Cinemas have experienced an influx of grade 12s over the past few months. The recent increase in cinemagoers is not due to a Hollywood blockbuster, but for online maths and science tutoring.

Thanks to a SPAR sponsorship, more matrics will now benefit from online tutoring in preparation for their final exams. Due to disruptions to the academic year, brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the majority of matriculants have missed out on almost half of their curriculum.

Primestars utilises Ster-Kinekor cinemas as “Theatres of Learning” and runs programmes such as matric math and science, career guidance, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. The organisation assists an average of 90 000 grade nine to 12 learners from under-resourced communities annually.

Thanks to SPAR and other sponsors, the campaign can now expand to introduce more online resources and assistance to grade 12s countrywide – free of charge.

Starting from October, the following exam preparation resources will be made available by the #SavingTheClassOf2020 campaign:

·         Cinema – 20 000 seats nationally

·         In-school (screenings in rural schools) – 3 000 seats in three provinces

·         Online – Learners can visit savingtheclassof2020.ulearningsa.net to access free lessons

·         Television (SABC Woza Matrics) – content has been available on Woza Matrics since October 26

·         WhatsApp – 10 000 revision notes are available to download More than 200 schools will benefit from the cinema programme while more than 500 schools are set to benefit from the online, WhatsApp and television content.

The divisional human resources executive at SPAR South Rand, Nonelela Xaba-Butjie, said they hope to inspire people to do and be more.

“We believe in creating independent, successful leaders who will grow their opportunities and capabilities to inspire others and uplift their communities.”

“Partnering with Primestars allows us to expand our current educational programmes. We hope to create sustainable situations by being a part of the long-term solution and not just providing short-term handouts. We hope the initiative will assist learners to graduate and start exciting new careers.”

Nkosinathi Moshoana, Primestars general manager, said majority of learners did not have access to online classes during lockdown.

“Our revision support is now more important than ever as it assists in closing these learning gaps and preparing those less fortunate to do their best to excel at the end of 2020 – despite the challenging year they have faced. Over the years the programme impact study report has demonstrated an annual mark increase of between 10% and 16% in participating schools which has been incredible considering that this is a revision intervention.”

Lindsay Michaels of Harold Cressy High School in the Western Cape said, “The work that has been done in the movie theatre has been very helpful to us as some of the questions that we don’t know, previous exam questions that have been asked, are very helpful and we now have a better understanding. I would also like to thank the sponsors for sponsoring us for these maths classes to improve our grades. The year has been quite hectic and for them to help us is very encouraging. Thank you.”