Khumo Makamu picture sourced
After years of being clouded by negativity and labelled as one of the poorest-performing schools in the Francis Baard region, Homevale High School has made a significant turnaround. Sixty learners recorded an impressive 86,7% pass rate for the 2025 matric results, translating to 26 Diploma passes and 12 Bachelor’s passes and certificates for the rest. A school written off by community.
According to the Acting Principal, Raadiya Amien, faith and unity played a central role in the school’s progress. “Nothing would have been possible without the grace and guidance of the Almighty. Once our educators began working as a united team with a shared vision, the belief returned that Homevale could move forward,” she said.
The school analysed the 2024 Grade 11 results early. Identified learners who were at risk and challenging subjects, which allowed subject changes timeously. Some learners increased the number of subjects to eight to improve outcomes.
More strategies were added to support learners, including extra classes for struggling learners. Structured intervention programs were implemented from Monday to Saturday, with active involvement from community partners like Phakama Group and KST. External partners provided valuable assistance to Mathematics and Physical Science learners. The Department held lock-in sessions for all matriculants at the end of each term. Regular progress monitoring and feedback sessions further strengthened learner performance.
Teachers and the School Management Team (SMT) worked collaboratively throughout the academic year. Additional lessons and peer teaching allowed teachers to share best practices. The SMT provided clear direction, set academic goals, and ensured that educators had the necessary resources to deliver quality teaching.
Parental involvement also played a role, though the school acknowledges it’s an area that still needs improvement. While many parents attended meetings and feedback sessions and supported their children at home, limited involvement from some households affected learner performance.
Since the Sol Plaatje Municipality adopted the school in 2024, morale has improved. The mayor and municipal delegates visited the school at the beginning of the year to motivate the grade 12 class of 2025, reinforcing a sense of support and encouragement.
Reflecting on the journey, Amien said, “Although we did not reach our 90% target, the improvement achieved shows what is possible when the school, the Department, and the community work together.”
The improved results ensure ongoing progress in education at Homevale High School and have opened doors for learners to access further study and career opportunities. The school has set its sights on a 90% pass rate for the Class of 2026, with an increased focus on Bachelor’s passes and STEM subjects.
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