St Mary’s/Alexandra Schools’ Programme

The St Mary’s/Alexandra Schools’ Programme makes a contribution to the broader education system to redress educational disadvantages in the South African context. We believe it is essential to engender an awareness of those in need in our country.

The programme aims to provide supplementary academic and entrepreneurial support for high ability learners from Alexandra, a disadvantaged area in Johannesburg. The aim is to develop the personal, social and academic skills necessary for success in higher education which will allow them to contribute to their communities in the future. St Mary’s School has been involved in this programme for the past 20 years. We provide lessons, book bags, textbooks and stationery to about 250 pupils from five different schools in Alexandra. Our success rate is exceptional with the class of 2011 achieving a 93% pass rate, and twenty eight learners passed with enough marks to be accepted for Bachelor’s degrees.

Pupils on the programme are bused from Alexandra to St Mary’s School each Saturday where they are taught Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Geography and English by highly qualified, experienced teachers. This programme has provided support for about 2300 learners over the years.