Summer Jam 2025 Report
Executive Summary
Summer Jam 2025 successfully delivered an intensive two-week academic enrichment programme despite significant venue challenges. The programme focused on core subjects of mathematics and English, serving learners from across Mamelodi with dedicated volunteer educators.
Key Highlights
- Total Students: 288 learners (peak attendance on January 9)
- Volunteer Educators: 54 volunteers participated in training and instruction
- Venue Transition: Successfully transitioned from Tsako Thabo to Vista Campus mid-programme
- Academic Focus: Intensive mathematics and English instruction with pre- and post-assessments
- Schools Represented: 56 different schools from Mamelodi and surrounding areas
Academic Performance
Mathematics performance showed significant improvement in senior grades:
- Grade 11: Significant improvement (p=0.001, avg increase 13 points)
- Grade 12: Significant improvement (p=0.005, avg increase 12 points)
- Grade 10: Noticeable improvement, though sample size was small
English results were more complex, with Grade 12 showing significant improvement of 25.75 points (p=0.014). Apparent declines in other grades (Grade 8, Grade 10) were not statistically significant (p>0.3), indicating they were likely due to sampling variability and assessment design factors rather than actual performance decreases. These findings highlight the need for refined assessment methodologies in future programmes.
Programme Challenges and Learning
The programme faced venue uncertainty due to infrastructural delays, resulting in an emergency transition from Tsako Thabo to Vista Campus on January 6, 2025. Despite bulk SMS communication efforts, initial attendance was lower than expected, highlighting the critical importance of early venue confirmation for future programmes.
Additional challenges included health and safety incidents that underscored the need for enhanced first-aid training, dietary requirement management with caterers, and specialized support for learners with special needs.
Looking Forward
Lessons learned from SJ25 will inform the upcoming Road to Finals (RTF) and Youth Leadership Council (YLC) pilot programmes launching in February 2025. Key improvements include enhanced emergency protocols, clearer catering agreements, volunteer first-aid certification, and potential development of tailored programmes for primary school learners.