The 96% pass rate, with 16 distinctions achieved by the 2007 Grade 12 class from Alexandra, compared to the 49% overall pass rate achieved by pupils in other Alexandra high schools, is expected to be emulated or even exceeded by the class of 2008.

 
At least 45 of the 58 learners of the class of 2008 have already applied to tertiary institutions. In 2007, 46% of the schools' 12 graders obtained exemptions, compared to the national average of 16%. Over 50% of the class are now studying degrees ranging from actuarial Science to engineering at universities and the remainder in Colleges.
 
These remarkable results are due the highly successful Alexandra High Schools Programme, a structured Mathematics and Science educational programme facilitated at St. Mary's Waverley and funded by Sasol.
 
The results show that the programme, which has 130 Grade 11 and 12 learners from five Alexandra high schools attending weekly Saturday and school holiday supplementary programmes facilitated by St Mary's, has found the formula for success.
 
"Improved performance in Maths and Science is crucial to building a solid foundation for tertiary education and economic growth in South Africa," says Pamilla Mudhray, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Sasol. "However, it is difficult for under-resourced schools that lack resources, laboratories and adequate mentoring to achieve good results. St. Mary's has stepped in to provide valuable access to their facilities and teaching."
 
Through the programme, learners from Alexandra who have shown potential in mathematics and science are identified by teachers and the Department of Education. Learners are given 250 hours extra tuition on Saturdays and during school holidays, at the classrooms, computer and science laboratories at St Mary's in Waverley.
 
Cheryl Phophi from Reologile High school in Alexandra has attended the project for 2 years. The daughter of a slain struggle activist, Cheryl is determined that her father's dreams will live on in her. A visit last year to a coal mine whilst attending the Sasol Techno X a science expo in Sasolburg sparked a keen interest in mining engineering and Cheryl has been awarded a full bursary to study mining engineering at the University of Witwatersrand next year.
 
"I gained an incredible amount from participating in this programme - including career and life skills to support the maths and science theory. I am one step closer to achieving my goals," says Cheryl.
 
"We started this project with an aim to increase the number of learners from Alexandra passing with matric exemptions, which gives them access to tertiary institutions. We also need to see an increase in the number of learners registering in Maths and Science related career streams," says Pamilla Mudhray. "With the partnership of St. Mary's we are achieving these aims each year."
 
In addition to Maths and Science, the programme incorporates other learning areas including English, Accounting, Computer and Life Skills. Educators from the high schools in Alexandra are involved in workshops and forums conducted by St Mary's. This year 40 educators from Alexandra and Tembisa High Schools attended English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, Life Skills and Home Economics forums.
 
"The enthusiasm and diligence with which the students come every Saturday is amazing, and judging from their results, we see their commitment being rewarded," says Linda Giuricich, project manager and teacher at St Mary's School.