BARBERTON – The national grade 12 pass rate has dropped, but Mpumalanga’s class of 2014 has improved on last year’s results. In 2013 the province attained a pass rate of 77,6 per cent, and this year 79 per cent of the matriculants passed.
During the announcement of the results at Umjindi Town Hall on Tuesday, education MEC Ms Reginah Mhaule noted that this was the first time the province had performed above the national average of 75,8 per cent. She also pointed out that the results have been declared credible by Umalusi (the council for quality assurance in general and further education and training).
Among public schools, Hoërskool Nelspruit (NHS) once again achieved the best results in Mpumalanga with a pass rate of 100 per cent as well as the most distinctions (348) and bachelor passes (176) among its 230 learners.
NHS matriculant Madri Wiid was named the best pupil in the whole province with seven distinctions and the overall highest total of marks during the exams. She won a brand-new car and along with the other top 10 learners received full bursaries for further study.
However, the number of pupils in the province who met the bachelor requirement, decreased from 12 954 to 11 229 this year. Mhaule also noted that the performance in mathematics and science were a concern. Mpumalanga obtained only 392 mathematics distinctions, much fewer than last year’s 529. In physical science, the number of distinctions increased by only one, to 389.
“We are deeply concerned about the decline in both enrolment and performance in these critical subjects,” the MEC said. “Those who are involved in the affairs of the Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy should know that their area of responsibility will henceforth be a 24-hour service.”
As many as 84 schools also obtained passing percentages under 60 per cent. “Principals from these schools should account to the provincial community about this outcome.
“We regard such performance as mediocre and unacceptable.”
Mhaule also warned circuit managers that she expected no less than a minimum pass rate of 70 per cent in all circuits this year. “Circuit managers should await an invitation from my office in due course.”
See more photographs of the event here.
