Durban — As pupils wrapped up their examinations this week, the excitement and emotional weight of their achievements were palpable. Sharing in this excitement was Grade 12 pupils from the Fulton School for the Deaf in Gillitts, who completed their final exam on Thursday.
Head Boy for 2024, Samkelo Zondo said he was very happy and still in disbelief that he has completed school.
“Thank you, Fulton School, and especially my house parents—this is like my home. Fulton is my family,” Samkelo said.
Other Grade 12 pupils echoed similar sentiments. Busiswa Pitout said: “Sometimes the simplest things mean the most.
“Thank you to Fulton School for educating me my whole life. Now I am done with matric. You are the best school!”
Asande Dlomo, the Head Girl for 2024, remarked, “Fulton School is the most beautiful school, and I got the best education. I am excited and nervous today.”
Their friends, who are in lower grades in school, have also been inspired by their academic prowess as they inspire each other in their educational journeys.
Grade 11 pupil Nonduduzo Mkhize spoke highly of her peers, particularly Busiswa, noting that she admired her study ethics and respected her.
“From watching her study with other Grade 12 pupils I learned that teamwork is important, and studying together is key,” she said.
Jacob Swanepoel in Grade 10 who is Samkelo’s room-mate said that he is motivated and brave and very understanding of others.
Nonduduzo aspires to study law with the intention of advocating for the rights of disabled individuals, while Jacob Swanepoel in Grade 10 dreams of architecture and engineering design.
“I want to start my own business in the future,” he stated.
School Principal Odette Swift said for over six decades, the Fulton School for the Deaf in Gillitts has paved a remarkable path for Deaf pupils, creating an inclusive and empowering educational environment tailored to their diverse needs.
With a focus on accommodating learners of various academic abilities, Fulton not only champions educational excellence but also fosters a sense of family and belonging among its student body.
Currently, the school implements a broad curriculum that encompasses both the mainstream CAPS (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements) for Grades R to 12 and the D-CAPS framework for learners with severe intellectual disabilities.
Yet, she highlighted an area of concern regarding the curriculum, noting the absence of traditional Mathematics, which means students must be prepared to undertake bridging courses before pursuing careers in fields like engineering or sciences.
She also delivered a heartfelt message to the class of 2024, encouraging them to believe in themselves and know that “everything you need to succeed is already within you. ”
“We are excited to see where the next part of your journey takes you!” she said.
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Daily News