The Western Cape Department of Education (WCDE) is doing everything it can to see that Grade 12 learners in the province finish their matric year.<\/p>\n
The department has since launched a campaign focusing on the \u2018Future You\u2019 and with matriculants thanking their younger selves for making the right choice to complete their studies. <\/p>\n
\u201cUsing the AE Face Tool, we filmed three Grade 12 learners from Parel Vallei High School and transformed their faces into older-looking versions of themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis allowed their future selves to thank their younger selves for choosing to finish their matric year,\u201d the Western Cape MEC of Education, Debbie Sch\u00e4fer, explained.<\/p>\n
The department has also designed a website where Grade 12s can pledge to #CommitToFinish and access various learning resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe learner will receive a notification of their commitment and will encourage them to get their fellow learners to do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
The campaign has been launched on various social media platforms, billboards and directly to candidates via SMS and emails to schools.<\/p>\n
Learners will also personally receive an examination support booklet, which will inspire them to soldier on. <\/p>\n
The booklet provides advice on the examination, bursary options and support networks, as well as old exam papers for eight high-enrolment subjects.<\/p>\n
According to Sch\u00e4fer, the experience has shown that some learners become despondent at the end of the year, following their trial exams and may decide to drop out.<\/p>\n
“This year has certainly been a tumultuous year for our Grade 12 learners and their teachers. Despite the disruptive school year, they have shown true grit and determination. They have shown how resilient they are and I am extremely proud of them,\u201d Sch\u00e4fer said.<\/p>\n
Continuous learning, even during level 5 restrictions, has been reassuring, even though the country is still battling with the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeachers, learners and subject advisors communicated via various social media platforms.<\/p>\n
\u201cLearners took the initiative and began self-learning at home, and the use of alternative resources for learning and revision, through our e-portal and website, increased significantly,\u201d said Sch\u00e4fer.<\/p>\n
She said the Class of 2020 is determined and the department is supporting them all the way.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile matric attendance at schools is at 90%, we do not want to see learners dropping out or self-doubt creeping in.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese learners have worked so hard for the past 12 years to reach this point and we want to support them to finish their matric year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sch\u00e4fer believes that the choice will change their life and the life of those around them.<\/p>\n
\u201cHence the campaign line, \u2018You will thank yourself later!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n