Africa-Press – Botswana. Mater Spei College, loosely translated ‘Mother of Hope,’ continues to live up to its stellar academic legacy and excellence if recent Form Five results are anything to go by. Stepping into the school’s reception area, trophy cabinets overflow with awards, while portraits of esteemed former headmasters, Mr Fraizer Thoiwe, Mr Damien Thapa, Mr Peter Appiah from Ghana, Bennedet Monageng, Jabulani Munyere, and many others who have shaped the school line the walls.
A further display showcases the exceptional achievements of top students since 2022, a cohort credited with returning the school to its former glory.
It is a celebration at Mater Spei College as the school reclaims its glory days. Four exceptional students have propelled the institution to national prominence, securing the school a remarkable second-place finish nationally and first place regionally.
This year, Mater Spei College and Mother of Hope achieved an impressive national pass rate of 33.65 percent, a testament to the dedication and hard work of both students and staff. These standout achievers, Lapologang Motiki (Female) and others, exemplify the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Their stellar performances, such as Lapologang’s 7 A*, 4 As, and a single C, are a testament to the school’s dedication to nurturing top-tier students. Danzel Mosweu (Male) also demonstrated exceptional academic ability, earning 7 A*s, 3 As, and a B. Also Bame Shallon (Male) made an impressive result of 6 A*, 3 As, a B, and a C further solidifies Mater Spei’s academic record while Patience Mbaeva (Male) despite facing challenges, maintained a strong academic record, achieving 6 A*, 4Bs, and a D. Mater Spei College’s academic ascent is undeniable.
Their jump from 5th to 2nd place nationally in 2024 represents a significant achievement, showcasing a clear upward trajectory in academic performance.
The presence of Lapologang Motiki and Denzel Bame in the national top 10, coupled with Bame Shallon and Patience Mbaeva’s within the top 17, further solidifies this improvement.
These outstanding individual results are a direct reflection of the college’s educational standards and commitment to student success.
This impressive progress suggests a strong foundation for continued growth and future success, leaving no doubt that Mater Spei College has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.
The School Head, Mr Babuluki Bajiti explains the school’s success, at national level and a regional first-place victory in the North East region, by surpassing both Francistown and Masunga senior secondary schools. Mr Bajiti, the School Head, emphasizes that this achievement is not a stroke of luck, but a result of strategic planning and unwavering discipline. While the school’s initial target was 36 points, they are now aiming even higher, setting their sights on 48 points.
This ambitious goal leaves the school community hopeful and excited about the school’s potential for future success.
The 2024 BGSCE examination results are a demonstration to the students’ dedication.
Mr Bajiti attributes this success to a combination of discipline, hard work, and unwavering focus. “The high level of discipline is evident in the fact that only two students wrote their final examinations from home due to suspension,” said Mr Bajiti.
The school’s progress demonstrable in their scores, 30.34 percent in the first term, a slight dip to 26 percent in the second, and a significant rebound to 35.1 percent during the mock examinations, indicate a positive trajectory.
Mater Spei has consistently produced top achievers since 2022, including one student with 9 A*s and a D in 2023. In 2024, the school achieved even greater success, securing both first and second place nationally.
The goal, Mr Bajiti explains, is to consistently place multiple students among the nation’s top achievers, securing government sponsorship for them to attend prestigious universities worldwide.
“While the school has consistently produced four top achievers, the aim remains to reach five,” he added” This turnaround from previous years, when the school struggled to break into the top five, can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, a concerted campaign fostered a culture of academic excellence among the students. Secondly, the school boasts a highly qualified teaching staff, many holding master’s degrees.
These teachers, according to Mr Bajiti, consistently go the extra mile, often working beyond their contracted hours and on weekends without additional compensation.
The school also leverages digital tools, providing students with online notes and assignments, particularly in core subjects like Setswana, English, Mathematics, and Science. This digital initiative is complemented by the unwavering support of the teachers. Parental involvement is also crucial.
Parents actively participate in PTA meetings, diligently collect report cards, and consistently monitor their children’s progress, offering support where needed. The school, in turn, provides a conducive learning environment, actively combating drug use and ensuring adequate resources are available during testing periods.
The “Heavyweights programme’’, which rewards high-achieving students with P50 during assembly, further incentivizes academic excellence. Mr Bajiti explained that strong Heads of Department (HODs), acting as mini-headmasters, provide additional support and supervision, allowing the Headmaster to focus on broader strategic issues and oversee the school’s house system.
Crucial external support also plays a part. Alumni have donated a duplicating machine, while the “Friends of Mater Spei,” a network of local businesses, provides donations and support, including sanitary pads for female students. The school’s high transition rate also positively impacts results.
While Mr Bajiti acknowledges the need to address indiscipline issues at a later date, the focus remains on celebrating the school’s academic achievements. This success is a testament to the dedication of its teachers, the hard work of its students, and the wisdom behind its seemingly unassuming uniform.
This resurgence marks a return to a golden age for the institution. The school’s is not just about numbers, it is a story of intentionality, resilience, and a return to the foundational values that define a truly exceptional institution where education reigns supreme.
Mater Spei College, is truly living up to its name by offering a holistic education, balanced academic rigor with supportive extracurricular activities and community engagement.
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