How Buffelsdale Secondary achieved perfect results

SUPPORT SYSTEM

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

BUFFELSDALE Secondary School in Tongaat has achieved a remarkable 100% matric pass rate through dedicated teachers who opened their homes to pupils and provided extra classes seven days a week.

This school is transforming its reputation from one associated with drugs and trouble to an institution of academic excellence.

It is situated in an area plagued by drug abuse, poverty and instability, and serves pupils who often arrive hungry, emotionally distressed or without stable homes.

Principal Runganathan Govender said their achievement was as a result of the relentless effort from teachers who routinely went beyond their professional duties.

“When children come to school in the right frame of mind and with the right attitude, we are able to do the work with them. But to get them in that head space, our teachers had to sacrifice a lot. We had extended classes every single day, straight after school until 4pm, Saturday and Sunday classes, and lessons throughout all school holidays, including Easter and July.”

According to Govender, some teachers even housed pupils at their homes to ensure they attended school regularly.

“There were cases where pupils had nowhere to stay. Teachers opened their homes so that these children could come to school, eat properly and focus on learning. That kind of commitment is not written into any job description.”

Academically, the school recorded strong subject performances, including a 100% pass rate in English and 94% in Afrikaans.

Funding, however, remained one of the school’s biggest challenges.