- Could you tell us about Wombulu Private School, its purpose, and the vision that underpins its establishment?
Answer:
Wombulu Private School (WPS) was founded in 2023 and is situated in Onakayale Village, approximately 2 kilometres from Outapi town centre in Omusati Region. The school is registered with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture to provide second -chance secondary education and administer the Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSCO) examinations. Through this role, WPS offers an alternative educational pathway for learners who have not successfully completed Grade 11, providing them with an opportunity to continue their secondary education and work towards the NSSCO qualification. WPS is grounded in the conviction that every learner deserves a meaningful opportunity to overcome academic setbacks, realise their full potential, and shape a successful future. This conviction is rooted in the school’s motto “Learn by Doing,” which shapes the identity, educational philosophy, and daily practise of WPS, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing an environment that supports academic development , practical learning and personal growth.
- 2. Could you tell us about your experience in education and your academic qualifications ?
Answer:
I have 20 years of experience in secondary education, with my teaching background primarily in Mathematics and Science. My academic background combines science and education. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Namibia, a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Technology from Botho University, and a Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Studies from the University of Namibia.
Through my career in secondary education, I have had the opportunity to work closely with learners at different academic levels. This experience has given me first-hand insight into the challenges learners face, especially those who struggle academically or do not perform to their full potential.
My professional and academic journey has therefore shaped my philosophy of education. It has taught me that when a learner struggles, we should not focus solely on the learner, but also examine the learning environment, the teaching approaches and other factors that may contributing to underperformance.
These experiences ultimately shape my vision for WPS and contributed to its establishment in 2023, with the aim of providing another opportunity for learners who have not successfully completed Grade 11 to continue their educational journey.
- Your Master’s research focused on factors affecting Mathematics performance among Grade 11 learners. What motivated you to investigate this particular area?
Answer:
I chose this area because of my experience as a senior secondary school mathematics and science teacher. Having spent many years teaching mathematics and science, I had observed that learners’ academic performance was influenced by more than their ability or willingness to learn. I therefore wanted to look beyond examination results and investigate the range of factors that influence performance.
- What did your research reveal about the factors affecting performance, and how do these findings inform your approach at WPS?
Answer:
My research demonstrated that performance cannot be attributed to a single factor. Learners’ performance can be influenced by a combination of factors involving the learner, the teacher, teaching approaches, the learning environment, available resources and other circumstances surrounding the learner.
These findings are particularly relevant to WPS because many of our learners come to us after not successfully completing Grade 11. We therefore need to ask deeper questions: Where did the learner struggle? What knowledge gaps exist? What learning approach works best for this learner? What support does the learner need? My research has therefore influenced the way I understand and respond to academic performance. At WPS, these findings guide us to identify challenges early, provide appropriate support and continuously evaluate our teaching and learning strategies.
- What makes WPS different from other schools?
Answer:
WPS is distinctive in several ways. Firstly, we provide an alternative educational pathway for learners who have experienced an academic setback at Grade 11 level. Secondly, our teaching approaches are informed by research and responsive to the individual learning needs of our learners. Thirdly, we strive to create an environment where learners actively participate in their education, develop critical-thinking skills, problems solving skills, and become increasingly independent learners. Finally, we encourage learners to recognise that previous academic performance does not have to determine their future.
- WPS is described as a social reconstructionist school. What does this mean in practice?
Answer:
For us, social reconstructionism means recognising that education has a role to play in transforming individuals and society. We believe a school should prepare learners not only to pass examinations but also to become responsible, productive and socially conscious members of society. In addition, that education can become a tool for changing their lives, their families and eventually their communities.
- What are some of the challenges faced by learners who come to WPS after not successfully completing Grade 11?
Answer:
One of the biggest challenges is that learners arrive having lost confidence in themselves as a result of their previous academic experiences. Therefore, at WPS, we address both the academic and personal needs of the learner. We seek to understand why the learner struggled, identify gaps in their knowledge, provide appropriate academic support and, at the same time, help them regain confidence in their ability to succeed. This is where our philosophy of “Learn by Doing” becomes important. We want learners to become active participants in their own learning and realise that they are capable of improving when provided the right support, guidance and opportunities.
- WPS has very active extracurricular activities. What role do these activities play in the development of your learners?
