Focus on maths, science, accounting urges principal

Jacob Reba, head of the Ephes Mamkeli Secondary School in Wattville, said his Grade 12s had failed to obtain a single distinction in either of these subjects.

"We need to work harder in order to improve because maths, science and accounting, are subjects that are a very important. These are subjects that government has highlighted as important and necessary," he said.

A few students started trickling into the school around 8.15am to get their results.

The school, which was one of the top schools in the township, received an 80.2% pass rate this year -- an improvement from last year's 78.8%.

Reba said he was happy with the results.

"We have been doing well as a school compared with our neighbouring schools. We have even achieved (pass rates) in the 90s before," he added.

"We remind the children of the vision of our school. They should aim for international universities, not only local ones. We also push them for quality results. It's not just about how many of them pass, but it matters how they have passed," he said.

Out of the 147 matriculants at the school, 118 passed. The school's top achiever was Nkululeko Vilakazi, with four As and three Bs.

Outside the principal's office a few students sat waiting for their results statements.

Busisiwe Feketshane said although she only received one distinction, she was certain she had done well.

"I believe I did well because the exams weren't that hard," she said.

Ntombifuthi Dube said she had performed well and received a B, which would allow her to study towards a Bachelor's degree.

"I already have a scholarship with Edu Campus and I want to study management."

In comparison with past years, when matrics paraded the streets of the township, shouting and celebrating, some blasting music from their homes, this year only a handful of students were kneeling in the streets, paging through newspapers looking for their results.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge