SABC's Adopt a School programme to improve learners results

"Adopt a School, aimed at high schools with low performance results, intends to improve grade 12 year-end results,” explains Thembi Maseko, outreach project manager at SABC Education.

“The Formal Education and Outreach units at SABC Education identified these schools and will analyse the reasons contributing to poor performance and develop a turnaround strategy in consultation with the schools, communities and district, provincial and national departments of education to improve overall conditions and results."

Technological capacity

The adopted schools have been equipped with technological capacity that gives learners access to content provided by SABC Education and others to help in their efforts in obtaining good results by the end of grade 12. Emphasis will be on mathematics, science, biology and English for distance learning broadcasting. Content will be in alignment with the national curriculum statement and outcomes based education for grades 10-12.

"We have identified and installed permanent equipment suitable to meet all needs of the project, which allows for the incorporation of new and added technology at later stages. It uses open source software compatible with all computer-based software and is easy to use," adds Maseko.

Online, experienced FET tutors will be available to offer assistance using the network platforms available in the multimedia centres. Each school has a trained facilitator that runs the day-to-day facilitation of the multi media centres. Lessons are supported by additional activities than can be downloaded from www.sabceducation.co.za.

The schools are:

• Eastern Cape - Gcisa and Mqikela Senior Secondary Schools
  
• Free State - Reahola Senior Secondary
  
• Gauteng - Kwabhekilanga High School and Vulanindlela Secondary School
  
• KwaZulu-Natal - Zeph Dhlomo and Lourdes High Schools
  
• Limpopo - Lengama and Maneledzi High Schools
  
• Mpumalanga - Magwagwaze and Mungena Senior Secondary Schools
  
• Northern Cape - Xunkhwesa High School
  
• North West - Ntlatseng High School
  
• Western Cape - Fezekile Senior Secondary and Morester High School

During the long-term campaign, the units intend investigating the core reasons behind bad performance and finding sustainable solutions that will continue beyond the project. The vast problems contributing to poor results will take on a consultative process at all levels: learners, educators, parents, government and business. The Formal Education unit will focus on academic problems and the Outreach unit will manage social issues.

To take part in the Adopt a School campaign or to get more information, contact Paulette Tshiredo, head: formal education on tel +27 (0)11 714 5648 or email .