Answer:
Extracurricular activities are an important part of life at WPS because we believe education extend beyond the classroom. We currently have active choir, soccer, chess and netball programmes, and our learners participate enthusiastically in these activities.
These programmes gives learners opportunities to discover and develop talents that may not always be evident through academic work alone. Through sport, chess and music, learners develop important skills such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, confidence, communication and perseverance. For us, extracurricular activities are therefore not about keeping learners busy or providing entertainment. They are part of our broader approach to developing the whole learner. We want our learners to leave WPS not only with academic qualifications, but also the skills confidence and experience needed to become well-rounded responsible and productive members of society.
- WPS holds an annual prize-giving ceremony shortly before the NSSCO examinations. What is the purpose of this initiative?
Answer:
Our annual prize-giving ceremony is one of the initiatives that I value greatly at WPS. We hold it approximately one week before learners begin the NSSCO examinations, and this timing is intentional. The ceremony is not only about recognising academic achievement; it is also an opportunity to celebrate effort, acknowledge excellence and motivate learners as they prepare for their examinations. At this stage of their academic journey, learners need more than academic preparation. They also need encouragement and confidence. We want them to leave the ceremony feeling recognised for their efforts, motivated to remain focused and determined to give their best in the NSSCO examination.
- What has been one of WPS’s biggest achievements since its establishment?
Answer:
One of WPS’s greatest achievements has been seeing learners who once believed that their academic journey had come to an end begin to believe in themselves again. Since our establishment in 2023, we have seen learners who experienced academic setbacks regain confidence, re-engaged with their studies and recognise that their previous performance does not have to determine their potential. For me, that transformation is one of the most meaningful measures of WPS’s success. Ultimately, WPS’ greatest achievement is the opportunity we give learners to start again, rebuild their confidence and continue their educational journey.
- What challenges have you faced as WPS grows?
Answer:
Establishing and growing WPS has come with many challenges, particularly as we build an institution and put systems in place to support its long-term growth. As the school continues to evolve, we had to constantly evaluate what is working, identifying area that needs improvement and make necessary changes. One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring that everyone understands the vision of the school and works towards the same goal. A second challenge has been balancing growth with quality. While I want WPS to expand and provide opportunities to more learners, I believe that growth should never come at the expenses of the quality of education and learner support. Another challenges has been maintaining consistency across the school. Curriculum delivery, staff development, administration, learner discipline and academic standards requires continuous attention as the school grows. Nonetheless, these challenges are part of building WPS into a sustainable institutions. We shall march on.
- Where do you see WPS in the next few years?
Answer:
My vision is for WPS to become a recognised centre of excellence for alternative and innovative education in Namibia. As we look towards 2027 and beyond, our focus will be on strengthening our academic programme, expanding to AS level, and further developing our system and facilities to support the school’s growth. Ultimately, I want WPS to be known as a school that gives learners a meaningful second opportunity to succeed, while maintaining strong academic standards and preparing them for life beyond school.
- If WPS could speak to a learner who has just receive Grade 11 results that were not successful, what would it say?
Answer:
It would say: “Your results may not be what you hoped for, but they do not define your ability, your worth or your future.” Failing Grade 11 does not means that your education journey has come to an end; it may mean that you need a different approach, a different learning environment or another opportunity to try again. At WPS we believe in second chance. Join us, and let us walk that journey with you.
- What message would you like to give parents who are considering WPS for their children?
Answer:
I would say to the parent that choosing WPS means choosing to give your child another opportunity to succeed. At WPS, we understand that every learner’s journey is different , and that a setback in their academic journey should not define their future. We provide supportive and structured environment where learners are given fair opportunity to rebuild their confidence , strengthen their academic foundation and work towards completing their secondary education . We also place strong emphasis on discipline, personal development and preparing learner for life beyond school. Most importantly, we believe in the potential of every learner. If your child needs another opportunity, WPS is here to provide that opportunity, while maintaining high expectations and strong academic standards.
- Finally, if you could describe WPS in three words, what would they be?
Answer:
Opportunity. Transformation. Possibility.
WPS is about giving learners an opportunity to try again, transforming the way they see themselves and their education journey, and helping them realise the possibilities that still exist for their future.
We want every learner that walks through our doors to understand that a setback is not a final destination. With the right support, commitment and determination, there is always another possibility.
