LOCAL IEB PUPILS FLY HIGH
Despite the pressure brought to bear on pupils by society which points to the escalating mental health issues, the class of 2023 managed to rise above all challenges.
The Independent Examinations Board’s (IEB) National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric results which were released last week showed a slight increase of 98.46% from 98.42% in 2022.
The NSC examination was written by 15 180 matric candidates in October and November at 275 examination centres which is more pupils from 2022. A total of 88.59% of the cohort achieved entry to degree study, compared to 89.32% in 2022 and 8.31% qualified for entry to diploma study, compared to 7.52% in 2022.
Two Pietermaritzburg schools Epworth High School for Girls and The Wykeham Collegiate each had two of their pupils in the IEB outstanding achievement list of pupils who achieved within the top 5% in six or more subjects and achieved a rating level of seven in life orientation.
Meanwhile, Hilton College, Michaelhouse and one pupil from The Wykeham Collegiate were on the IEB commendable achievement list of pupils who achieved within the top 5% in five Subjects and achieved a rating level of seven in life orientation.
Chief executive officer of the IEB Confidence Dikgole said there may have been interruptions and challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic during the pupil’s five-year journey. Dikgole said The impressive performance of the class of 2023 amid these challenges reflects the dedication and tenacity of both learners and the entire teaching community.
“What however is not often talked about
is the tremendous pressure brought to bear on learners by society. Schools’ experience with young people points to the escalating mental health issues which is perhaps one of the greatest challenges our youngsters face and does impact their ability to perform at their peak in a high stakes examination.
“Mental wellbeing is directly linked to the stress society is placing on our young people to perform, get top results and secure spots in top tertiary institutions. The competition is huge and this is a global issue not just unique to the South African context. Research also points to a correlation between a learner’s independence and their overall wellbeing,” said Dikgole.
She added schools are faced with a challenge to grow and nurture confident, courageous, and independent young people
which is directly linked to wellbeing and ultimately their ability to achieve and succeed. She said it needs to be known that the world of education does not end after Matric but is only the start of a myriad of doors and opportunities.
The IEB said the question papers were adapted for pupils with hearing, visuals and physical impairment adding six subjects were transcribed into Braille for a candidate with visual impairment.
The examination on all the 275 examination venues was monitored through real-time electronic video monitoring systems. Physical monitoring was also conducted at 114 examination centres.