The Chronicle 2022

The national lockdown in early 2020, including the closure of schools meant that children were left without contact teaching, this has negatively impacted the matric pass rates in most of our footprint schools. Dabulamanzi, Emyezaneni, Shea O’Connor and Injoloba in zparticular were casualties. Conversely in 2021 Asithuthuke and Jabula showed resilience with improved matric pass rates. Jabula lost their principal Mr Mabaso during September 2020 and consequently lost momentum. This was evident in the 2020 matric results. In 2021 Mr Mnikathi, a previous student at Asithuthuke, was appointed principal, he implemented a vigorous matric revision programme which resulted in a 95% pass rate. Asithuthuke’s (formerly the Michaelhouse Farm School) commendable performance can be attributed to the teacher’s workshops that were held by Steuart Pennington (East, 1968) to increase the motivation and contact with Grade 12 learners in particular during lock-down. Over the last four years Steuart has

conducted one-on-one interviews with the Grade 12 matriculants to ascertain what they felt were appropriate revision requirements. Assistance was also received from the Michaelhouse interns with extra classes for Life Sciences and Business Studies. During 2022 Steuart raised significant funding to build boarding facilities at Asithuthuke for the Grade 12 learners (with significant contributions from Old Boys) so that revision can take place during afternoons, evenings, Saturdays and Sundays without the pressure and danger of late-night transport. OUR MCPT MODEL Each of our 16 footprint schools (six six secondary or combined and ten primary) have very different circumstances. The model below reflects how we develop an understanding of the school, what its priority needs and how the MCPT can add value. Sustainability is important to us with both parties having skin in the game.

OUR TEN PROJECTS

16 SCHOOLS • Select • Evaluate • Benchmark

FOCUS: SCHOOL FUNCTIONALITY • Instruction • Infrustracture • Leadership

NEEDS SPECIFIC APPROACH

HIGH QUALITY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT

HIGH IMPACT, & PROVEN RESULTS

• Per School • Per Leader

can be added. However, it is important to understand as Dr Nicky de Bruin of Uplands Outreach states “the beneficiaries of outreach are not independent school pupils. Community service is a different kettle of fish, while there is some overlap, the pupils of independent schools cannot be the main beneficiaries, separating outreach from community service is a key junction in a school’s outreach journey.” Project Champion: Peta Roberts Paul de Wet, who has initiated the programme writes “mathematics is an enabler of careers in science, technology and engineering it is an excellent vehicle for teaching thinking. In 2021 only 35% of Grade 12s wrote the final Core Mathematics examination, only 20% passed and only 5% passed with 60% or more” . Paul, under the auspices of the MCPT has set up the Shaya Izibalo Mathematics Institute (SIMI). SIMI hosts in-person teaching and revision workshops for learners and their teachers. Each attendee receives a write-in-workbook which drives the teaching and learning, while ensuring engagement, coverage and efficiency. The workshops are available online to teachers and learners to participate remotely, allowing for scale and geographic reach. These workshops have been endorsed and promoted by the DoE. It is hoped during 2023 that a pilot project will be conducted comprising 1000 learners in 3. MATHS PROGRAMME: Grade: 9, 10, and 12 Saturday Revision; Teacher Capacitation.

1. EDUHELPERS: Providing admin and teaching interns to assist with capacity.

Eduhelpers are young graduate teachers employed as interns to address two major needs in our community: • Employment • Access to quality education Each school has its own unique challenges, and we work with the school management to select an Eduhelper to assist the school with both administrative and teaching needs. We currently support 23 Eduhelpers with secure donor funding.

Project Champion: Jon Bates with others.

2. BOYS’ SERVICE: Adopt a school to assist with reading, homework, small maintanance jobs, sports, art etc.

Service to surrounding communities is an integral part of the learning journey for Michaelhouse boys. Through the MCPT boys can channel their service time towards valuable interventions in our school communities. Emphasis is placed on their time being focused on service needed by our footprint schools rather than a tick-box exercise. Activities such as assisting with homework, reading, sporting and art classes are encouraged. In 2023 each of our ten Houses will adopt a school focusing on where value

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