Possible decline in the overall 2021 matric pass rate predicted

WITH just over a week until the matric class of 2021 finds out how they fared, education experts believe that this cohort of Grade 12s would likely have performed better than the previous year’s class.

The matric results are set for release on January 21.

Hendrick Makaneta, the director at the Foundation for Education and Social Justice Africa and an education analyst, said the class of 2021 was expected to perform much better because they were able to attend classes in a normal teaching and learning environment.

Makaneta said although the matric class of 2021 had some challenges, with Covid-19 restrictions interfering with their studies, they had a better experience compared with the class of 2020.

“The matric class of 2021 was already aware and exposed to Covid-19 and its challenges.

“The school management of the Covid-19 pandemic was much better than the previous class of 2020.

“The only limitation was Eskom because there was a lot of load shedding. But it mostly affected learners at night if they needed to study, but during the day they were able to carry on with learning.”

Professor Vimolan Mudaly, the deputy academic leader at the College of Humanities – School of Education at UKZN, said: “Teachers in 2020 struggled with curriculum completion and were forced to rush through much of the work.

“Learners had little less time for additional work and consultations with their teachers.”

Mudaly said there was, however, expected to be a decline in the overall pass rate for the class of 2021.

“As is expected, there will be a small percentage of learners who will perform extremely well despite all the odds that they faced, but my concern is that the number of bachelor passes may decrease, reducing the potential for further university study.”

Thashik Sewpersad, 17, who is awaiting his matric results, said they faced many challenges.

Thashik said that while in Grade 11 they were not fully prepared to enter Grade 12.

“Grade 11 is an extremely vital year in preparation for Grade 12. Due to Covid-19, we spent very little time at school and did not receive a strong foundation.”

Thashik, of Pinetown, said the academic year started in mid-February, and as matric learners they lost out on many weeks of teaching time.

“In June, there was also a rapid spike of Covid-19 cases, causing the sudden closure of schools amid June testing time.

“There was also the July civil unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, which also caused a disruption in online tuition too.”

Thashik, who attended Wingen Heights Secondary School, said his family were supportive throughout his matric year and lowered his stress levels by not having high expectations.

“My family gave me space and maintained silence during the stressful examination periods.

“My mother is a mathematics teacher, and she provided additional help. I hope to achieve my desired goals, and I am waiting for January 21 to see what happens. I hope I achieve an A aggregate.”

According to a media briefing by Mathanzima Mweli, the director-general of the Department of Basic Education (DBE), although 2021 was a stable year compared with 2020, the impact of the loss of more than 50% of their Grade 11 year had serious consequences for the matric class.

“The crucially important foundation that Grade 11 work builds in preparation for Grade 12 was weakened,” said Mweli.