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01 June 2018 Photo Ian van Straaten
Future Kovsies love Qwaqwa Campus
Excited learners getting a quick lesson from Keafon Jumbam from the Department of Zoology and Entomology.

Hundreds of Grade 11 and 12 learners from all corners of the Eastern Free State and far afield converged on the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) for the annual Open Day.

This was not just about getting information pertaining to academics, but it was also about getting the feel of campus life.

“Prospective students got the chance to explore our campus, interact with lecturers, and learn about the university’s qualification offerings. Drone flights and face painting added to the entertainment; there was also an opportunity to dress up for photos with staff from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, while the Faculty of Education had a DJ belting out catchy tunes. We look forward to welcoming the class of 2019,” said Acting Vice-Principal: Academic and Research, Dr Jared McDonald.

Motivation and hard work

Karabo Mokoena and Sentebale Matsaba from Retief High School in Kestell expressed their excitement. “I want to study Political Science so that I can become a political adviser,” said Karabo. Sentebale added that the day was an ‘adventure’, as she wanted to get more information. “The event has motivated me to work even harder,” said an aspiring medical doctor.

From the teachers’ side, the event also served as a motivation for their learners.

“Our learners did not only find the day to be very fruitful in terms of information received. They also found it motivational as they were exposed to the look and feel of university life. It was indeed eye-opening and fascinating for them. Many said that they are now motivated to work even harder,” said Dikeledi Mabine, Life Orientation and English teacher at Ntsu Secondary School in Bethlehem.

The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, also shared his hopes and aspirations for the campus and the UFS in general with teachers, while learners and future Kovsies were also given the chance to apply online.

News Archive

The UFS produces some of the finest teachers in the country
2015-03-02

 

The quest for producing well-grounded, excellent and prolific teachers at the UFS is bearing fruit. Numerous accolades have over the years been bestowed on some of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus's finest graduates.

"For us as the faculty, it is gratifying and rewarding to learn about the achievements of our students. These achievements do not only validate our efforts, but inspire us as well,” says Dr Dipane Hlalele, Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Education at the UFS.

Dr Hlalele also revealed that, in the recent past, the faculty at the Qwaqwa Campus has experienced an increase in the enrolment figures for teacher training.

"Numbers in our initial teacher education programmes grow in leaps and bounds and we produce some of the best teachers in the country. We are proud to say that on graduation day, our students receive at least two things, i.e., their qualifications as well as entry into the teaching profession," added Hlalele.

Some of the shining examples that Dr Hlalele referred to, are Tebello Tshabalala (English), Mthobisi Khumalo (Mathematics), Thabo Mohapi (Physical Sciences), Lehlohonolo Khanye (Accounting) and Yvonne Tsotetsi (Business Studies). All of these are educators at Lekgulo Senior Secondary School in Qwaqwa and have each produced a 100% pass rate in the 2014 examinations.

There is also Nape Motloung, whose excellent Mathematics results at Botshabelo's Lefikeng High School have placed him as the Top Mathematics Educator in the Free State. Motloung's consistent excellent results have also placed his school in the Top 10 of the Best Performing Schools in Mathematics. This has also won his school R100 000 from the Free State Department of Education.

At yet another Qwaqwa school, Sekgutlong Secondary, Malefetsane Mokomotoane's Mathematics results over the years have earned him a runner-up prize in the category Excellence in Teaching Mathematics at the 2014 National Teachers Awards hosted by Minister Angie Motshekga.

"I am proud to have had 98% of my learners pass Mathematics, with 10 distinctions," said an elated Mokomotoane, who has just been appointed Principal of Selelekela Secondary School in Qwaqwa.

"Having achieved an average of 59%, my highest ever, has taught me and my learners that through hard work, anything is possible," added Mokomotoane.

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