Second chance for matrics gets thumbs up

THE SECOND Chance Matric Programme was an opportunity for young people to obtain a matric qualification or improve their pass mark, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said.

“We have seen substantial (mark) increases in KZN (6 739), and Limpopo (4 987) who offered face-to-face lessons for the November examinations, as well as the Northern Cape (2 138).

In addition, there were substantial increases in the results of the eight pilot subjects from 2015 to 2016,” she said at a media briefing before tabling her department’s budget vote in Parliament.

Motshekga said these were the results of the programme last year and proved that there had been an increase in the uptake of post-school NSC examinations in all provinces.

She added that her department would be continuing with advocacy work regarding the programme.

“I am currently on a countrywide roadshow to promote the Second Chance Matric Programme and get feedback on how it is being received on the ground in a bid to improve the roll-out as we continue to work on the programme.

She said the programme used “multimedia broadcasting solutions, these include telematics in some provinces, internet broadcasting, the DBE television channel broadcasts lessons on both Open View HD and DSTV.

“The Open View HD channel 201 is currently at 36 venues nationally, but privately is in the homes of 500 000 households and DStv channel 319 is currently in 4.5 million households. “We are also using the

which is on SABC 1 from 5am to 6am daily and repeats at 11pm. These can also be accessed on their YouTube channel.”

She said a digital online course had been made available throughout the year to support pupils. This was compatible with all devices and had been made available for those who were not able to go online at public libraries and community centres.

Vodacom has come on board to assist pupils with lessons via their Vodacom e-school learning site, with no data costs to subscribers. The Basic Education Department would also provide printed resources that would be available at district offices. – ANA