The first term of the 2024 academic year has come to an end and learners will soon know how they performed during this period.
For some, these results may be a wake-up call, while others rejoice and celebrate their hard work paying off. Learners will know where to improve and for those in high school, whether they have chosen the correct streams of subjects. They will know if they need an opportunity to approach their teachers, parents or seek tutors for help.
According to high school teacher, Koketso Maubane, the first term is usually the easiest for learners but can be a challenge for those in Grade 10 who have chosen a new stream of subjects. She says learners can adjust if they get enough support as early as the first term starts and that it is important for schools to establish which teacher will be teaching which class and subject before classes resume.
“Teachers need to act as soon as they see that a learner is struggling with their subject. It is not compulsory that teachers offer extra lessons to learners, but it is advisable to assist learners individually or as a small group in order to identify their weaknesses. As a maths teacher, I know that learners are often intimidated by the subject and perform below average, not because it is difficult, but because they think it is difficult and then lose track,” Maubane said.
Maubane says this is the right time to monitor and call for interventions to help learners improve their results. She says learners should not be judged based on their first term performance as there is always room for improvement. For some learners this is the easiest term, and their results start declining going forward while others pick up from starting at a low note and improve.
Kabelo Moyo, who is a tutor for Mathematics, Science and Computer Application Technology says the first term is his busiest time of the year, especially when he is teaching high school learners. He says learners are introduced to new topics and subjects and need assistance in understanding them to the fullest.
“I also encourage my students never to give up. The previous year, I had a student who repeated the same grade three times but now he is excelling and will be representing his school in the Maths Olympiad. That is why I also tell my students that it is possible to obtain a 100% pass on all your subjects. Even now during school holidays I will be continuing with my students because I know that some of them still need more time to grasp certain topics,” Moyo said.
While speaking at the Gauteng Grade 12 teachers meeting over the weekend, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said teachers need to put in equal effort when teaching all learners and not only focus on those in Grade 12.
The Second Term will start on the 3rd of April 2024.