This year marks the fifth rendition of the BTMG and since its inception in 2014, many students have not only overcome their apprehension towards mathematics, but are also flourishing as students pursuing their university studies within the BCom and BSc fields. A total of 17 prospective students are currently busying themselves with the learning programme and upon completion will be able to enrol for degree studies in economics, business informatics and information technology.
By means of the BTMG learning programme, prospective students are afforded the opportunity to improve their performance in mathematics and by doing so allow them access to degree programmes that requires a sound mathematical basis, such as BCom and BSc IT. Daleen Gerber, director of the subject group Mathematics and Applied Mathematics within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, explains that after completing and passing the BTMG learning programme at the beginning of the academic year, students may enrol for the ordinary programmes within the field of BCom and BSc IT.
According to Daleen, who also coordinates the BTMG learning programme, the syllabus of the programme covers not only basic mathematical concepts – which are taught from grade 8 onwards – but also the application of these concepts in accordance with the outcomes specified in the grade 12 curriculum. In short: an intensified focus on the entire mathematical spectrum that will serve as pre-knowledge for the mathematics modules in the BCom and BSc IT curriculums respectively.
More about the programme
The programme – which is offered within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences – was introduced as an intervention aimed to not only better school learners’ understanding of mathematics (and henceforth improve their overall performance in the subject), but also increase access into fields such as commerce and information technology.
Daleen explains that students who enrolled for the BTMG learning programme – which is currently underway at the Campus, busy themselves with the curriculum for six hours a day for a two-week period. During this time they receive intensive coaching – both in group settings and on an individual base – and write various class tests as well as two exam papers to ascertain their level of insight. “The programme sets a minimum required pass rate of 50% for all participants, and I am pleased to say that thus far the programme has maintained a pass rate of 80%, “says Daleen.
* The programme is only valid for students who want to further their studies at the NWU’s campus in Vanderbijlpark.
