Since the results of the Grade 12 NSC exams were announced early in January. Masibambane Secondary School has received praise from all quarters. The publicity in the print media, on the internet and over the radio has been overwhelming.
The corporate sector has come forward offering support and we are thrilled but what is the most touching is that individual, working class people have come forward offering help.
We know that we work hard but we never imagined that our hard work would be acknowledged in this way. On behalf of every single member of the staff, every single learner and every single parent or guardian, we thank you all.
We are often asked what the secret to our success is. Answering this question makes us uncomfortable as we do not wish to appear judgmental of other schools as each and every school is unique with its own dynamics.
However sharing best practices is always helpful and can only be for the betterment of our children, especially when we are serving impoverished communities
Research has shown that learners in impoverished communities start schooling with major disadvantages and when they complete their schooling they leave with the same disadvantages.
To change the status quo and break the cycle of underachievement and poverty, we as management serving impoverished communities must strive first of all to ensure basic functionality which implies efficient management of personnel, finances, and resources. It is only when staff are deployed strategically that learners are properly managed and an ethos of order and discipline prevails.
Sound financial practices and careful use of resources ensures that maximum value is derived from the limited finances and that existing resources are well maintained while additional resources are acquired. The effective management of these funds and resources enables educators to implement systems that promote order and discipline and a programme that promotes holistic development of learners.
Order and discipline are the foundations on which skills, knowledge, a positive attitude and good values are built. Alan Clarke (2006) posits order, discipline and predictability as cornerstones to the establishment of a highly functional school.
Secondly the policies, systems and procedures do not on their own make for a successful school, more important is the implementation of these policies, systems and procedures and the monitoring thereof.
Of greatest significance are the systems for accountability in respect of curriculum delivery.
Curriculum being the core function of the school, the systems for accountability ought to include instruments for the educator and HOD, and between HOD and senior management to monitor quality. These instruments for accountability ought to ensure accountability between instruments needed to be used on a regular basis to ensure quality teaching and learning. It is expected that if planning and preparation is of a high standard the quality of interaction between educator and learner in the classroom will be one of quality.
Finally, as educators serving impoverished communities we must acknowledge that for various well known reasons parental involvement in their children’s education is minimal, the conditions within the community and the homes are not conducive to studying and learners lack motivation.
Therefore it is incumbent upon us to put in place intervention strategies which should include regular motivational sessions and most importantly opportunities for learners to spend more time on their studies. This could take the form of early morning and afternoon classes, Saturday or holiday classes and evening self study or group work sessions.
In the group work sessions learners motivate each other and as the pressure builds they are able to stay focused.
There is much that could be said about a successful school, however within the limited scope of this column we hope that we have covered the most salient issues and while there may be nothing new that came up at least this article may have helped you reflect on your practices.
In parting …
… “Your educators are your greatest wealth, invest heavily in them.”
“Inspire them with your own commitment and dedication.”
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