In South Africa, student achievement is usually measured almost exclusively through test scores.  For a high school, their success is determined by the Year 12 Matric test pass rates. There are many factors that contribute to a school’s Matric scores, such as teacher participation, school culture, access to resources, and school facilities.  While in King William’s Town we visited four schools: ZK Matthews High School, Dale Boys’ College, Funiwe Senior Secondary School, and Bisho High School. The average Matric pass rates at these schools varied from 30% to 96%.  Our research focused on exploring student achievement at these different schools by interviewing different stakeholders, including students, teachers, and parents.  We will be exploring the different factors that affect student achievement, how they play out at different schools, and how perceptions of achievement are affected by a school’s unique characteristics.

 Social Inequalities and Education: Student Achievement in the Eastern Cape

[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aLL8LRUiYs”]

Photos

Interview Transcriptions

Interview Transcription Dale College – Student Achievement 

Interview Transcription Bisho High School- Student Achievement

Interview Transcription Funiwe Senior Secondary School – Student Achievement

Interview Transcription ZK Matthews High School – Student Achievement

Interview Transcription Mrs. Xoli Grootboom – Student Achievement