The inescapable conclusion from the annual matric statistics is that past endeavours, such as the provision of tuition support in the township schools and even significant government (and non-government) investment, simply have not delivered the desired matric results in Maths and Science, and that the need exists for a thorough workable solution that addresses head on the behavioural challenges and value systems affecting young people from disadvantaged areas in tandem with “full immersion” and “double-contact time” tuition.    
It is within this context that LEAP strives to create and maintain a structured learning environment that will allow each young person to develop fully as a human being and to develop a positive, caring lifestyle and appropriate work ethic. Specifically, LEAP strives to achieve the following objectives: Academic Each LEAP learner should graduate from LEAP with a pass which enables access to universities (including technology universities), with Science, Maths and English on the highest grade. This will enable each learner to gain access to a broad spectrum of tertiary study opportunities, including, significantly, maths and science related opportunities. Whole Person Development LEAP is set up with the stated intention of intervening in the lives of adolescents. It is assumed that when learners enter LEAP that the patterns of their lives need to be changed significantly. The academic goals of LEAP will only be achieved if the other changes occur as part of the process of learning at LEAP. The Life Orientation classroom is the space in which the interventions are most often triggered, managed and monitored. Life Orientation strives to provide the learners with a sense of internal structure, so that as the academic pressures begin to build through high school and into tertiary studies, the learners have the capacity to manage and overcome these pressures. An environment in which positive role models are created in this way and where successes are shared and celebrated, helps break down old models associated with disadvantage. Social Responsibility Node LEAP acts as centre for a wide range of opportunities and activities created to enable people from all South African communities, as well as other countries, to meet and actively engage with one another. Each LEAP learner actively engages in at least one on-going community outreach initiative and strong emphasis is placed on giving back to the communities in which they live. LEAP is committed to providing teacher mentoring programs and sharing of resources with township teachers from partnering schools. By acting as a node, LEAP’s long-term goal is to play an active part in the transformation of disadvantaged communities and those that are more privileged. National Education Framework Contributor Through a desire to bring about the greatest degree of positive change in the shortest timeframe, LEAP actively seeks to share its innovation and entrepreneurial approach within the national public schooling framework. |
