Matric exams 2024: EC teachers extend extra support to vulnerable candidates

JOHANNESBURG - As matrics sit for their final exams some schools have sought to take pressure off learners who face unique challenges including those who come from child-headed households.

In the Eastern Cape teachers at the Ekuphumleni Senior Secondary School offer extra academic support to affected learners to ensure that their focus is not compromised during this crucial time.

Despite infrastructural and other challenges, the rural school obtained a 70% pass rate for 2023 and hopes to improve its performance by ensuring no learner is left behind.

Ekuphumleni Senior Secondary School in rural Middleburg is known for its high-performing school choir that has won numerous accolades in the district.

The school’s main focus in this matric exam period – is to ensure that all its learners have a fair chance to excel and boost the school’s overall performance this year.

Teachers at the school say it is not only a place of learning but also a hub for personal and social development which echoes its name “to bring comfort” to its pupils.

Despite countless challenges school management has reiterated its commitment to helping learners especially its matriculants to thrive.

Andile Williams, a business studies teacher says the school has provided learners with extra tutoring programs.

He added he wishes the school had a hostel to house learners from child-headed households.

"We also have learners who live on their own in RDP houses. The fact that we don't have a hostel makes it difficult to control those learners. We don't have total control of them."

He is confident the school has prepared the learners well and believes they will pass.

"Hard work kills no one. It is the one that hunts that will make a kill or that will make a catch. Sacrifice, focus, be prepared and victory is certain. Go there and make a positive impact."

Matric exams officially began countrywide today and will conclude on November 28th.