How Spine Road High School in Mitchells Plain achieved a 100% pass rate
At Spine Road High, education extends beyond academics.
Image: file
The secret to the success of one of Mitchells Plain's top-performing schools, Spine Road High lies in a solid and dedicated teaching environment and that their internal benchmark requirements are that every learner achieves 60% for every subject.
This is according to their principal, Mark Fairbairn who shares these gems of the trade with the Cape Argus, citing that discipline was key in both academics and sports.
This year, 77 442 candidates will write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in the Western Cape, of these, 67 606 are full-time matric candidates, while 9 836 are part-time or repeat candidates.
The class of 2024 achieved a 100 % pass rate this year and had the highest pass rate of 91.8% with 213 pupils out of the 232 at the school.
Fairbairn said despite the school's location in Mitchells Plain, it strives for success.
“We firmly believe that teachers make a difference at a school and in the lives of learners. We believe we can compete with the best schools irrespective of our circumstances and limited resources," he explained.
Fairbairn said it was more than a school, Spine Road High, is a vibrant community devoted to nurturing young minds and shaping future leaders.
He also shared its vision, anchored in four pillars which was safety, respect, support, and high expectations.
“The lifeblood of Spine Road High lies in its dedicated, passionate, and hardworking educators who serve not merely as teachers but as mentors and guides," he detailed.
The Grade 8 methodology is intentionally modelled on Grade 12 guidelines, ensuring that learners embark on a coherent and focused academic journey from their very first day.
The school day unfolds across six one-hour periods, each designed to maximize engagement and intellectual development. For the matriculants, extra classes commence from day one in January, reflecting the school’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
In explaining, the school’s road to success he said it had was guarded by its rigorous internal standards, known as "The Spine Road Pass Rate", which requires all learners to achieve a minimum of 60% in every subject.
“This benchmark epitomises the school’s philosophy of striving for mastery rather than mediocrity," he added.
“Beyond this, the collective ambition of the entire school community is clear: a 100% pass rate and a 100% Bachelor’s pass for Grade 12.
“Such lofty aspirations are not merely statistics, they represent a shared dream, pursued with diligence, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of quality over quantity. Every lesson, every assessment, and every moment of learning contributes to the realization of that vision.
“At Spine Road High, education extends beyond academics. The school embraces a holistic approach, integrating academic achievement with extracurricular activities that enrich learners’ social, emotional, and physical development.
“Whether on the sports field, the stage, or in service to the community, learners are encouraged to discover their strengths and cultivate balance.
He said what was most inspiring of all are the learners themselves who were proud ambassadors of their school.