Academic is a given at school with the high standards set by Rodean School for girls in Johannesburg. But distinctions are not enough. Schools are failing their pupils if they do not adequately prepare them to face the real world.
This is the view of Roedean School executive headmistress Mary Williams, reflecting on the strong results achieved by the school’s 2014 matric class. The school yet again achieved a 100% matric pass rate, with a 99% Matriculation Endorsement pass, 255 distinctions and nine pupils ranked among the top 1% of Independent Examinations Board (IEB) pupils for nine subjects.
Two pupils, Falak Khan and Alexa Clark, achieved eight distinctions each as well as ranking in the top 1% of IEB students in five or more subjects. Seven other pupils also earned eight distinctions each, seven earned seven distinctions each, and two earned six distinctions each.
Of the 70 matric pupils, 45% achieved distinctions in mathematics (excluding maths literacy), 27% in physical sciences, 41% in life sciences and four in advanced pro- gramme mathematics — all subjects currently raising concern in South African schools. Roedean’s advanced and comprehensive maths and sciences programme is helping the school’s pupils to buck national trends and excel at these subjects, with many of them embarking on careers in the Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
In addition, a number of pupils from neighbouring schools who participate in the Roedean Academy also excelled in matric 2014, with one achieving six distinctions, one achieving five distinctions and one achieving three.
But Williams believes society should focus on more than distinctions and the perception that achievement in the sciences is superior to achievement in any other fields. “We need to be realistic about the meaning of education and achievement,” she says. “Achievement is not measured only by distinctions, but also by what an individual must overcome to achieve. Success in education should be measured by how rounded the individual is, how well prepared they are for life after school.”
While it is relatively easy to teach pupils by rote, the challenge that schools need to take on is teaching children to think.
“The last thing I want is for a girl to leave this school passive in her thinking and unable to challenge appropriately. This generation enters a fast changing and uncertain future. It will face serious economic, environmental and conflict resolution challenges. Our young people need to be equipped to thrive in this new environment.”
Williams also notes that while maths and the sciences are important subjects and that every effort is made to help pupils excel at them, not every individual is suited to these fields. “It is important, when subject choices are made at the end of grade nine, that children are not forced to choose certain subjects over others for reasons of ‘academic snobbery’.
“If we force children to take subjects that do not suit their interests and abilities, we risk impacting their self-esteem and their academic performance overall.” She believes parents should collaborate with schools in guiding grade nines to choose the study direction best suited to their strengths and aptitude, and to empower them to maximise that potential.
“Education goes beyond subjects. It encompasses instilling the right values in pupils and giving them the skills they need for life,” says Williams.
Roedean School’s top achievers – Matric 2014
Eight distinctions: Alexa Clark, Alexandra de Nooy, Bianca Ho, Falak Khan, Isabella Kriegler, Emma Kruger, Nicola Stipinovich, Isioma Umunna, Franci van Rhyn
Seven distinctions: Anissa Davel, Jaylin de Klerk, Alexandra Hoffman, Joan Hofmeyr, Wilmien Janse van Rensburg, Nina Lang, Kajal Morar
Six distinctions: Phiola Kayumba, Isabella Lagrange
Roedean School also congratulates:
• Chiedza Mudima, pupil at the Masibambane College in Orange Farm and participant in the Roedean Maths Academy, on her pass with five distinctions — including maths. Chiedza is the second recipient of the Roedean Academy and Bidvest Bank bursary and will study chemical engineering at the University of Pretoria.
• Kenstonia Edende, pupil at Barnato Park High School and participant in the Roedean Maths Academy, on her pass with six distinctions — one of them in maths.