Are Extra Lessons in SA a Great Solution for Academic Success?

The release of matric results each year in South Africa often brings a wave of celebration. While the overall pass rate can seem encouraging, a deeper dive into the statistics, particularly for STEM subjects, reveals a more concerning picture regarding the number of students truly mastering core subjects. Wynand van Heerden, co-founder and owner of Edify, raises a critical question: could extra lessons in SA be a significant part of the solution to bridging these academic gaps?

While the 2023 matric pass rate was 82,9%, it’s important to consider that a substantial percentage of students who started Grade 1 with that cohort (39% or 450,000) did not matriculate. Looking at core maths, of the students who began Grade 1 in that cohort, only 22,7% wrote the subject in matric, and a mere 14,4% passed it. Similar trends are seen in physical science, where 13,6% of the original Grade 1 cohort passed matric, and accounting, with only 6,7% passing.

These figures suggest a systemic challenge in ensuring students not only pass but also deeply understand critical subjects. Van Heerden believes these results “would have been far better if the majority of students had had access to extra lessons”.

Beyond Remediation: The Broader Benefits of Extra Lessons in SA

Extra lessons are often perceived as purely for students who are struggling. However, their benefits extend much further. “Certainly, extra lessons help those who’re struggling, but they can help any student who wants to improve their marks – those who want to go from a B to an A, for example, or even top achievers who want to improve their A in the 80s to a mark over 90%”. The goal of quality supplemental education benefits everyone aiming to realise their full potential.

For homeschooling families, the concept of “extra lessons” might take different forms – specialised online tutors, co-op classes focusing on specific subjects, or even a parent with expertise dedicating focused time. The underlying principle is providing targeted support where it’s needed most.

The Edify Approach: Understanding and Passion

Van Heerden argues that for true educational benefit, “students need to be taught understanding through practical application of a subject, not just rote learning”. They also “need to be met and supported at whatever level they are in each subject”. This differentiated approach is central to effective learning.

At Edify, the focus is on motivating and inspiring students to develop a genuine passion for a subject, regardless of their current performance level. This philosophy has yielded significant improvements. For their 2023 matrics, the average improvement in marks from when students joined Edify until their finals was 22%. Notably, one student improved their maths mark from 32% in Grade 10 to 89% in their matric finals, while others saw a 40% improvement in just two months after their preliminary exams. These results highlight the impact of targeted, quality maths and science tutoring and support in other subjects.

The success is attributed to “the quality of our teachers and a differentiated teaching model, where each student is taught according to their specific needs”. Key criteria for their teachers include “excellent subject knowledge, a passion for teaching and the ability to relate to and inspire student”. This resonates with what many homeschooling parents strive to achieve – a learning environment that is both knowledgeable and inspiring.

Applying Effective Principles in a Homeschool Setting

While not every family can access formal providers of extra lessons in SA, the principles of effective supplemental education can be adapted for homeschooling support in South Africa:

1. Identify Specific Needs: Regularly assess your child’s understanding and pinpoint areas where they might need more focused attention. This could be specific concepts in maths, comprehension skills in language, or practical application in science.
2. Seek Understanding over Rote Learning: Encourage your child to explain concepts in their own words. Use real-world examples and practical activities to demonstrate the application of knowledge. For example, baking can teach fractions and chemistry, while building projects can illustrate physics principles.
3. Foster a Passion: Connect learning to your child’s interests. If they love space, use that to teach astronomy and physics. If they enjoy stories, use literature to explore history and social studies.
4. Differentiated Approach: Recognise that each child learns differently. What works for one may not work for another. Be flexible in your teaching methods and resources. The Department of Basic Education itself provides various resources and guidelines which can sometimes offer alternative ways to approach subjects, though their primary focus is on the national curriculum.
5. Leverage External Resources Wisely: This could include high-quality online courses (many offer specialised instruction), educational documentaries, or even virtual tutors. Khan Academy, for instance, is a globally recognized free platform offering extensive resources in maths and science.

Extra Lessons in SA: The Challenge of Accessibility

Van Heerden acknowledges a significant challenge: “quality extra-lesson teaching does have a dramatic effect on improving marks and matric results of students across the board… However, the harsh truth is that they’re currently only available to the privileged few”. This raises the “real question… how do we make them accessible to every South African child who needs them?”.

While Edify is working on initiatives like delivering quality education to lower-income households through video streaming with private-sector partners, the broader accessibility issue remains. For homeschooling families managing their own educational budgets, this means seeking out creative and cost-effective solutions for supplemental support. This could involve:

• Forming learning co-ops with other homeschooling families to share teaching strengths.
• Utilising free or low-cost online educational platforms.
• Engaging with community libraries and their resources.
• Seeking out volunteer tutors or mentors.

What are your thoughts on the role of extra lessons in SA or supplemental support in your homeschooling journey? Share your experiences and strategies in the comments below! Please share this article and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more educational insights.