Preparation for matric finals underway: Creecy

Programmes to improve Gauteng's 80 percent matric pass rate target are underway in 385 schools, the education department said on Sunday.

 

"We have 25 days remaining before the start of the 2013 final Grade 12 examinations," education MEC Barbara Creecy said in a statement.

 

"As part of our preparation for these examinations, the Gauteng department of education has implemented several programmes to ensure that [its] learners are well-prepared and as ready as possible to tackle this important event in their lives."

 

Creecy said about 65,000 Grade 12 pupils in 385 schools were part of the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP).

 

"These are schools that we believe will need help to achieve the provincial target of an 80 percent pass rate," Creecy said.

 

The SSIP offered support in 10 subjects: maths, maths literacy, physical science, life sciences, accounting, economics, business studies, history, geography and English (first additional language).

 

Since the programme started in 2008, Grade 12 exam results had significantly improved, Creecy said.

 

In 2009, Gauteng's Grade 12 pass rate was 71.8 percent. In 2010, it increased to 78.1 percent, and in 2011 it rose to 81.1 percent, exceeding its 80 percent target. Last year it rose to 83.9 percent, Creecy said.

 

She encouraged parents to ensure pupils attended the tuition sessions on offer during the upcoming September holidays.

 

"As part of the final push towards the exams, the [Gauteng department of education] has also arranged intensive exam preparation camps in all districts for Grade 12 learners in priority schools. These will take place in October."

 

Creecy was speaking during a visit to Lodirile Secondary School in Swanieville, Kagiso, near Krugersdorp.

 

"We are here today to support these learners as they gear up for the exams and to acknowledge their determination.

 

"They are clearly investing time and effort in their futures and I would like them to know that the Gauteng department of education is equally determined to stand behind them and to do whatever is possible to get them to where they want to be," she said.

 

-Sapa