Berg-Op Academy - a private school based in Okahandja achieved fourth place nationally in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSCO) external exams at the end of 2022 for all the Cambridge curriculum private schools. 

Only Canisianum Roman Catholic School, Oshigambo High School and St. Boniface College had better NSSCO results in 2022 than Berg-Op.

Previously, Berg-Op Academy ranked seventh among 117 private schools nationally. The school opened its doors in 2008. At the moment the school accommodates about 160 learners from pre-primary to grade 11 with around 24 teachers.

The school principal, Philip Smit told New Era the emphasis on individual learner attention, modern teaching techniques and technology as well a focus on good character values and discipline have been the driving force behind the success of the school. 

“We are very excited about the results. In 2019, Berg-Op was ranked seventh. So, we moved up three places to be ranked number four last year among private schools. We are a small school and I think that’s part of the success recipe. Its small classes and individual attention from teachers make it possible. We have a very dedicated staff. We have compulsory extra classes for high grade learners to prepare them,” Smit said.

Equally, he noted the learners did well with e-learning during Covid-19 when classes were suspended.

Smit advised other schools that are not fortunate to have small classes to do proper planning to go through the syllabus.

“The playing field is not levelled for everyone. There are various challenges. There are schools with no electricity or water. There are schools without enough qualified teachers and classes have plus 50 learners. But in general, there are basic principles one needs to apply in education. Planning is essential for all schools,” he maintained. 

Equally, he advised academic activities should continue unhindered if one is to excel.

Smit also said teachers and learners need to be disciplined and dedicated at all times.

“If the working conditions are good and uplifting, the employees tend to perform better. Everyone must know what is expected of them. The management team should play a role to ensure all these things take place. Learners need to be disciplined in their academic work. They need to be punctual and apply the school code of conduct. One needs to be strict to the rules,” said Smit. 

At the moment, the school has no hostel to accommodate learners but is looking into that option in the future.

As of the 2023 academic year, the school offers an afternoon care service for busy parents and a free bus service for Osona village learners. 

The school office is currently open for new registration, as teaching and learning only resumed yesterday.

The school also offers Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level. 

– anakale@nepc.com.na