It is encouraging indeed to have heard remarks by the provincial MEC for Education informing all that he is ‘expecting’ rather than ‘hoping’ for an improvement in matric results in 2016.
He is applauded for his positive outlook, and one trusts that his optimism will be well founded. Maybe Mr Dlungwane could also ponder this brief mathematical equation as he awaits the 2016 outcome:
Many, many school children (both primary and high school) finished school on November 14 as they had supposedly completed exams/tests and assessments. 14 school days lost!
In addition to this, if an average of two days were lost during terms one, two and three (and there were probably more!) another six days would have been lost.
Total loss: 20 school days this year. Over a pupil’s 12 year career that translates into a staggering 240 days lost. Bearing in mind that the average school year is 204 days, this means that every pupil loses one year of schooling in their 12 year career.
If children were to attend, and receive the full number of days that they have a right to, then issues such as matric results, specifically – and education in general – might just be in a better state and the Minister could be really optimistic knowing that everyone had done all in their power to raise the levels and really serve the interests of the children. Makes one think!
Les Stanley
Educational Consultant
