Finishing schools as a strategy to address high matric failure rate

Abstract

This mini-thesis investigates the extent to which the problem of high matric failure rate in Black schools in South Afric4 specifically in the Western Cape has been addressed by the emergence of Finishing Schools. Finishing Schools were created to solve the problem of overcrowding in schools at matric level. The causes of the high failure rate are discussed in an historical overview of black schooling. The emergence of the Finishing Schools is explored. Questions are then raised about its strengths and weaknesses as a strategy to address the high matric failure rate. In order to do this, a case study of one Finishing School in Cape Town was undertaken. Interviews and questionnaires constituted the main form of data collection. From August 1995 to February 1996I conducted interviews with students, teachers and the principal. The interviews dealt with the views and attitudes of teachers and students towards the problems, significance and future of the Finishing Schools.