For South Africa's high school students, the moment they open their matric results can be a nerve-wracking experience, as those results invariably determine the course of their lives. Yet this was not the case for the Grade 12 class [2012] of Alexandra-based Realogile Secondary School, who had undertaken a course in learning practical study methods through "Whole Brain Learning", thanks to the sponsorship of contact centre solutions provider, Ocular Technologies.
This advantage led the matriculants at the Alexandra school to increase the 2010 pass rate of 34.3% to 65.4% in 2011; and 2012 would be no different as the 2012 pass rate jumped again to 73.7%. "The Realogile Secondary School was established in Alexandra in 1984, and this is the highest pass rate, to my knowledge, in the history of the school," says Headmaster Dumisani Mbatha.
Alexandra, described by Nelson Mandela as "exhilarating and precarious", is a sprawling ghetto township some 12km north-east of Johannesburg's city centre. The township, known locally as Alex, was established just over 100 years ago, in 1912, and covers an area of approximately two square kilometres. Its infrastructure was designed for a population of about 70 000, while current population estimates vary widely and have been put at figures ranging from 180 000 to 750 000.
The significant, unplanned population has overloaded the infrastructure. Water pressures are low and sewers frequently block and overflow. There are many illegal and dangerous connections to the electricity supply system, where "hot-wiring" has occurred. Driving through Alex, you are left with the general impression of poverty and squalor, witnessed in the polluted streets, the overcrowded shacks, and the many unemployed people milling about.
Today, Alex is the focus of the special presidential Alexandra Renewal Project, and is being cleaned up and upgraded. But the project has caused clashes between residents and companies tasked with the renewal effort, and it remains one of the poorest urban areas in the country.
"Ocular became involved at the school in 2011, as we were concerned by the high failure rate within local schools; it is a very sad fact that approximately 60% of learners writing matric in South Africa every year will fail. We are delighted that the students at Realogile are bucking this trend, and are continuing to achieve record pass rates at the school,"says Pommie Lutchman, CEO at Ocular Technologies.
"What is particularly impressive is that this success has been achieved in a very short period of time, thanks to the dedication and participation of all parties. This school is a shining example of what can be accomplished," he adds.
In both 2011 and 2012, Ocular sponsored Realogile Grade 11 and 12 learners through the Ukufunda Study Methods' Intermediate Certificate in "Whole Brain Learning", in order to provide them with the learning tools and skills needed to successfully face the Grade 12 final examinations. The Whole Brain Learning course, which comprises three interlinked modules on retention, learning and retrieving information, was delivered over a three-week period by Nothando Training, a UK-accredited Whole Brain Learning training company, which has keenly tracked the learners since 2010.
Module One teaches the learners how to retain large volumes of information on any subject, and covers memory control exercises, mnemonic systems, and techniques to familiarise oneself with unknown information and data. Module Two looks at practical methods for learning, such as improving textbook skills, how to extract the relevant facts from information, and the application of brain triggers and key words. Module Three gives the learner guidelines on how to better deal with examinations, from building up relevant vocabulary to exam techniques and handling exam anxiety.
"Ocular's investment and funding of this intervention has produced an overall improvement between 2010 and 2012 of 39.4%, which is a phenomenal achievement by the school," enthuses Kamal Khusal (M.WBL), one of Nothando's master trainers who delivered the Whole Brain Learning course in 2011 and 2012.
"It is clear to all invested that the results speak for themselves," Khusal says.
The highest pass rate was in Geography and Life Sciences, both at 100%; while excellent pass rates were also achieved in Mathematics Literacy, Physical Science and Mathematics, at 92.8%, 91.3% and 75%, respectively.
According to Khusal: "The Whole Brain Learning programme is not just a learning methodology, but rather it teaches individuals the skills to think differently and believe in themselves, and it is this self-belief that allows them to function at a higher capacity. With the right tools unlocking the power of the mind, what can be achieved is limitless."
Lutchman continues: "As Martin Luther King, Jr said: 'Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education'. The Ukufunda Study Methods course aims to increase students' self efficacy, reinforcing the belief that they are capable of performing in a certain manner in order to realise their full potential. This course allows them to develop improved thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills, teaches them how to indefinitely retain and accurately recall information, and reduce study time. But ultimately, it is about more than that; this course not only delivers improved grades, but also opens the door to a better way of life."
Lutchman stresses that Ocular remains committed to the initiative in the long term and believes that 80% pass rate is achievable in the near future.
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