Oshana aims to improve
Acting Oshana Region education director Hileni Amukana says stakeholders have identified a series of steps that will see the region becoming one of the top performers in the country again.
Amukana says she was embarrassed by the state of affairs and stressed that an emergency meeting was held to review and analyse the “shameful” performance. “We agreed on a series of steps to be taken to improve the situation and therefore I would like to remind the principals that we are in a state of emergency and should not leave any stone unturned to get out of this awkwardness,” she says.
“We can do it and senior secondary school teachers must please cooperate with principals who are currently being monitored to introduce the prescribed measures. Only if we cooperate can we succeed in this matter.” Amukana was moved to Oshana earlier this year from Khomas Region to take over from Dutte Shinyemba, who opted for early retirement. Amukana is now deputised by Gerhard Ndafenongo from Oshikoto. Ndafenongo replaces Immanuel Aipanda, who also retired. During 2014 and 2015, Oshana Region finished second in the Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) Grade 10 results, but its Grade 12 performance was dismal after ending at number 13 in 2015. According to Amukana, the Grade 12 national ranking is shameful and need to be addressed. During a recently-held regional education symposium, Oshana Chief Regional Officer Martin Elago also expressed concern with the region’s Grade 12 showing, saying learners appear to do well at junior secondary level, but perform poorly at senior secondary level. On 10 June the region held an award and prize-giving ceremony at Ongwediva Control Combined School where schools, teachers and learners received awards. There were, however, no awards for seven Grade 12 subjects because no teacher met the requirements. The subjects are English, Economics, History, Biology, Physical Science, Mathematics and Development Studies. Amukana said after studying the regional performance she has come up with major initiatives that will improve learning outcomes at all levels.
“School principals will sign performance agreements and enhance interaction on performance standard regularly. Every staff member should scrutinise their work and rededicate themselves to the core functions. School principals must take school leadership as a serious matter. There should be all ministerial policies at their schools, and they must ensure teachers have necessary documents.
They should monitor teaching and focus on academic performance,” Amukana said. Inspectors will also regularly visit some of the worst performing schools.
ILENI NADJATO
Amukana says she was embarrassed by the state of affairs and stressed that an emergency meeting was held to review and analyse the “shameful” performance. “We agreed on a series of steps to be taken to improve the situation and therefore I would like to remind the principals that we are in a state of emergency and should not leave any stone unturned to get out of this awkwardness,” she says.
“We can do it and senior secondary school teachers must please cooperate with principals who are currently being monitored to introduce the prescribed measures. Only if we cooperate can we succeed in this matter.” Amukana was moved to Oshana earlier this year from Khomas Region to take over from Dutte Shinyemba, who opted for early retirement. Amukana is now deputised by Gerhard Ndafenongo from Oshikoto. Ndafenongo replaces Immanuel Aipanda, who also retired. During 2014 and 2015, Oshana Region finished second in the Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) Grade 10 results, but its Grade 12 performance was dismal after ending at number 13 in 2015. According to Amukana, the Grade 12 national ranking is shameful and need to be addressed. During a recently-held regional education symposium, Oshana Chief Regional Officer Martin Elago also expressed concern with the region’s Grade 12 showing, saying learners appear to do well at junior secondary level, but perform poorly at senior secondary level. On 10 June the region held an award and prize-giving ceremony at Ongwediva Control Combined School where schools, teachers and learners received awards. There were, however, no awards for seven Grade 12 subjects because no teacher met the requirements. The subjects are English, Economics, History, Biology, Physical Science, Mathematics and Development Studies. Amukana said after studying the regional performance she has come up with major initiatives that will improve learning outcomes at all levels.
“School principals will sign performance agreements and enhance interaction on performance standard regularly. Every staff member should scrutinise their work and rededicate themselves to the core functions. School principals must take school leadership as a serious matter. There should be all ministerial policies at their schools, and they must ensure teachers have necessary documents.
They should monitor teaching and focus on academic performance,” Amukana said. Inspectors will also regularly visit some of the worst performing schools.
ILENI NADJATO
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