LEAP 1 Science and Maths School was started in 2004 and serves the community of Langa.

LEAP 1 Newsletter - May 2009

Langa

According to the City of Cape Town Census in 2001, there are 49,667 people living in Langa and the demographics of the people and area are as follows:

- 99% are Black African whose home language is Xhosa

- 72% earn less than R1,600 per month - less than R19 200 per annum

- 71% of adults’ highest qualification is Grade 11 or below (aged 20 years and older)

- 49% of economically active adults are unemployed

- 37% of people live in an informal dwelling

- Only 5.8% of adults have a qualification higher than Grade 12

- Only 5% of the economically active adults are legislators, senior officials, managers and professionals

2008 Highlights

Academic Opportunities

Zenex created an opportunity for 12 matric learners to attend the Schools Festival in Grahamstown. The festival gives learners an opportunity to experience Arts and English related activities designed to empower them by developing their communication skills and by encouraging them to nurture and explore their own creative potential.

60 learners participated in the University of Cape Town Maths Competition this year – 20 individuals and 15 pairs. 7 learners achieved a merit award (ranked in the top 200 in their grade). Chuma Nikelo (Grade 11) was awarded a prize as the highest achiever at LEAP.

Three Grade 11 learners, Chuma Nikelo, Yanela Dlokweni and Mzingisi Magadlela, were chosen to represent LEAP at The South African Institute of Chartered Accountant’s The Business Game.

Cultural Activities

Our choir and gumbot dancers were invited to perform at the “Bishops Classic Pops” evening in the City Hall. The Leap choir also had an opportunity to perform at the wedding of one of Bob Woolmer’s sons, Dale Woolmer.

LEAP Science and Maths School was featured in an episode of Kaelo Stories of Hope on SABC 2. The programme was aired on 11 August 2008.

LEAP teachers and learners participated in the “Next Wave Conference” that Bishops held over 3 days to chart its medium term strategic plan.

Phila Lobi (Grade 11) and Andisani Tsengiwe (Grade 12) were selected for the Western Province debating team and competed in the South African Debating Championships in December 2008.

Phila Lobi (Grade 11) and Mthuthuzeli Mbembeni (Grade 10) were part of a team with two learners from Bishops - Diocesan College that won the regional United Nations Debating Competition and represented the Western Cape at the South African United Nations Debating Championships in October 2008.

Akhona Mafanya (Grade 12) was chosen as a member of the South African National Public Speaking and Debating Team. She participated in the world championships held in Stuttgart, Germany, earlier this year.

Lungiswa Gwaai (Grade 12) was selected for a Rotary exchange programme in Brazil for 2009.

Career Exposure

LEAP girls of all grades from LEAP 1 and LEAP 2 took part in Old Mutual’s Take a Girl Child to Work programme. They listened to series of presentations from the HR, business and financial departments in Old Mutual.

At the end of September all of LEAP 1 and LEAP 2 grade 11 learners undertook two days of work shadow at various companies offering careers within their sphere of interest. This gave them an opportunity to experience some of the reality of jobs which they are interested in and to interact with people engaged in these activities.

Two LEAP 1 learners, Lindelwa Mini and Nomaphelo Mvinjelwa (Grade 11), had the opportunity to travel for 5 weeks to Marion Island on board the S.A. Agulhas. This was a huge learning experience for both the girls.

Matric Academic House

The Matric Academic House was established in 2008 and provides a home conducive to studying and exam preparations for selected learners during the final matric exam preparation period. Six learners were selected to stay in the house based on academic results and individual need and provided them with an opportunity to concentrate on their studies without the added pressures and emotional responsibilities that are associated with their home life.

The house provided a study facility that enabled these learners to work together to prepare for their exams and emotionally support each other. An added benefit was that the experience also prepared the learners for a university hostel living environment.

Every learner in the 2008 Matric Academic House improved their academic results significantly during the period. Most of the learners living in the house improved their marks by at least one symbol in 3 subjects and by two symbols in Maths. Four of the six learners that stayed in the house received distinctions in Maths.