The Department of Basic Education launched Lethabong High School in Soshanguve as a special school for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Members of TUT’s GAMMA® team were invited by the MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane and the Principal of Lethabong High, Mmaphefo Malope, to attend the launch. TUT’s team was represented by several lecturers from the School of Education, in the Faculty of Humanities.
The launch was part of the GAMMA® digital devices project, a hybrid techno-blended teaching and learning support programme for Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Technology for schools in Gauteng Province. The project is a brainchild of the Govan Mbeki Mathematics Development Centre (GMMDC) at Nelson Mandela University.
The aim of the GMMDC is to foster continuous professional growth in mathematics among university lecturers and schools-teachers, which is ultimately intended to improve student and learner outcomes in the subjects in question. It encompasses various initiatives, including professional development workshops, mentoring programmes, and the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies.
Three high schools namely, Lethabong, Walmansthal and Memezelo based in Soshanguve, were identified to participate in the mathematics development project. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the three schools, GMMDC and TUT. “The purpose of this agreement was to establish a framework within which cooperation in the space of ICT-assisted STEM-related education, research, and development may develop between the two universities and the schools.
Prof LK Mphahlele.
This occurred within the context of the regulations and policies of each institution, subject to availability of resources, and on a pre-agreed basis,” said Prof Mphahlele, Associate Professor in the School of Education, and coordinator of this project.
With the support the team, and the use of the GAMMA® digital device, Lethabong High School achieved significant success. The school was awarded a trophy for the Best Top School in Circuit 2, in the Tshwane district, Gauteng Province, with a 94.6% matric pass rate in 2023 and a 73% bachelor pass rate. The principal was also recognised with the award for best principal in the district. As a token of our appreciation, TUT’s team offered two additional GAMMA® devices to support the efforts of Lethabong High in providing quality education and training in the automotive field. “We believe that these resources will contribute to the success and effectiveness of the school's programmes, ultimately benefiting the students and the community as a whole,” said Prof Mphahlele.
Dr N Skosana, Prof LK Mphahlele and Dr AN Mhlongo
with some of the learners at the school.