Primary School Learning Labs
It has been proven that on average, learners from higher income groups outperform their poorer counterparts. No-fee paying schools like Ukhanyo Primary School serve economically disadvantaged learners, which also leads to inequality in educational outcomes.
We desperately need to develop potential and remove barriers to learning.
Masicorp believes that backgrounds and economic status should not affect educational outcomes and the future potential of the children of South Africa.
Ukhanyo Primary School Learning Labs
Masicorp’s Primary School Education Programme plays a vital role in providing quality education and support to children from Masiphumelele, particularly at Ukhanyo Primary School, which serves 1,950 children aged 6 to 14. Over the years, we have significantly impacted both the school’s infrastructure and teaching capacity, through projects like our ongoing makeover initiative, which enhances the physical environment, and through our innovative learning labs.
Our learning labs at Ukhanyo Primary include dedicated spaces for English, Mathematics, and Science.
Recent studies show that South Africa’s maths results rank third lowest among 64 countries. However, since the implementation of our Maths Lab at Ukhanyo Primary School, we have seen the Maths pass rate of Grade 3’s at this school grow from 36% to nearly 80%.
English Hub
The English Hub was established in January 2012.
Modeled after the successful Science Lab, the English Hub equips teachers with the skills and resources they need to teach English effectively.
Currently, the Hub supports 1,022 children from grades 2 to 7, including those participating in afternoon clubs. Through this active learning approach, the English Hub is impacting English literacy and empowering both students and educators.
Maths Lab
The Maths Lab at Ukhanyo Primary School is designed to empower teachers with effective, proven methods of Maths instruction while enhancing classroom management. Reaching 784 students from grades 2 to 7, including those in the afternoon coding club, the Maths Lab offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
The Lab provides an open space equipped with reusable teaching aids, accessible to Ukhanyo’s teachers, allowing them to model interactive teaching techniques. Students are encouraged to actively participate, often using whiteboards to reinforce the idea that making mistakes is part of learning.
Beyond regular classes, the Lab fosters a love for Maths by offering additional learning opportunities during breaktime and after school, where students can engage in activities like chess, card games, and number games. Through this approach, the Maths Lab nurtures both a passion for Maths and the confidence to excel.
Science Lab
The Science Lab Project, launched in 2011, aimed to equip Ukhanyo Primary School’s science teachers with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to inspire young scientists. This collaborative effort between Masicorp and the school has been a resounding success, enhancing both student performance and teacher engagement.
The Science Lab has since become a model of teacher support, influencing the development of the English Hub and Maths Lab. While Masicorp no longer manages the Science Lab, it has been fully handed over to the school. We continue to provide a classroom assistant to coordinate and manage equipment, ensuring the lab remains well-stocked and ready for the teachers at Ukhanyo.