Arnold KeyaIN a bid to motivate and encourage pupils, parents and teachers, Suiderhof Primary School recently introduced a maths and science quiz, a spelling bee and a merit award system.
Principal Alma Similo says against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, these competitions and merit awards aim to motivate all stakeholders to stay on course, beat the monotony and adapt to the new normal.
“Part of obtaining great results in any business is how those who manage these entities motivate and entice their human capital at the workplace. When it comes to teaching and pedagogical environments, it is especially important that both teachers and learners are continuously encouraged and motivated,” says Similo.
The Bible verse “as iron sharpens on iron, so one person sharpens another,” has been key to the competitions, organised by the school to improve pupils’ performance and the general learning environment.
Alongside Suiderhof Primary School, Aris Primary School, Faith Primary School, Eros Primary School and Olof Primary School recently took part in the maths and science quiz and spelling bee tournament.
Making up the Eros Primary School team were: Nuusiku Apulile, Monica Hashipala, Hope Basson, Hope Maxwanu, Wahupisa Kandanga and Alzierah Kavandje who scooped the first place trophy.
Faith Primary School’s team of Ndamona Weyulu, Amalia Oiva, Petrus Iyaloo, Ndaudika Helao, Emma Emma, Oiva Hertha, Thikiipo Shiningeni, Uartua Kaijama took second place, while Suiderhof Primary School’s team consisting of Alric Schrader, Hayley Baumann, Daniella Barth, John-Marshall Klazen, Vetanga Njuva and Brumilda Januarie came in third place. Additionally Suiderhof Primary School has set precedence in throwing down the gauntlet to their pupils by introducing a merit awards system. School staff and management came together and decided to reward pupils who achieved above 80% on average, with merit badges.
An awards ceremony was held at the school recently, which enabled parents, teachers and pupils to celebrate the achievements of winners in each grade.
Parents could not have been more excited for their children, which was evident in the many family members who packed the school hall and lined up outside in order to comply with Covid-19 regulations, just to get a glimpse of and photo opportunity with the well-deserved award recipients.
Despite the dark cloud the pandemic has had over the world, there is certainly a silver lining in how pupils, despite missing much school, continue to excel academically. This proves that when teachers, parents and pupils work together both standards and performance improves.
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