The Dreaded Results!

The school year at Amano has similarities and differences from the typical UK school year, The major difference is that the school year here begins in January and ends in December, instead of beginning in September after the August break. A consequence of that difference is that examinations for the International GCSE, AS and A levels are taken mostly in November. The similarities are that the term holidays follow the UK pattern, and that Amano students are just as nervous when the examination results are due as any student in the UK or indeed anywhere in the world!
The dreaded results arrived this past week and as the big day approached (Wednesday) the usual symptoms were to be seen! Even teachers are not immune - the results obviously reflect on the school as well as the individuals involved.
How can we summarise the results for twelve students across Grade 12 and Sixth Form? We can begin by praising our gracious Lord and Saviour who is the supreme Teacher and who has again blessed Amano Christian School with results that reflect well on the individual students and on the school as a whole. That is not to say there were no disappointments and no occasions for heart searching! These things are a necessary part of learning and can and should be an encouragement to try harder in future. Having said that, the results sheet is certainly dominated by A's and B's across all the IGSCE subjects. Amano students actually achieved 84% A's and B's. There were some good results along with some disappointments at AS level but none for which students or teachers need be ashamed.
Three students were awarded an International Cambridge Examination diploma for good results across a wide range of subjects. Gabi Pflaum achieved 'Distinction' and Wankumbo Silengo and Gianni Katebe achieved 'Merit.' Gabi's brother Martin also did very well at AS Level in Physics and Maths.
As befits a Christian School the results for Religious Studies (now renamed 'Christian Foundations' at Amano) were very good.
Like the Israelites in the wilderness years we are grateful for all the Lord is doing among us, but we know we are not yet where we should be! Readers should bear in mind that all the results are achieved in conditions that are not always ideal for students or teachers. Obtaining text books and equipment is expensive and not easy in Zambia. Amano's present size means that we are not able to have specialist teachers in all subjects. We rely on teaching tutored from the UK via the Internet and apart from the problems of power cuts and slow internet connection this in itself is an area still 'under development.' In some subjects (Biology, for example) we do not have the expertise or equipment to encourage practical work at present. We covet your prayers and your practical help as we seek the Lord's guidance in dealing with issues like these.
In summary, this years results show that Amano is experiencing the blessing of the Lord in many ways and achieving the aims and purposes for which it was founded.
Our picture shows sixth form student Jedidah Kalala who did well in Psychology and Sociology at AS level and is just one student who experienced some set-back as a result of the need to further develop our distance learning. Jedidah's warm smile is not just for the camera; Amano is blessed with students whose work and demeanour reflect the Lord's hand.