Getting our educational bearings..

Much of orientation was framed around the great changes and challenges occurring in the South African school systems. I don’t want to ramble for too long about this, but it is an important framework for the projects I will be undertaking in the upcoming months. The largest, and most prevalent issue related to Alice and I’s project at Walmer High School is the 12^th grade matriculation (or “matric”) tests. These tests are taken at the end of high school to determine whether or not you pass or fail, and further, whether or not you will be accepted in a university. There are no college essays, no letters of recommendations, just a number. While there are 11 national languages in SA, these exams are only offered in English or Afrikaans (the two languages spoken primarily by white South Africans). While subjects are taught in English beginning in fourth grade, most black learners are raised speaking their home ethnic language and use this language to interact with their peers and teachers throughout their schooling. In observing numerous secondary classes where classes are to be instructed in English, there was a large hybrid of English-ethnic language jumble, and I imagine this would be even more so, if not primarily home language in the villages. But back to matrics. This is the focus of every student beginning in high school. The seniors can be identified by their uniforms that include a tie that says “matric” near the knot, or a jacket that says “matric” on the sleeve. It is the one focus of 12^th grade. What is interesting about these tests is that one can pass the matric and not be admitted into university. In fact, this is a reality for many students who pass the matric. And of the students who begin college, only 50% graduate. While these numbers are upsetting, there is an even larger issue at the moment- what happens to the students who don’t pass? There is no system in place, few opportunities available for the people who don’t go to college. It results in learners returning home to perpetuate a cycle of poverty and poor education. This issue has been the main inspiration for Alice and I in planning our projects at Walmer. Alice and I have been trading a lot of great ideas this weekend and I will post more as we finalize plans at the school this week!