level results among Grades 10 to 12 pupils in previously disadvantaged areas, the Promaths programme at the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology (Kutlwanong) once again contributed to excellent results in the Mdantsane matric cohort.
The 90-strong group achieved a 100% pass rate across all subjects, with top achievers being awarded distinctions in maths and physical science, and 71 pupils achieving a bachelor pass. Buchule Technical High School matriculant Luthando Sebe achieved 94% in maths and 97% in physical science, Imitha Goduka from Clarendon High School for Girls scooped 89% and 88%, Sibahle Mavuso from Khulani Commercial High obtained 89% and
84%, Lukhaya Ntsabo from Ngwenyathi High scored 83% and 92%, and Lihlomile Yanxa
from Khulani High achieved 86% and 91%, respectively.
“A total of 22,184 township and rural pupils have benefited from the extra tuition in maths
and science we provide throughout the school year, and more than 6,490 distinctions in
these two vital subjects have been achieved since we began,” Kutlwanong CEO Tumelo Mabitsela said.
Of the Mdantsane Promaths cohort, five pupils walked away with seven distinctions each, 14 with six, 24 with five, 18 with four, 15 with three, and 14 with two . For physical science, 23% of Kutlwanong ’s Promaths pupils achieved a level seven pass. Mabitsela also credited the programme’s success to private sector partnerships with funders such as the Datatec Educational and Technology Foundation, which has funded the Mdantsane Promaths group for nine years.
The foundation’s aim is to improve education, specifically in Stem subjects (science,
technology, engineering and mathematics) in underprivileged communities.
“Aside from the vital skills gap that maths and science education fills, many people overlook the real-world, day-today needs these vital subjects play in our ordinary living, such as helping us to problem solve, reason logically, or challenge our thinking,” Mabitsela said.
Promaths also focused on up-skilling teachers by providing teaching aids to help educators deliver lessons in a more engaging, memorable way, Mabitsela said. The content of the
programmes is aligned with the department of education’s curriculum, so pupils are able to
practise in a highly relevant, appropriate manner.
