Education department takes efforts beyond the classroom

In a desperate attempt to scramble up out of bottom of the national class when the 2018 matric results are released, the provincial education department took efforts beyond the classroom to involve parents and the community at large.

For the past seven years the matric pass rate in the province has lingered at the bottom when compared to other provinces. Below are the results for the past seven years:

● In 2011 it was 58.1%;

● Between 2012 and 2014 the results rose but not high enough to climb out of last place. In 2012 it was 61.9% in 2013 it was 64.9% and 2014, 65.4%;

● In 2015 the province devised a “master plan” and set itself a target of 70%. Instead results plummeted to 56.8%;

● 2016 improved slightly but stayed under 60% at 59.3%.

● In 2017 there was a dramatic improvement to 65% and an increase of 4,000 university entrance passes to 22,000 from 18,000 in 2016. But, the province still came in last.

Reflecting on the initiatives the department undertook in this year, education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said the department had gone beyond the classroom and involved all stakeholders.

“Over and above the support that the department offered the learners, we got church and community leaders to speak to them and to motivate them.

“Parents and SGB members were trained on how to monitor the learners to ensure they were studying at home and teach them time management.” There were spring and winter schools, and extra afternoon and morning classes. At the moment I cannot give the exact amount of money invested in extra classes but it was a lot,” said Mtima.

For the past seven years the matric pass rate has lingered at the bottom