DESPITE the shortage of teachers and a drop in the matric pass rate last year, Bulelani Senior Secondary School managed to produce quality results, garnering awards at the recent education department’s district awards.
Speaking to The Rep at the school in Ezibeleni on Thursday, school principal Sonwabo Silo said Bulelani had achieved 70% in 2015, but this had dropped to 66% last year.
Bulelani received an award for its excellent performance as the most improved school in mathematics and another for obtaining an 83% pass rate in mathematics. Bulelani also recently received 10 new teachers to fill vacancies, leading to a full staff complement.
Pupil Simamnkele Kalipa passed with distinctions in maths, life sciences, physical science, English, agriculture and life orientation. She is studying maths and economics at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Silo said the shortage had placed teachers under a tremendous amount of pressure. “This had a negative impact on the matric pass rate last year. We had shortages in the critical subjects – maths, maths literacy and accounting, business studies, physical science and life sciences.”
He thanked the school governing body, parents and the department of education for their support.
“We promise things won’t be the same. We will reclaim our former glory with the addition of these new teachers. We have already started with our afternoon and Saturday classes.”
The school was planning a team building this week for teachers to encourage cooperation among staff members.