EKUPHUMLENI
High School in Whittlesea has made history after a matric pupil, Vuyo Mbam, obtained eight distinctions, claiming the position as the top achiever from historically disadvantaged schools in the Chris Hani district.
WELL DONE: Proud Ekuphumleni principal Lizwe Ngalo with top achievers, from left, Vuyo Mbam, Xoli Nonyongo and Aphiwe Mqeke Picture: ABONGILE SOLUNDWANA © The Rep
Principal Lizwe Ngalo said the news of Mbam’s achievement and the school’s 88.4% pass rate had made teachers, the community and the district “leap for joy”.
In 2015, the school obtained a 90% pass rate, and the drop was attributed to the progressed pupils accommodated at the school.
Another pupil, Xoli Nonyongo, obtained six distinctions and Aphiwe Mqeke five. Ten other pupils received three distinctions each.
“Mbam made the school, community and the district proud. It is the first time that a pupil from this area has recei- ved distinctions in all subjects. Our next goal is to get a 100% pass rate this year,” Ngalo said.
He said completing the matric syllabus before June had assisted the school in preparing the pupils for the finals.
“We finished the syllabus at the end of April, which left us enough time to do revision. We have our own programme called ‘Operation 100’, where pupils do their evening study from 6pm to 10pm.”
He said the study time prepared pupils to study on their own.
Top achiever Mbam said he was happy that his goal this year had been fulfilled.
“When I saw the final result, I was overjoyed. It proved that my efforts had paid off. “
He said it was the first time he had received distinctions for mathematics and physics.
Mbam was awarded a bursary to study mechatronics at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU).
“I will study the first year at NMMU and finish off my studies at the University of Cape Town. I was awarded a bursary by department of education MEC Mandla Makupula.”