Teaching in All Saints SDSS, Mtunthama by Pauline Arkle
I taught daily for a month during July/August 2004. You could say it was a busman’s holiday since teaching maths is what I do for my living! The lesson with Form 4 (57 students) started at 8 am and lasted nearly 2 hours, followed by Form 2. (75 students). Forms 1 and 3 were on holiday, being non-exam classes.
Both classes had good attendance and enjoyed the Maths lessons. In Secondary schools in Malawi education has to be paid for. (100 Kwatcha – about 50 pence per week). Some students receive sponsorship through Medic Malawi. Those who cannot pay drop out, save up, and then repeat the year. Those who do not pass the end of year exams will repeat the year, if finances permit. Unlike the UK, the classes have similar ability but not age. Form 4 students ages ranged from 15 to 22+ years.
Maths level was Higher GCSE and A level standard. Students passing exams in October (when the school year ends) can be awarded MSC (Malawi Secondary Certificate). Enough credits will get them a place in college or university. All students were eager to learn, knowing an education is a privilege and is the key to success.
Equipment is basic; most students still used log books. Calculators are expensive (£20 in Lilongwe for one costing about a fiver in UK) so few students have them although the exam board now permits their use in examinations. Several students shared pencils and rulers, though I gave every student a pen at the start. Only one student pretended to have lost it to try to get another! I didn’t fall for that! Textbooks were not available. Malawi students are brilliant at mental arithmetic and can carry out complicated procedures, e.g. cancelling down fractions, with the greatest of ease. Many UK students never develop these skills.
It was a really enjoyable and fulfilling experience and such a contrast to UK schools. It was especially good renewing contact with the staff and some students I taught last year.
