Zambara, Nicholas2024-08-052024-08-052023Zambara, Nicholas. (2023). An impact evaluation of the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo Secondary school for the period 2016-2020 [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/39973https://hdl.handle.net/10539/39973A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation) to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023This study investigates the impact of the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo Secondary School in Soweto. It explores the nature of STEM education, identifies the pillars underpinning a STEM curriculum then compares outcomes from a STEM school with those of an ordinary school. This mixed methods study collects data from both the experimental group and the control group. Quantitative data is in the form of test scores over the period 2016 to 2020. Qualitative data obtained from key informant in-depth interviews is used to gain contextual understanding of the study. This report presents result based on the learners at Curtis Nkondo and Freedom Park Secondary Schools. Mathematics and Science results of the 2016 Cohorts before and after the intervention were captured and documented. The intervention was mainly through the School of Specialisation program offered at Curtis Nkondo secondary school. This is based on content delivery focused on the eight pillars of a STEM school namely interactive content, design pedagogy, authentic experiences, student engagement, creative problem solving, innovation and communication and collaboration. Baseline assessment was conducted to show that both Curtis Nkondo and Freedom Park Secondary schools were similar and that the only significant difference being the intervention. Analysis of results obtained showed that there was a significant difference between educational outcomes in Mathematics and Science for learners who went to the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo. The Implication here being that using the STEM education framework for teaching mathematics and Science works to improve the outcomes in the subjects. Some investigations for further study were suggested.en© 2023 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Impact evaluationSchool of speciliasationUCTDSDG-4: Quality educationDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg