Mater Spei College Pregnancies Drop To 15

Kopano Olesitse
Correspondent | Monday October 12, 2009 00:00

'During the first term of this year, we had nine cases of pregnancies, three cased during the second term and another three this last term. The confirmed pregnancy cases included both the Form Fours and Fives. This drop can be attributed to our guidance and counselling programmes as well as the advice to students from the heads of houses,' said Munyere.

He said heads of houses are made from former heads of department also that they have a general assembly on Mondays where they address students on various issues.

'Normally we try to advise them on issues of pregnancy, HIV/AIDS as well as the consequences of being a mother whilst still young. Also of great importance are the life skills that we teach our students because we are aware that some students are taken advantage of by older men, 'added Munyere. However, on the issue of exams, the school continues to drop as compared to previous years. 'The school recorded the pass average of 33 percent during last year's mid year exams but we only managed a 39 percent pass mark during the final Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) exams.'

He said during this year's mid year exams, they managed to achieve 35 percent for students who achieved five credits or better. 'This number is not that bad because normally our students perform better during the final exams than mid year exams. Our aim for this year is to achieve a 60 percent pass mark,' added Munyere.

He attributed the poor performance to the calibre of students they receive from junior secondary schools. 'For instance, the number of Form Fours enrolled had more third class passes from junior schools. Another problem that we encountered was indiscipline among students  and is usually the wayward students who fail their exams,' added Munyere.

He outlined that this year's final exams, they expect better results because the students are more focused and better prepared. The Form Five students are busy with their exams.