28 December 2007
Although the matric results of 80,6% of the Western Cape is less than the
83,7% we achieved in 2006, we are satisfied with the overall result, given the
tough year for education in 2007.
We are pleased with the steady growth in the number of candidates who passed,
from 33 316 last year to 33 787 in 2007 â an increase of 471. The
growth in the number of candidates passing has been a trend in the province
over several years. However, improving the quality of passes remains a serious
challenge.
The number who passed without endorsement has increased from 22 727 in
2006 to 23 487 in 2007, an increase of 760.
The number of candidates who passed with endorsement declined by 289 from
10 589 to 10 300. Merit passes declined by 152 from 6 594 to
6 442 and distinctions by 133 from 2 280 to 2 147, which is to be
expected if the pass rate declines slightly.
We will analyse the results carefully to understand the issues involved,
including the impact of the public service strike in June this year.
We will also look carefully at targets that schools set for their overall
results, as well as for specific subjects such as Mathematics and Physical
Science, and their action plans to achieve these targets.
The results show that we have made steady progress overall with Mathematics and
Physical Science on the Standard Grade, but not on the Higher Grade.
The number of candidates who passed Mathematics on the Standard Grade increased
from 9 824 in 2006 to 10 346 in 2007. The number of candidates who
passed Physical Science on the Standard Grade also increased, from 4 972
in 2006 to 5 137 this year.
The number of candidates who passed Mathematics on the Higher Grade declined
from 4 137 in 2006 to 3 990 this year. The number of passed Physical
Science on the Higher Grade declined from 4 053 in 2006 to 3 687 in
2007.
The total number of candidates who passed Mathematics on either the Standard or
Higher Grades increased by 375 from 13 961 in 2006 to 14 336 in 2007.
The total number of candidates who wrote Physical Science on either grade
declined from 9 025 in 2006 to 8 824 this year.
We are pleased to note that the number of candidates with one or more âAâ
symbols increased from 3 885 last year to 4 209 in 2007, the largest
number for the past three years. One candidate, Ruhan Meyer, of Hoër
Jongenskool Paarl, opted to take 10 subjects for matric and achieved âAâ
symbols for all of these subjects.
Highlights of this yearâs results include the many schools in poor areas that
excel despite a range of challenges they face in their efforts to provide
quality education. Many of these schools set ambitious targets and have
achieved or exceeded them.
Examples include the Centre for Science and Technology in Khayelitsha (COSAT),
that has achieved a 100% pass rate for the past three years.
Masibambane Secondary has matched the provincial pass rate with a pass rate of
80,9% while also increasing the number of successful candidates from 93 in 2006
to 161 in 2007.
Bridgton Secondary in Athlone has increased its pass rate from 82,94% to 87,62%
while increasing the number of successful candidates, along with the number of
learners who have achieved passes with endorsement, merit and
distinction.
There are many more examples of schools that are achieving despite poor
circumstances.
We are also deeply concerned at the number of schools that are showing no
progress despite considerable support from the department and other agencies.
The number of schools that achieved pass rates of less than 60% has grown from
34 in 2006 to 57 in 2007. Three of these schools are private schools.
We have noted that a number of these schools did not set targets earlier this
year and that their pass rates dropped substantially. We will analyse the
performance of these schools closely for further attention in 2008.
While the strike may be a factor in explaining the performance of these
schools, there are other factors, including the general context of the school,
teaching practice and leadership and management issues.
We will refine our target setting programme in 2008, starting with a close
analysis of results in January, followed by target setting and development of
action plans by the end of February.
We are well aware that there are no "quick fixes" and that we have to look at
systemic change to improve learner achievement in the long term.
Our strategy includes building the literacy and numeracy skills of primary
school children to provide a solid foundation for high school, while also
providing special support in high schools that need this support the
most.
In the meantime, we draw encouragement from schools that continue to do well,
despite poor circumstances and will continue to acknowledge this achievement
and use them as examples of best practice.
We celebrate examples of these schools today, as well as the achievements of
our learners who have demonstrated what they can achieve through commitment and
hard work.
We thank all our parents, teachers, school leaders, officials and partners who
have worked so hard to make a difference in the lives of the matric class of
2007.
For information on award winning schools and learners, visit http://wced.wcape.gov.za.
For enquiries, contact:
Paddy Attwell
Cell: 083 261 7699
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
Issued by: Western Cape Education Department, Western Cape Provincial
Government
28 December 2007
