The 2024 Bulungula College matric results were a proud moment for our community, with an impressive 98% pass rate. Among our greatest achievements was the dramatic improvement in Mathematics. In 2021, only 7% of our first matric class passed Mathematics. By 2023, this had risen to 63%, and now, in 2024, we have achieved a 100% Mathematics pass rate. This milestone was made possible through caring teaching strategies, early intervention, and a strong focus on building learner confidence.
South Africa continues to struggle with Mathematics education due to historically low performance, a shortage of qualified teachers, and a widespread belief that maths is too difficult. Many learners enter high school believing they are not capable of passing, leading them to choose Mathematical Literacy instead. However, at Bulungula College, we have seen first-hand that with the right approach, any learner can gain confidence, improve their skills, and succeed in passing Mathematics.
Bulungula College Mathematics teacher Leon Zhou played a key role in this transformation. He implemented a structured, caring teaching approach that prioritised each learner’s individual needs. He used a grouping method, similar to our iiTablet Tshomiz programme, where learners were grouped based on their level of understanding. This allowed him to give extra attention to learners who were struggling while enabling stronger learners to progress. From the start of the year, he worked intensively with those who needed support, breaking down complex concepts into simpler steps and providing constant positive reinforcement. He also went beyond regular school hours, offering morning sessions at 6 AM before school and evening classes that often lasted until 10 or 11 PM.
Motivation was key to this success. As learners experienced small wins, their confidence and determination grew. Rather than overwhelming them with high-stakes expectations, Zhou set realistic, achievable goals—for example, if a learner scored 69/150 on an exam, the next goal was to increase to 75/150. This method helped learners track their progress and stay motivated, instead of defeated, in their learning.
However, the foundation for this success has been laid before our learners reach high school. Our iiTablet Tshomiz programme, operating at the four primary schools in our community, provides two extra hours of Mathematics sessions per week to about 1,300 learners. Learners use an engaging, interactive online programme called MathsBuddy on tablets. The Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) method ensures that learners are grouped according to their skill level, with facilitators assigned to each group for focused attention. These facilitators are young, non-teachers, creating a non-intimidating, supportive learning environment that encourages confidence-building at an early age.
Since 2022, the iiTablet Tshomiz programme has been part of an independent study to measure its impact. The results showed that learners in our programme improved their Maths scores by 10% compared to the control schools part of the study. On average, our learners got four more answers right on their tests than learners who didn’t receive the extra support. This kind of improvement is rare, even in other education programmes that run for longer periods. The study has confirmed that our approach is helping learners build stronger Maths skills compared to other schools in our area.
Early intervention, a structured yet caring teaching approach, and continuous support have been key to our success. The continuity from iiTablet Tshomiz to Bulungula College ensures that learners receive the guidance they need at every stage. We are proving that Mathematics excellence in mathematics is possible in South Africa, even in the most under-resourced and rural areas.
