THE two subjects that most matric learners fear are mathematics and science – and often these are the two subjects that cause learners either to fail their year, or miss out on a university pass.
The Department of Basic Education has created an initiative called Second Chance, where matric learners are given the opportunity to rewrite their matric exams in the following year and improve their marks.
Some Second Chance matric learners sign up to a private college that tutors them through the revision process… but how do learners manage who cannot afford a private college?
That is where the Nelson Mandela University Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) steps in.
The centre has developed a ‘ReMatric’ course, aimed specifically at matric learners who just missed a pass or exemption. Based on their highly successful Technology Assisted After School Support programme (TAPS), which was developed over 10 years, the GMMDC Maths & Science ReMatric programme is aimed at the talented learner who deserves a second chance.
The ReMatric programme is sponsored by Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) in 2021 and runs over eight months.
The programme integrates customised offline and online digital materials that are interactive and fully aligned with the school curriculum. It also includes many self-assessment opportunities and culminates in a mock ‘exam’ to prepare the learner for the real thing.
Each qualifying learner is given a tablet preloaded with an app called TouchTutor, which contains all their coursework, and they are guided through the curriculum by a facilitator who identifies gaps in their knowledge and helps with processes.
“We learnt many new and creative ways to assist learners using technology,” said centre director Prof Werner Olivier, “and we also had to adapt our techno-blended model to long-distance learning in a very short time since the lockdown started. We discovered that our successful incubation support programme lent itself very well to long-distance learning.
“When we realised how many matrics had failed because of the interruption in schooling – in the Eastern Cape alone, nearly 21 000 learners got less than 30% in their final exams in 2019 – we repurposed our programmes towards helping them pass their Second Chance exams.”
IMSAf, an existing partner of the GMMDC, is pleased to be involved with the roll out of this pilot programme.
“Our aim is to provide sustainable solutions by investing in skills development and education. We are cognisant that maths and science are critical subjects and we support the need to improve these skills,” said Gishma Johnson, Isuzu’s corporate communications manager.
“This is a pilot in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro that we are hoping to roll out across the country,” continued Olivier, “and so there are limited places available. Anyone is welcome to apply for this technology-assisted Maths or Physical Sciences ReMatric tutoring programme and to go through the assessment and preselection process.
“However, this requires a lot of commitment. It is only suitable for young people who have narrowly missed their goal, and are prepared to work hard to make it. Just like our sponsor slogan, we need learners who will be with us for the long run.”
Further good news: the GMMDC is able to confirm a second pilot programme in the rural Komani district, in partnership with Get Ahead College. This pilot will be sponsored by the BK Board.
Gqeberha (PE) pilot programme:
If you wrote matric in 2020 (or 2019) and need to improve your maths and/or science marks, WhatsApp 064 044 0717, e-mail: gmmdc.mathsci.rematric@gmail or Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/778988723031387/?ref=share.
