Excellence in Mathematics Award

On the evening of Friday 14 March 2008 two of our senior Maths teachers, Mr Kenny Sampson and Mr Charles Liberty, attended a glittering function at the 5-star Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria. The ‘Most Improved Schools Awards 2007’ were hosted by the National Education Department and attended by various dignitaries, among them the Deputy President of South Africa, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the National Education Minister, Ms Naledi Pandor, the National Director General, Mr Duncan Hindle, and several provincial officials. On arrival, guests were welcomed by the soothing sounds of the Soweto Strings Quartet.

There were four categories of awards, namely Outstanding Improvement in Home Language and English Second Language, Consistent Improvement (overall), 100 Club (over 100 passes in Maths HG) and Excellence in Maths. It was in the latter category that SP, with its 58 HG and 95 SG passes in 2007, received its award. It was the only Western Cape school to feature in this category. In the official programme the following insert accompanied the notification of the award:

This school serves a disadvantaged area in the south of Cape Town.
It encourages learners to excel in all fields and give back to the community.
The school is proud of its excellent results and heritage.

These words were flashed on the big screen when the announcement was made. Mr Sampson, in his report on the Monday morning, spoke of his pride at that moment in being associated with SP, even though it has been for only a few years. Later Mr Sampson and Mr Liberty were personally congratulated by Mr Ronald Swart, the Western Cape Director of Education. He said SP had ‘made him proud’. The following morning all the guests were treated to a sumptuous breakfast, during which various educational issues were discussed.

Mr Liberty and Mr Sampson with the certificate, and Mr Isaacs in the background.

At the staff meeting on the Monday morning, Mr Isaacs thanked Mr Sampson and Mr Liberty for their part in the students’ outstanding performances, and also acknowledged the contribution of Mr Victor Ritchie, former principal of Harold Cressy High, who voluntarily conducted extra Maths classes during the intervals in 2007. In his report,
Mr Sampson pointed out that the senior teachers are only the final leg of the relay team, having been handed the baton by the teachers of the junior grades. Their role should not be forgotten. The school was awarded with a certificate of achievement and an amount of R150000.

The gauntlet has now been thrown to the matrics of 2008 to emulate the achievements of their counterparts of 2007.

Well done, the Maths department of SP!

19 March 2008