Reason for concern
THE countdown to the final matric exams of 2016 began with Komani district education director Nkosinathi Godlo saying last year’s results showed that there was “reason to be worried.”
Godlo was speaking at an official launch of the countdown to the exams at which he said the pass rate in the district in 2015 had been 43.36% which was of concern. Only 33.53% of 2 031 pupils who wrote maths literacy in the district, passed.
On a positive note, 57.57% of 634 pupils who wrote physical science passed, a percentage for which he commended science teachers in the district.
A total of 3 043 matriculants were registered to write the June exams but only 2 879 made an appearance. Their pass rate was 47.9%, far below the 70% target for the Eastern Cape.
“In 2015 we were at 51% in June and now we are at 47.9% which is a decrease of 3.10% and is something we can not afford.”
He urged matric pupils to study, saying there was still time to change their fortunes. “Your future is in your hands. You can still turn the corner if your heart drives you.”
Guest speaker St John’s College principal Zola Magaqa from Mthatha said the school’s good matric pass record was partly due to the constant motivation of pupils.
“During assembly I make sure I encourage the pupils, not only on education but on life issues. It is these issues that determine their performance.
“We also look at how we structure our staff with heads of departments to monitor the level of teaching, who also conduct an analysis of the results of each subject.”