I proudly bring you great news again.
Please join me in congratulating the South African matriculation Class of 21, teachers, principals and circuit managers at previously under-performing schools whose principals and school leadership teams attended the International Schools Centre of Excellence Programme between 2011 and 2016 on the magnificent results they achieved.
Despite a significant reduction in the number of days of face-to-face instruction over two consecutive years and immense difficulties encountered in home study where many students who live in crowded informal dwellings (shacks) which do not have electricity, do not own laptops and have limited access to data, the percentage of students gaining a school leavers matriculation certificate dropped by only 1% (86% down to 85%) compared to 2019 (the year prior to Covid).
In addition, the percentage of students gaining a university entrance or technical university entrance matriculation certificate declined by only 2% (68% down to 66%) compared to 2019.
Proof that once a high-performance culture has been established at a school even if it is situated in a rural area or informal settlement on the outskirts of a town or city, neither the parents, teachers or learners will tolerate a drop in standards.
A remarkable achievement which we can all celebrate.
Alan J Whitaker, CEO