Question no: 1416
Dr J C Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether it is compulsory for Grade 12 learners with Mathematics to write question paper three when they intend to enrol for engineering degrees; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) how many learners with Mathematics were registered for the 2009 National
Senior Certificate examination;
(3) what is the (a) percentage of registered learners and (b) statistical racial breakdown according to (i) black, (ii) white, (iii) coloured and (iv) Indian learners who opted to write Mathematics question paper three?
Reply:
(1) It is not compulsory for Grade12 learners to write paper three when they intend to enrol for engineering degrees. Learners who have passed Mathematics paper one and paper two are eligible for engineering degrees because the concepts covered in both papers sufficiently prepare learners for degree purposes.
Learners who have written paper three show potential for higher order
Mathematics and may have an advantage for engineering studies.
(2) 297 443 learners have enrolled for Mathematics in the 2009 National Senior Certificate examination.
(3) (a) 2,09% of the total registered candidates and 4,08% of those writing Mathematics. 12 136 of learners are registered to write Maths paper three.
(b) (i) 5 793 full time black learners are registered to write Maths paper three.
(b) (ii) 3 708 full time white learners are registered to write Maths paper three.
(b) (iii) 918 full time coloured learners are registered to write Maths paper three.
(b) (iv) 1 606 full time Indian learners are registered to write Maths paper three.
Issued by: Department of Basic Education
25 September 2009
Source: Department of Basic Education (http://www.education.gov.za)
