August 2018.

A multi-faceted analytics programme is being implemented to help address mathematics at Loeriesfontein High School, which has historically experienced a major decrease in learners taking mathematics at a senior level, with only one student registered to write maths in the 2018 matric class. Loeriesfontein and Khobab Wind Farms have invested a significant portion of their socio-economic development funding into this programme, which is aimed at tackling individual learner deficits and poor teaching techniques.

“We are acutely aware that South Africa lags behind other peer economies when it comes to the quality and quantity of learners opting to take mathematics as a subject in Grade 10, as well as the pass-rate achieved in mathematics in Grade 12, which is why we have opted to focus a large portion of our development funding on this programme,” explained Vanessa Fredericks, Economic Development Manager for Loeriesfontein Wind Farm.

Eighty-six Maths learners at Loeriesfontein High School, comprising of forty-six in Grade 8, twenty-five in Grade 9 and fifteen in Grades 10 to 12, are participating in this multifaceted analytics programme.

The programme is addressing mathematics concepts with a reflective approach, which has been shown to be able to catch up the equivalent of six grades in a single year.  The initial assessments, conducted just over a month ago, provided the data on which personalised learner workbooks are based.  Each of the participating learners received their books shortly after the recent July school holidays.

The aim is to increase maths proficiencies and understanding in leaners and looking for double digit improvement in results after the secondary round of assessments, which is scheduled for later this year.

In addition to the personalised workbooks, the school will have permanent internet, provided via a satellite connection by a local ISP. This is one of the few schools in this Northern Cape district to have internet connection for the leaners and staff to use.

“Socio-economic conditions are tough and motivating the learners remains a challenge, however with access to the internet, mathematics materials, including state of the art scientific calculators, textbooks, math sets and the personalised workbooks, it is envisaged that the motivation levels will improve,” added Fredericks.

In addition to this, teachers attended a training workshop as well as a Remedial Intervention workshop planning session, which is being implemented during the Loeriesfontein High School Maths after-schools programme.

“The school will be championing an after-school programme for three days a week, for the duration of the school year and will include monthly feedback and evaluation workshops with both teachers and learners,” she added.

Mr Klaaste, Principal of Loeriesfontein High School, said: “We are happy to receive the support and look forward to running the after school programme. This will help our learners and positively contribute to the community. The internet availability will help motivate learners and be used for research purposes by staff and learners”.

Loeriesfontein Wind Farm and Khobab Wind Farm are proud to be able to do something pro-active to address this educational challenge in order to help future generations be better prepared to contribute to the demands of the local and global economy as well as serve as a way of reducing poverty levels, particularly within rural economies.