Education Committee welcomes Matric results
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education welcomes the 2014 matriculation results and would like to congratulate all learners who worked tirelessly and passed their exams.
The Committee would also like to commend the Department of Basic Education, the Quality Assurance Council Umalusi, parents, teachers, unions, school governing bodies and all other key stakeholders for their contribution to the good work of the learners. The Committee acknowledges that the 2014 NSC examinations were a significant milestone since they marked the completion of the implementation of the new curriculum throughout the education system.
While there has been a drop in the overall pass rate from 78.2% in 2013 to 75.8% in 2014, the Committee appreciates that the 2.4% drop is largely due to changes in the new curriculum which are aimed at improving the overall quality. The Committee is pleased that the number of underperforming districts, where the department had made major efforts, is steadily decreasing. It is further noted that provinces which started at a low base a few years ago in terms of results are showing progress. This shows that the department’s strategic interventions introduced in the education sector in recent years are bearing fruit.
The Committee, however, urges the department to intensify its support in respect of the critical subjects of Mathematics and Physical Science in which learners continue to underperform. Such improvements will enable learners to access critical programmes in the higher education and training sector.
The Committee will continue to offer support to the sector as well as to intensify its oversight role in relation to areas needing attention. The Committee wishes all the learners who succeeded in their exams well in their future career paths and endeavours. Those who did not succeed are encouraged to commit themselves to working hard towards the supplementary exams.
In conclusion, the Committee supports processes initiated to investigate allegations of copying and cheating in certain examination centres. Such processes should be brought to conclusion to maintain the integrity of the results.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Cedric Mboyisa
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8243
Cell: 084 578 9114 or 083 380 2847
E-mail: mmboyisa@parliament.gov.za
