The performance of the Basic Education Sector continues to show a significant shift in several districts and provinces, particularly in the attainment of distinctions and entries to bachelor studies at institutions of higher learning.
Basic Education Director-General, Mr Hubert Mathanzima Mweli, proceeded to the Northern Cape Province to engage provincial and district officials from 05 to 07 February 2020. During the discussions and presentations, the Nomakwa Education District, which is one of the best districts in the country, was used as an example to encourage other districts in the province to rise to the top during the 2020 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations.
The 2019 NSC Examination results revealed that Nomakwa's Class of 2019 scored an average of 80%, making it the most improved district in several high enrolment subjects including Home Languages, Physical Science and Mathematics. The district also attained a high number of entries to bachelor studies at institutions of higher learning.
Speaking during his visit, Mr Mweli advised the provincial and district officials to intensify support to increase the performance of most of their districts to an average of 80%. “Although most provinces have recorded a tremendous improvement during the 2019 NSC Examinations, it is still recommended that provinces prioritize increasing the intake of Mathematics and Physical Science learners during 2020. It is also the responsibility of the provincial and district officials to see to it that those learners who participate in these subjects receive adequate support," said the Director-General.
He further lamented that school principals are not doing enough in ensuring that Home Languages were prioritised in the whole school improvement plans. “We need to work together as the Sector to improve quality learning and teaching in public schools,” he added. Mr Mweli indicated that provinces are at the moment, confronted with a steep slope, and the only way to remain strong and focused is to create a sustainable intervention support to progressed learners, under-performing districts and to further strengthen learning and teaching in the General Education and Training (GET) phase.