Cradock tops Eastern Cape Matric results

The Honourable MEC of Eastern Cape Department of Education, Mandla Makupula, officially released the 2011 grade 12 national senior certificate examination results at the Education Leadership Institute in East London on the 5th of January 2012.

The Eastern Cape got a result of 58,1%, which was a mere ,02% decrease from the 2010 matric results.  Despite many major factors, the results were consistent and stabilised in comparison to the previous year’s results.

There are many factors that affect the results, but amongst the critical were scholar transport, school nutrition programme (SNP), learner teacher support material (LTSM) only being delivered in June as opposed to January and the high absenteeism rate especially from teachers.  These critical areas have been recognised and action has been taking place, where monitoring and evaluation will be closely watched this year.

The Department of Education in collaboration with the Department of Transport has worked hard to ensure that all learners be transported to and from school daily this year. 

On the 11 January 2012 all text books for the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) programme for grade 1-3 and 10 will be delivered to schools.  13 January 2012 marks the date where all stationary will be delivered at schools.  These are just a few major responsibilities where the department has prioritised to ensure better results at the end of this year.

For 2011 Cradock was the best performing District with a pass rate of 73,8%.  The most improved District is Mt Fletcher with a 13,5% increase from last year.

Makupula says: “Education must not only be about learning but also teaching learner’s values like solidaritory, respect impatience to injustice and self-respect.”  He further went on to say “the benchmark for this year is 65% and by all means we will try and achieve this.”