Igniting Literacy: Thembelihle School's 2024 Success Story!
At Thembelihle School, we believe strong literacy skills are the key to a child’s future. In 2024, we tackled significant literacy challenges in our Foundation Phase (Grades 1-4), especially as English is not our learners’ home language. We intensified our efforts to build a robust literacy foundation, and the results are truly inspiring!
Our Strategic Approach:
We implemented several key initiatives:
- Dedicated Literacy Leadership: Our Head of Literacy guided teachers with best-practice methods and materials.
- Targeted Remedial Support: Small groups of struggling learners received individualized attention, effectively bridging learning gaps. This vital support continues in 2025.
- Enhanced Resources: We equipped classrooms with necessary tools, including new Smart Boards, to boost learning.
- Early Intervention: We focused heavily on ECD and Foundation Phases to proactively build strong reading comprehension skills from the start.
- Reading Engagement: We boosted a love for books through events like International Book Day and providing more take-home reading materials.
- Structured Library Program: Our library now works closely with the curriculum, ensuring age-appropriate books and integrated learning times.
Improved Preschool Readiness: Our upgraded Angels’ Care pre-school is better preparing children for Grade 1, with strengthened communication for smooth transitions.
Remarkable 2024 Outcomes!
Our dedicated approach has paid off! Our Foundation Phase learners (Grades 1-3) showed immense improvement in English Home Language:
- Grade 1: 72%
- Grade 2: 71%
- Grade 3: 65%
- Grade 4: 67%
- Grade 5: 65%
- Grade 6: 75%
- Grade 7: 62%
These results are particularly commendable given that most of our learners are not English home language speakers and often come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds.
A Shining Example:
We celebrate Ayabusiswa, who started Grade 1 in 2024 with a reading age of 6.7 and finished the year with an impressive 8.2! Her progress highlights the power of our programs and her incredible dedication.
Looking Ahead
Our commitment to fostering strong literacy skills remains unwavering. The successes of 2024 inspire us to continue refining our strategies and providing the best possible learning environment for every child at Thembelihle School. Thank you to our incredible team, dedicated volunteers, and generous supporters who make these transformations possible.