NWU Winter School to boost Grade 12 results

More than 1 100 Grade 12 learners from three districts in the North West Province are attending the 12-day matric Winter School at the North-West University's (NWU's) campus in Mahikeng.

This annual winter school programme, facilitated by qualified and experienced tutors, started on 23 June and will continue until 4 July 2018.

The main aim of the project is to focus on problem areas within the subjects offered and to help learners prepare for their final examination, with the added goal to meet the admission requirements of tertiary institutions.

The Winter School specialises in mathematics, but also offers physics and chemistry, life sciences, agriculture, geography, accounting, economics, English and business economics. Life skills such as leadership, time management, study methods and how to summarise effectively are also addressed.

In previous years the programme has significantly contributed to the improvement of participants' matric pass rates. The programme has also received positive feedback from both learners and educators observing noticeable improvements in study methods and academic performance.

"The project affords learners an opportunity to sharpen their skills for their matric examinations and to broaden their minds," says Ngoako Malatji, the project coordinator.

"The on-campus winter schools also give pupils a taste of university life where formal lectures are followed by smaller group tutorials.

"The students do not only receive academic assistance, but are also inspired to dream and to make those dreams a reality," adds Ngoako.

Speaking on the previous success of the programme, Prof Dan Kgwadi, NWU vice-chancellor, said the NWU is committed to meeting socio-economic development goals in our communities.

"This project is a great example of an effective, sustainable partnership that has delivered clear results. We have seen a significant boost in Grade 12 attendees' performance and we believe this programme helps to shape a positive future for every participant.

"We appreciate the longstanding partnership with the Department of Education and the teachers we use as tutors every year: they have been crucial to the programme's success."