Top matric achievers honoured
THE NORTHERN Cape has not only recorded a decrease in the 2017 overall matric pass rate, but also a decrease in the pass rate in mathematics and physical science.
The matric results were released nationwide on Friday while the top achievers from the Northern Cape were honoured at an awards ceremony in Kimberley.
A total of 8 735 candidates, including progressed learners, completed the NSC Exams, of which 6 608 candidates passed, bringing the Northern Cape’s overall pass rate to 75,6%, a decline of 3,1% in comparison to 2016.
Of the 8 735 full time candidates that wrote and completed the NSC Examination, 1 538 candidates obtained distinctions, which is an increase of 1,2%, while 2 205 candidates obtained access to Bachelor Degree university entrance, a decrease of 0,7%.
Of the 2 796 candidates who wrote Mathematics, 1 604 candidates passed, which constitutes a pass rate of 57,4%, a decrease of 3.4% compared to 2016.
Out of the 2 344 candidates who wrote Physical Science, 1 332 candidates passed – a pass rate of 56.8% and a decrease of 0.6% from 2016.
All districts in the Province recorded a pass rate above 70%, with nine schools recording a 100% pass rate.
The Province had 25 “underperforming” schools (with an overall pass rate of under 6%), mostly from the Frances Baard District.
The Most Improved School in the Northern Cape, based on its performance of 2017, was Ba-Ga-Phadima in the John Taole Gaetsewe District.
The Northern Cape Department of Education made use of 141 examination centres, three marking centres, 657 markers, 124 senior markers, 18 deputy chief markers, 46 chief markers, 46 internal moderators and 120 examination assistants during the examination process while 162 404 scripts had to Danie van der Lith
be marked and moderated.
The MEC for Education, Martha Bartlett, said that the quality assurer, Umalusi, found that sound systems were in place and the whole examination process was “conducted with integrity”.
“Our results have been certified by Umalusi as a direct reflection of the ability of our pupils, free of irregularities and having been conducted with integrity,” Bartlett stated.
She further called on parents to support their children in their schoolwork.
“Teaching should be a highly valued profession and parents must complement the role of the teacher at home by supporting their children and ensuring that they fulfil their school obligations.
“The performance of pupils tends to improve when parents are actively involved and take interest in their children’s education,” she said.
Premier Sylvia Lucas said that there were currently more children in school until Grade 12 then ever before. “It is estimated that about 85% of our pupil population are now receiving at least 12 years of education, either in schools or colleges,” Lucas said.
She also encouraged pupils who did not succeeded to try again.
“We do not always succeed the first time round. There is always a second chance. Make use of these chances through hard work and commitment,” she said.
Pupils who have been unsuccessful and who qualify for the supplementary examinations must register before January 19 at their school or nearest district office to secure placement at a centre.