MBOMBELA – There are only 119 days remaining before the grade twelve examinations. Following the province’s improved pass rate last year, the provincial Department of Education is again targeting a 10 per cent increase.
To help those learners who attend schools that are still struggling with a less than 60 per cent pass rate, the MEC for education Ms Reginah Mhaule presented her department’s intervention plan for what she called “dysfunctional” schools on Monday. She said it was confident it could again increase the pass rate, this time to 87,6 per cent.
In gearing up for the final exams which start on October 27, winter and spring classes are being offered in mathematics, mathematical literacy, physical science, life sciences, economics, accounting, business studies, history, geography, agricultural science and English First Additional Language.
Mhaule encouraged the learners from the struggling schools to attend the classes, saying that while every effort was made to ensure the centres are close to where the learners live, the department would consider providing scholar transport if the need arose.
The classes kick off on June 30 to July 10 in 58 centres with Bohlabela region boasting 19 and Ehlanzeni District eight.
“It is encouraging that schools which obtained results above 60 per cent have not rested but are also working around the clock to sustain their positive performance. I request them to continue in that trend for it is in the best interest of our learners.”
Mhaule noted that the department’s budget for total interventions in schools decreased this year to R5,3 million.
