To provide focused academic support ahead of the mid-year exams, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Matric Helpline Program recently introduced seminars for Grade 12 students in the uMshwathi Municipality to prepare for mathematics and physical sciences
The seminars, held at Cool Air Secondary School in Durban, brought together students from several circuits to foster a collaborative environment that strengthened their understanding of key STEM concepts while preparing them for the demanding National Senior Certificate exams. To reach hundreds of students in a single day, UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus held parallel workshops for nearby schools.
The workshops addressed frequent misconceptions in mathematics and the physical sciences, exam approaches, problem-solving strategies, and topic revision. Under the guidance of knowledgeable UKZN instructors, students actively engaged with difficult course material and acquired useful strategies for confidently responding to test questions.
This project shows the Matric Helpline Programme’s continued dedication to improving learner outcomes in gateway STEM subjects—essential for entry to postsecondary education and future job opportunities.
Ms Lexia Naidoo, an executive at the Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC), emphasised the need to conduct seminars concurrently in various locations:
“No matter where they attend school, we want to make sure that students have access to high-quality academic help. We can reach more students and improve our relationships with the Department of Education and schools by holding workshops in various locations. Beyond test preparation, we want to encourage students to pursue STEM degrees and consider UKZN as a place to continue their education.
The relationship between academic success and long-term success was reinforced by introducing students to STEM-related job pathways and further education options in addition to subject-specific help.
The workshops highlight UKZN’s overarching goal of community involvement and educational growth throughout KwaZulu-Natal. The University continues to develop opportunities that foster learner success and contribute to the province’s future STEM workforce through solid collaborations with schools, educators, and stakeholders.
Source: UKZN